Differences in 1986 FSM
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 17
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Differences in 1986 FSM
I need a Factory Service Manual for a 1986.
I have been looking on ebay for one to buy. I seen a few different options on there now I'm not sure which one is the best one to get.
Option 1) Old original version part number ST-364-86 (just one book)
Option 2) Reproduction 2 volume set. Part number ST-364-86
Option 3) Loose white pages wrapped in plastic, has holes in the edge for a 3 ring binder. Part number ST-387B-86
Anybody know anything about the differences in these three options?
How good is the print quality of the reproductions? Are the pictures grainy and hard to read?
Any help you can provide would be great.
Thanks in advance,
Ryan
I have been looking on ebay for one to buy. I seen a few different options on there now I'm not sure which one is the best one to get.
Option 1) Old original version part number ST-364-86 (just one book)
Option 2) Reproduction 2 volume set. Part number ST-364-86
Option 3) Loose white pages wrapped in plastic, has holes in the edge for a 3 ring binder. Part number ST-387B-86
Anybody know anything about the differences in these three options?
How good is the print quality of the reproductions? Are the pictures grainy and hard to read?
Any help you can provide would be great.
Thanks in advance,
Ryan
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
Another option is the Bishko FSM, which is searchable. The CD version is usually just scans of all the pages. You can't search for anything in a picture.
One thing I have seen is that the original FSM wiring diagrams were in color but the later reproductions are black and white.
One thing I have seen is that the original FSM wiring diagrams were in color but the later reproductions are black and white.
Last edited by Cliff Harris; Apr 12, 2017 at 02:03 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,429
Likes: 605
From: Minneapolis Mn
I have option 3 - loose leaf binder version. I'm told that's what was in the Chevy Service departments. It has color schematics of the wiring. It's also nice to add to if you have something additional you wan to add to it (like my Tremec transmission info). The downside is because things can be added, they can also be removed. I found one section and a couple of pages missing from mine after buying it. I lucked out and was able to get copies and added them back into it.
Other than the missing pages issue, no complaints.
Other than the missing pages issue, no complaints.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,394
Likes: 2,741
Either of your 3 mentioned options and also the .pdf I'd think would be very convenient in today's digital appliance options. I use .pdf more often than paper.
I have a loose leaf for a '91 that I don't use and I'll likely offer it for sale soon with binders.
I have a loose leaf for a '91 that I don't use and I'll likely offer it for sale soon with binders.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,160
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
All 3 would have the information, but the originals were colored circuit diagrams and would've been bound in on big book.
Mine for the 86 was loose leaf in a binder with an additional booklet for wiring diagrams not in the regular manual. Mine for the 88 is a red book with colored diagrams.
Mine for the 86 was loose leaf in a binder with an additional booklet for wiring diagrams not in the regular manual. Mine for the 88 is a red book with colored diagrams.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 961
Likes: 237
From: Diamondhead Mississippi
St. Jude Donor '17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22
I bought both the PDF version and a used original manual for my 88. The PDF manual is good for doing searches but you can't beat having the paper manual when you are in your garage working. Both of mine have color coded electrical diagrams. I bought the paper because I got tired or running into the house to look at something on the computer.
