Question about Helms
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Jefferson Wi.
Question about Helms
Hi, Guys. My question is- Do I really need a Helms manual? I currently have a GM service manual and a Chilton manual. I have done some repairs using the ones I have, and they seem adequate. Interestingly, I have done a lot of car repairs over the years, but I never heard of Helms until I came into contact with this site! I don't have a problem getting the Helms book, but I'm just wondering if the $92.75 price tag is worth it. At the risk of being totally ignorant, does the Helms book cover things the other ones don't? [obviously, I've never seen a Helms book]. I'd appreciate any response from you.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 7
From: Kanata ON.
I believe the Helms is a copy of the GM Service manual. If I'm wrong I know someone will correct my post! If you have the red books from GM both manuals electrical and service GM manuals you can't get any better ones I think?
Welcome and enjoy the ride!
Welcome and enjoy the ride!
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,671
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
The Helms Company makes the "Official" service manual for your Corvette. My 92 has a 3 volume set, including the LT5, and it tells you just about everything you need to know about your Vette. Look at your service manual and see who published it. Haynes, Chilton and most bought in the AutoZones of the world, group all the C4 years into one smaller book. Helms makes a set of books for just your year Vette. What ever is not in the Helms can be found right here on the forum.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
I have a few too and my experience is that one of them will cover a particular topic better than another.
For example, A No Start condition:
The GM Shop Manual is NOT nearly as easy to undestand as is the Chilton on that point. In the area of testing the ignition coil and the pickup coil, the Chilton books is much easier to understand and the photos are clearer and easier to follow.
Jake
For example, A No Start condition:
The GM Shop Manual is NOT nearly as easy to undestand as is the Chilton on that point. In the area of testing the ignition coil and the pickup coil, the Chilton books is much easier to understand and the photos are clearer and easier to follow.
Jake
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
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From: The Top of Utah
Originally Posted by JohnyH
I believe the Helms is a copy of the GM Service manual.
RACE ON!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 0
From: Olive Branch (Memphis suburb) MS
Cruise-In II Veteran
Mark, I have to go along with the group on this one. You can find them on Ebay or sometime in the C4 parts for sell section of the forum. I'm not sure if the 89 was a 2 book set like my 92. Ebay auction 
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,137
Likes: 5
From: Howard PA
IMHO, a Chilton or Haynes will get you started and you fill in the blanks. But is you want to know right down to what a dash screw torque spec is the Helm manual is your ticket.
At times the Helm almost seems like too much information. "I needed the torque spec, I already know which way to turn it"
At times the Helm almost seems like too much information. "I needed the torque spec, I already know which way to turn it"
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 0
From: St. Charles, MO Route 66 Corvette Club
I ordered the 1989 GM manual from Helms about 2 years ago and only got one book. If there are other books for the 89, I will just put some more $$$ into my money pit!
SAM
SAM
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Jefferson Wi.
Helms question
Thanks a million for all the responses! The GM manual[1] that I have, I picked up at a swap meet. It has a dealership stamp in it in several places. I'm almost positive it is the real McCoy. It has all the wiring diagrams in the back of the book. The Chilton book is just the one book for the '89. I used them both when I replaced the head gaskets this winter.[this tpi sure is different from the carburated stuff I'm used to working on!]. I still cannot believe the number of wires, hoses, tubes I found on this thing. Also, I never saw torx head bolts used to hold the intake, etc.[I busted a few torx head sockets just taking it apart- it was like they were welded in!]. Thanx, again. Mark