DIY Guide Book Finally?
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,518
Likes: 37
I say go for a book. People here are very biased because they do get thier info here and other places. I got a couple books as gifts that people bought me and thought I would like. They both had info I already knew about and all things available on the web. BUT THEY SOLD THOSE BOOKS TO SOMEONE.
Compared to what is out there as far as a book on maintaniance for the Corvette or upgrades what you are describing if far better.
Why not have us help you. Post up here ONE chapter as a prototype. We can help by telling you what is good or bad with it and you can tune it up with that input. Apply to your other chapters.
Sounds like you are on to something that would sell off the bookshelf. Think of what the Corvette museum has for books, not much useful. But if you could do something really useful...
Let us help though.
Compared to what is out there as far as a book on maintaniance for the Corvette or upgrades what you are describing if far better.
Why not have us help you. Post up here ONE chapter as a prototype. We can help by telling you what is good or bad with it and you can tune it up with that input. Apply to your other chapters.
Sounds like you are on to something that would sell off the bookshelf. Think of what the Corvette museum has for books, not much useful. But if you could do something really useful...
Let us help though.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 571
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee Wi
Ok so here is how it going to break down. To reduce turn around time I am going to offer this book in volumes. First book will be a complete detailed guide to clutch swap. Second will be cam/valvespring/harmonic balancer swap. Third will be head/intake manifold replacement. Fourth will be whatever customers ask for. I want to make a book so in case there is no access to the computer, this will still be available. I would charge a decreased price due to the lower amount of info. Other choice is to combine volumes one and two, etc. There will be discounted pricing for the purchasing of more than volume. There is a lot of work involved here and the volume scenario seems to reduce turn around time substantially. Comments?
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 494
Likes: 1
From: Fairbanks, Alaska
There is already a great book like this published.
I bought this book a while ago, at either Borders or Barnes and Noble for $19.95.
It is a good book that covers a lot of mechanics. It has 40 "projects", including installing: belts, air and fuel filters, thermostat, Oxygen sensors, spark plugs, fuel injectors, intake manifold, headers, exhaust system, starter, alternator, shifter, skip-shift eliminator, all new fluids, brakes (bleeding, flushing, rotors and pads, brake hoses, changing brake bias, ABS sensor), sway bar end links, poly bushings, and sway bar. Even cutomizing interior trim and installing a body package are covered.
At $20, it would be a good book for an owner who wants to do basic mechanics but doesn't want to purchase a GM Maintenance Manual (costing $130).
It's title is "Corvette C5 Performance Projects 1997-2004" by Richard Newton, published by Motorbooks (an imprint of MBI Publishing Company), first published in 2005.
I bought this book a while ago, at either Borders or Barnes and Noble for $19.95.
It is a good book that covers a lot of mechanics. It has 40 "projects", including installing: belts, air and fuel filters, thermostat, Oxygen sensors, spark plugs, fuel injectors, intake manifold, headers, exhaust system, starter, alternator, shifter, skip-shift eliminator, all new fluids, brakes (bleeding, flushing, rotors and pads, brake hoses, changing brake bias, ABS sensor), sway bar end links, poly bushings, and sway bar. Even cutomizing interior trim and installing a body package are covered.
At $20, it would be a good book for an owner who wants to do basic mechanics but doesn't want to purchase a GM Maintenance Manual (costing $130).
It's title is "Corvette C5 Performance Projects 1997-2004" by Richard Newton, published by Motorbooks (an imprint of MBI Publishing Company), first published in 2005.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 5
From: Syracuse New York
I have read that book and was part of the reason for the inspiration to make this one. I have spent countless hours on it already and have many more to come in order to make a viable book for all of you. I will keep you posted on the production of it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,469
Likes: 4
It's hard for anyone to honestly say whether it's worth $35 until they see the quality of the writing, photos, etc. I gladly paid $20 or whatever it was for the Haynes manual for my Audi; it was certainly worth it to have all that info in an easy-to-access book while sitting in my garage or on the floor next to a disassembled front wheel assembly. Would your Vette book be worth that? Can't say until we get a look at it. I think it's a good idea, though, if you think you can build that better mousetrap. Good luck with the project. 
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Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,518
Likes: 37
I still say post up one chapter and let the group help with critique and make it better. Apply to other chapters.
And there are many types of publishing with electronic, ebay sold stuff, ebooks, books by publishers (Buy the books already done; Put your proposed book in a box with the ones already done, send it to the publisher. They should see better quality of book.) DO IT ALL. No reason not to do all of it unless someone wants an exclusive and if the price is right go with that.
No-one is really remarking on the lack of books to help with this stuff but there is a lack of books for this.
Forum is biased obviously because we can get all the help we need by asking and sharing things we know. But others may buy your book.
And there are many types of publishing with electronic, ebay sold stuff, ebooks, books by publishers (Buy the books already done; Put your proposed book in a box with the ones already done, send it to the publisher. They should see better quality of book.) DO IT ALL. No reason not to do all of it unless someone wants an exclusive and if the price is right go with that.
No-one is really remarking on the lack of books to help with this stuff but there is a lack of books for this.
Forum is biased obviously because we can get all the help we need by asking and sharing things we know. But others may buy your book.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 5
From: Syracuse New York
I will post up a chapter when I get it completed. I am still looking at late may for this book to be complete. Between sorting through the hundreds of pictures, writing up the instructions, and editing. There is a lot of work.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 8,466
Likes: 51
St. Jude Donor '17
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 5
From: Syracuse New York
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,088
Likes: 1,829
From: Metro Detroit Michigan
Screw the haters.
Sure, one can get free information here and on other web sites if you're willing to spend three hours doing searches and reading old threads. Or if you're willing to post a question and wait two days for the right reply. Then you still need to somehow sort the BS replies from those which have some knowledgeable content.
I don't know what the haters think their time is worth, but it somewhat appropriately seems like they think it is worth nothing.
A manual with good pictures for common C5 mods and repairs, sitting beside me while I'm working, would be something I'd be eager to spend 35 bucks on. Sure, I can find the same info on the web for $500 worth of time.
Sure, one can get free information here and on other web sites if you're willing to spend three hours doing searches and reading old threads. Or if you're willing to post a question and wait two days for the right reply. Then you still need to somehow sort the BS replies from those which have some knowledgeable content.
I don't know what the haters think their time is worth, but it somewhat appropriately seems like they think it is worth nothing.
A manual with good pictures for common C5 mods and repairs, sitting beside me while I'm working, would be something I'd be eager to spend 35 bucks on. Sure, I can find the same info on the web for $500 worth of time.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 5
From: Syracuse New York
I have done much searching on the web. Some of the stuff out there is great. I really appreciate all the forum members that started their own write ups. I do however always have trouble with a little bit of each part of the install. There is a gap in instructions. My hope is that when I am done, that a five year old with the right tools, could do these mods. Thanks guys for all the input. I really appreciate it. I will let you know when it is done so I can become a supporting vendor and the whole nine yards.