DIY Guide Book Finally?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 5
From: Syracuse New York
DIY Guide Book Finally?
I have been developing and in the process of developing, an picture intensive DIY Guide to C5 corvettes. The book book will have full instructions and VERY detailed photo coverage of each step of:
1. Cam Swap
2. Valve Spring/Rocker Arm/Push Rod/Retainer Replacement
3. Clutch Assembly, Flywheel and Hydraulic Cylinders Install
4. Harmonic Balancer/Underdrive Replacement
5. Rotor/Disc Replacement
6. Shock Replacement
7. Intake Manifold replacement or swap
8. Paint Buffing
9. Tail Light Tinting
10. Exhaust Pipe Polishing/Removing Carbon Build up
Would this be a book or notebook that people would be interested in? I've had a few people ask me about producing this locally, but wanted to see if it is something that the larger scale C5 community would want. Are there things here that people would not want to see or things that are not listed? Also my friends were offering to pay 35 dollars for this. Is this a fair price? Should it be higher or lower? I am not trying to make much money here, but I know there are many DIY corvette owners out there that are scared to work on their own cars. This is due to a lack of pictures and sparse information in the service manuals.
Any Comments are appreciated. The positive and the negative!
1. Cam Swap
2. Valve Spring/Rocker Arm/Push Rod/Retainer Replacement
3. Clutch Assembly, Flywheel and Hydraulic Cylinders Install
4. Harmonic Balancer/Underdrive Replacement
5. Rotor/Disc Replacement
6. Shock Replacement
7. Intake Manifold replacement or swap
8. Paint Buffing
9. Tail Light Tinting
10. Exhaust Pipe Polishing/Removing Carbon Build up
Would this be a book or notebook that people would be interested in? I've had a few people ask me about producing this locally, but wanted to see if it is something that the larger scale C5 community would want. Are there things here that people would not want to see or things that are not listed? Also my friends were offering to pay 35 dollars for this. Is this a fair price? Should it be higher or lower? I am not trying to make much money here, but I know there are many DIY corvette owners out there that are scared to work on their own cars. This is due to a lack of pictures and sparse information in the service manuals.
Any Comments are appreciated. The positive and the negative!
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 32
From: cruising between USA and Canada... SAVE THE WAVE!
...
not sure if I'd spring $35 for it, but I'm sure there would be lots of guys who'd consider it if it was a complete walk thru with step by step details....
still sounds like something I'd love to look over nonetheless
best of luck to you
still sounds like something I'd love to look over nonetheless
best of luck to you
I have been developing and in the process of developing, an picture intensive DIY Guide to C5 corvettes. The book book will have full instructions and VERY detailed photo coverage of each step of:
1. Cam Swap
2. Valve Spring/Rocker Arm/Push Rod/Retainer Replacement
3. Clutch Assembly, Flywheel and Hydraulic Cylinders Install
4. Harmonic Balancer/Underdrive Replacement
5. Rotor/Disc Replacement
6. Shock Replacement
7. Intake Manifold replacement or swap
8. Paint Buffing
9. Tail Light Tinting
10. Exhaust Pipe Polishing/Removing Carbon Build up
Would this be a book or notebook that people would be interested in? I've had a few people ask me about producing this locally, but wanted to see if it is something that the larger scale C5 community would want. Are there things here that people would not want to see or things that are not listed? Also my friends were offering to pay 35 dollars for this. Is this a fair price? Should it be higher or lower? I am not trying to make much money here, but I know there are many DIY corvette owners out there that are scared to work on their own cars. This is due to a lack of pictures and sparse information in the service manuals.
Any Comments are appreciated. The positive and the negative!
1. Cam Swap
2. Valve Spring/Rocker Arm/Push Rod/Retainer Replacement
3. Clutch Assembly, Flywheel and Hydraulic Cylinders Install
4. Harmonic Balancer/Underdrive Replacement
5. Rotor/Disc Replacement
6. Shock Replacement
7. Intake Manifold replacement or swap
8. Paint Buffing
9. Tail Light Tinting
10. Exhaust Pipe Polishing/Removing Carbon Build up
Would this be a book or notebook that people would be interested in? I've had a few people ask me about producing this locally, but wanted to see if it is something that the larger scale C5 community would want. Are there things here that people would not want to see or things that are not listed? Also my friends were offering to pay 35 dollars for this. Is this a fair price? Should it be higher or lower? I am not trying to make much money here, but I know there are many DIY corvette owners out there that are scared to work on their own cars. This is due to a lack of pictures and sparse information in the service manuals.
Any Comments are appreciated. The positive and the negative!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,891
Likes: 4
From: North Port Fl
I wouldn't be willing to spend that on the book but I've been working on my own cars for over 40 years. Just a little criticism.
You are missing the first few thing that someone that would buy a DIY book on the C5 would want to do, like removing the stock air filter and adding a CAI, installing a new catback exhaust and installing long tube headers.
You are missing the first few thing that someone that would buy a DIY book on the C5 would want to do, like removing the stock air filter and adding a CAI, installing a new catback exhaust and installing long tube headers.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,566
Likes: 52
From: Colorado Springs CO
Searay,
I think $35 is very fair, considering the maintenance manuals cost over $100!! I think plenty of people would spring a few bucks for something like that. Agree with ljthe2nd with his additional suggestions. Those are the most common mods new owners do. Best of luck!
Glen
I think $35 is very fair, considering the maintenance manuals cost over $100!! I think plenty of people would spring a few bucks for something like that. Agree with ljthe2nd with his additional suggestions. Those are the most common mods new owners do. Best of luck!
Glen
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 5
From: Syracuse New York
Thanks for the comments guys. I do know that much is available on the forum and the web, but I feel like there are incomplete parts in the instructions. Also some lack all the necessary pictures.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 8
From: Belleville Il
Door/window adjustments..stereo R&R are few more items! $25-30 might be better,, just figure out cost,,and tack a moderate profit on. Don't ream,,but don't work for nothing. Hit a happy medium
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
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.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
From: Amarillo TX
I just "discovered" this book earlier tonight. To see how it's laid out and a general look at the book, check out >> http://books.google.com/books?id=1TP...um=1&ct=result
It might give you some ideas for laying out your version.
It might give you some ideas for laying out your version.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 5
From: Syracuse New York
Thanks for the comments guys. It'll be a while for the introduction of this because of all the organization needed to make a great book. I was also thinking about a website which would allow constant updating of teh detailed tutorials.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 2
From: kent ct - "if i'm not in the vette, i damn well better be on the yacht."
St. Jude Donor '13
You might also think about offering it on disc... Much cheaper to produce and re-produce! Sell cheaper, sell more, make more. best for both parties.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 756
Likes: 1
From: Oakton Virginia
Seriously, I'd go 20-25 on a book. You gotta have heads install in there though.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 5
From: Syracuse New York
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?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 25
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?
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,316
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis Mo
I think the benefit would be- You wouldn t have to search for it on the Net and HOPE that the info is correct. I, myself, have an Associates Degree in Automotive Technology(fancy name for mechanics) and wouldn t buy a book. BUT, I am the minority, and think ALOT of people would! Most of the people on this site are VERY sharp on these cars too,and they may not either. But, if Marketed wide enough, you will sell alot of them! Good Luck!!
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,100
Likes: 17
From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
