Are the "Helms" service manuals that actual GM service manual or are they another service manual like the chiltons and others?

The price is so cheap I am sceptical. I want the actual GM service manuals.

Side thought: Will I have to get the TechII for these manuals to be effective in helping me diagnose issues? I have seen postings here where the manual instructs you to "connect the tool."

Thanks

 

Look around a little more and get the factory service manuals. I personally wouldn't waste my time on anything else.

IMO, a Tech 2 would helpful, but probably not an absolute requirement. Others may disagree. I have one, but I've only used it a few times. The DTC retrieval through the DIC is effective and free. . True, many of the diagnostic tables call out for a Tech 2, but at that point, if you know a shop or dealership that has one, maybe they would loan it to you or even rent it for a small fee.

Lastly, I will add that most of my troubleshooting over the last few years has not necessarily required a Tech 2. I used it to get the steering wheel positions (analog and digital) to see how far out they were, but that's about it.

HTH

 

I don't have them right in front of me, but my 3 volume set of factory service manuals is published by Helms IIRC. These are the manuals with red covers. There is a page in the very front of the manual that indicated they are the original factory manual authorized by GM. Have seen these same sets at a dealership. I got mine on eBay for my '01 Y car.

The majority of diagnostic and service steps in these manuals do not require a Tech II, but I feel the manuals are a must have if you do all your own wrenching on the car. Instills confidence and discourages that "I'll just rip it apart and see if I can find anything odd" mentality - helps avoid the bubba work.

I own a Genisys OTC scan system that does most of what a Tech II does for less cost. Haven't had to use it for anything serious on the Vette but it has been a big help on other cars I own.

 

The service manuals published by Helms Company are not "similar to", "kind of like" or "comparable to" GM factory service manuals, they ARE the GM authorized Factory Service Manuals.
They are the GM-approved publisher, primarily for use by dealership service technicians, but are also available for retail purchase by private individuals. In GM-speak, "Y" car means Corvette, thus the reference on the cover, and each year model has it's own unique cover design and/or color. Since design changes can, and do, occur from year to year, it's best to get the year-specific set if possible.

A Tech II is not required in order to use the FSM but it does help a great deal, especially when diagnosing/troubleshooting certain systems. It (Tech II) is also very expensive. Wish I had one.

The FSM is definitely a worthwhile purchase for anyone wanting to learn about (in greater detail) all areas involving the design, function, repair, or maintenance of their car, even without a Tech II.

In terms of diagnosing problems and/or repair, the only specific thing not covered in great detail is the manual transmission (T56). It is described briefly and some features are discussed, etc, but for detailed repair, there is a separate supplemental manual that must be used. The automatic transmission (A4) however, IS covered in full detail in the general FSM.

HTH

 

I agree that the Helms are the TRUE factory manuals. Boy are they detailed, and 3 volumes almost 7 inches thick. The red ones are what you want. When you start looking for electrical issues you may be looking in more than one volume. If you use the manual and can't find what you need others can help ID where to look. I think I paid amost $300 for a new 2001 set. I consider it to be a part of my tool inventory. Have not needed to use a scan tool yet.

 

I got some factory manuals on e-Bay well worth the money. You might look there and also the C5 Parts For Sale forum.

 

Getting a little further from the original subject, but Tremec has a service manual for the T56 that you can download for free.

Also, there is a website that lists every part of the C5 through year 2002, with diagrams. It is quite a large file, 124mb I believe, and coupled with the FSM makes a lot of things easier to see and understand. Google "C5 Corvette parts manual" to find the zip file to download.