Service Manual
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Service Manual
The Helm Inc website shows the 2017 Service Manual as available only in a USB version, does that mean a DVD that I can read on any computer?
The paper version, which I prefer and is what I bought for our previous Corvettes, says not available at this time. Since the 2016 paper Service Manual is available now, does the lack of 2017 paper version just mean I should be patient?
Your experience (aside from the exorbitant price)? How easy/difficult is the computer version to use?
The paper version, which I prefer and is what I bought for our previous Corvettes, says not available at this time. Since the 2016 paper Service Manual is available now, does the lack of 2017 paper version just mean I should be patient?
Your experience (aside from the exorbitant price)? How easy/difficult is the computer version to use?
Last edited by Gearhead Jim; Apr 12, 2018 at 09:54 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 407
Likes: 91
From: Chandler Arizona
The Helm Inc website shows the 2017 Service Manual as available only in a USB version, does that mean a DVD that I can read on any computer?
The paper version, which I prefer and is what I bought for our previous Corvettes, says not available at this time. Since the 2016 paper Service Manual is available now, does the lack of 2017 paper version just mean I should be patient?
Your experience (aside from the exorbitant price)? How easy/difficult is the computer version to use?
The paper version, which I prefer and is what I bought for our previous Corvettes, says not available at this time. Since the 2016 paper Service Manual is available now, does the lack of 2017 paper version just mean I should be patient?
Your experience (aside from the exorbitant price)? How easy/difficult is the computer version to use?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,979
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From: Kansas City, MO
AllDataDIY.com has the same electronic service info the dealers use, and it's far cheaper. I think I paid $20 for a 2 year subscription. You can usually hit Google and find some discount codes too.
I generally prefer paper books too, but I prefer $400 in my pocket even more.
I generally prefer paper books too, but I prefer $400 in my pocket even more.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,025
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
AllDataDIY.com has the same electronic service info the dealers use, and it's far cheaper. I think I paid $20 for a 2 year subscription. You can usually hit Google and find some discount codes too.
I generally prefer paper books too, but I prefer $400 in my pocket even more.
I generally prefer paper books too, but I prefer $400 in my pocket even more.
Is the AllData version something that you download into your own computer and open when needed, or do you need an internet connection whenever you use it?
Is it a direct copy of the GM info, or a re-written version?
On the same subject, is the Helm "USB" version identical to the paper version?
So many questions...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Kansas City, MO
You log into a site in a web browser. You can print stuff from there. It's a direct copy of GMs service info. I have found that it's not 100% complete. One of users here was asking for a torque spec for the rear fender vents. I couldn't find that on AllData. So far all the important stuff is in there though.
If you needed something that wasn't in AllData, you could sign up for a 3 day pass to GM's system at ACDelcoTDS.com. That's $20. So you're still well ahead of the printed or USB manuals.
I would assume the USB manual is a copy of the paper and GM electronic systems. I haven't personally used one.
If you needed something that wasn't in AllData, you could sign up for a 3 day pass to GM's system at ACDelcoTDS.com. That's $20. So you're still well ahead of the printed or USB manuals.
I would assume the USB manual is a copy of the paper and GM electronic systems. I haven't personally used one.
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Le Mans Master
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From: Las Vegas NV
Is the AllData version something that you download into your own computer and open when needed, or do you need an internet connection whenever you use it?
Is it a direct copy of the GM info, or a re-written version?
On the same subject, is the Helm "USB" version identical to the paper version?
So many questions...
Is it a direct copy of the GM info, or a re-written version?
On the same subject, is the Helm "USB" version identical to the paper version?
So many questions...
I also prefer to have my own local copy of an OEM manual and have done so in the past with every car I've owned, but the C7's OEM manuals have gotten ridiculously expensive, IMHO. Weighing $7/year for the online-only Alldata vs. $425 (!) Helm version, I can make do. The required info is there in Alldata -- maybe not quite the same presentation, but everything I really need.
Last edited by Kent1999; Apr 13, 2018 at 12:44 PM.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Now that it's out of stock, I wonder how long the wait would be before they're available again.
The AllData subscription is beginning to look attractive...
Jeff & Kent-
Thanks for the info.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Kansas City, MO
Helm paper and USB is $425
AllData is $5-20 depending on how long you sign up for and what discount codes are available at the time.
You can flesh out any gaps in the AllData system with a $20, 3 day GM Service Information pass at ACDelcoTDS.com
AllData is $5-20 depending on how long you sign up for and what discount codes are available at the time.
You can flesh out any gaps in the AllData system with a $20, 3 day GM Service Information pass at ACDelcoTDS.com
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Go with the USB stick.
I have the 2015 Paper Version and it is just as bad as the 1997 paper versions. Since that time period GM Manuals are designed for use as an interactive electronic technical manual with all of the data organized for the best presentation in that format. The paper manuals are just disorganized printouts of the data in the computerized manuals. You can't link on anything and sometimes it takes having four manuals open at once to compile the info you need so you can do something. The USB stick will more than likely let you load the manuals on your PC (not an Apple unless it is set up to handle windows apps) and access the data in the manner it was designed to accessed. There is a section in my paper manuals that instructs me on how to use all of the access points on schematics and drawings that aren't available in paper.
I have the dealer manuals for the 97 through 09 years that cover all GM cars and trucks made through that time period installed on my Surface Pro 3 so I can take it with me and on a Toshiba Lap Top. They work with Windows 10 and are far easier to use than my 2015 paper manuals.
Bill
I have the 2015 Paper Version and it is just as bad as the 1997 paper versions. Since that time period GM Manuals are designed for use as an interactive electronic technical manual with all of the data organized for the best presentation in that format. The paper manuals are just disorganized printouts of the data in the computerized manuals. You can't link on anything and sometimes it takes having four manuals open at once to compile the info you need so you can do something. The USB stick will more than likely let you load the manuals on your PC (not an Apple unless it is set up to handle windows apps) and access the data in the manner it was designed to accessed. There is a section in my paper manuals that instructs me on how to use all of the access points on schematics and drawings that aren't available in paper.
I have the dealer manuals for the 97 through 09 years that cover all GM cars and trucks made through that time period installed on my Surface Pro 3 so I can take it with me and on a Toshiba Lap Top. They work with Windows 10 and are far easier to use than my 2015 paper manuals.
Bill
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Kansas City, MO
All excellent points, Bill.
I'd pay a couple hundred for a fully interactive USB, but not $400+
Now if GM could bundle that with a single-VIN subscription to GDS2 diagnostics and service programming, then I think they'd have quite a compelling package.
I'd pay a couple hundred for a fully interactive USB, but not $400+
Now if GM could bundle that with a single-VIN subscription to GDS2 diagnostics and service programming, then I think they'd have quite a compelling package.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,025
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
I just ordered the USB version for a 2017 Corvette, total with S & H was $270.16
Like Jeff said, I think the price came down recently.
Supposed to be in stock, so I should get it next week.
Like Jeff said, I think the price came down recently.
Supposed to be in stock, so I should get it next week.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,025
Likes: 2,716
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
