Aftermarket Product ReviewProvide questions and answers about aftermarket parts for the Third Generation F-Body.
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I've heard guys swear by both, is there much difference between the two? I already have Chiltons and been pretty happy with it, would it be worthwhile to get Haynes as well?
Nothing better than the GM manual for the specific year.
But, to be honest and to give Haynes and Chilton some credit, for gereral info about simple repairs they are o.k.
I you are planning on getting both, theny why not save the $ and spend it on a used OEM manual? The pics and diagrams are much better than what any of the other manuals offer.
-Andrew
i work in a shop, and we get manuals for very difficult repairs from w/e company the car or truck is from. i have a haynes and i like it because it gives me a guidline to do w/e reapir i need to do. picked it up for 20 bucks, not to bad for 20 bucks. for most of us on here, we have a pretty good background on fixing cars, so they do fine. the OEM manuals are for brain dead mechanics who know nothing.
I beleive they are owned by the same company now. Either one bought the other or some company bought both. Years ago Haynes was better, but now they basically are the same. Seems like they use a cheap photocopy machine, especially for the illustration pictures.
Just checked on a "recent" Chilton's I purchased, it's publisher is "Haynes Publishing Group". So there you go...........same publisher for both.
Last edited by Frank89IROC; 01-10-2007 at 10:43 PM.
Reason: further research
the OEM manuals are for brain dead mechanics who know nothing.
Tell that to the guys at the GM dealership. I'll just ask this one question. Do you think they reference a rinky dink HAYNES or Chilton manual or genuine GM specific manual ? Give me a break even the best mechanic runs across something he hasn't done before or heaven forbid something they just starting putting on cars a few years ago. Things change like drive by wire for instance.The factory manual is worth every cent.
Tell that to the guys at the GM dealership. I'll just ask this one question. Do you think they reference a rinky dink HAYNES manual or genuine GM specific manual. Give me a break even the best mechanic runs across something he hasn't done before or heaven forbid something they just starting putting on cars a few years ago. Things change like drive by wire for instance.The factory manual is worth every cent.
JamesC
__________________ "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, / Than are dreamt of in your philosophy." Hamlet
"Convictions are more dangerous enemies of truth than lies." Nietzsche
I have the GM manuals for my 1994 Trans Am & 2001 Olds Alero, they cover everything and are a little more complicated. They also cost almost $100.00 for each make. The Haynes/Chilton books are not as specific in details, but are ok for general stuff.
Go to HELMS.com thats where the originals come from. slightly expensive but worth every penny. I got one for my 87 came with 2 books and updated inserts for schematics for like $75. pretty fast shipping if I do recall.
100%. Don't settle for less IMO. 
