Haynes manuals suck!!!
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Haynes manuals suck!!!
I bought a haynes manual a while back and ever since i have had it, it has not helped me do a damn thing. Is it just me? I not really good with cars yet but i am trying to learn and this manual is not helping at all. Is the Chiltons manual any better or do i need to spring $100 for a dealer service manual?
------------------
Later,
Vomex
'89 GTA 5.7L TPI
------------------
Later,
Vomex
'89 GTA 5.7L TPI
#2
Supreme Member
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Reno, NV
Posts: 1,237
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: yep
Engine: uhuh
Transmission: sure does
dealer manuals..nothing better.
Actually, there isn't really anything wrong with the others..it just depends on what you are trying to do.
Some manuals are very vauge.
------------------
ASE Mechanic/Machinist/Smog Tech
1999 NBM Trans Am
1986 Chevy 3/4 ton pick up
1981 corvette
1995 Kawi ZX6R
and 2 POS commuters...
R.I.P. #3
"He can see air"
[This message has been edited by Engineboy (edited October 03, 2001).]
Actually, there isn't really anything wrong with the others..it just depends on what you are trying to do.
Some manuals are very vauge.
------------------
ASE Mechanic/Machinist/Smog Tech
1999 NBM Trans Am
1986 Chevy 3/4 ton pick up
1981 corvette
1995 Kawi ZX6R
and 2 POS commuters...
R.I.P. #3
"He can see air"
[This message has been edited by Engineboy (edited October 03, 2001).]
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think that is my problem, I dont know alot about my car and the Haynes manual assumes that i do. Is the dealer manual a little more explicit? Is it worth the $100?
------------------
Later,
Vomex
'89 GTA 5.7L TPI
------------------
Later,
Vomex
'89 GTA 5.7L TPI
#4
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: North Jersey
Posts: 501
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've heard the service manuals are much better... schematics and whatnot... I've used both Chiltons and Haynes and the latter is MUCH better. Damnit, I can't seem to find it either, had notes and everything in there!
------------------
~Luke
'91 Firebird :: L03/700R4 ::
Mods: Catco cat - Flowmaster 80 series - B&M Shift kit - TA tail lights - GTA rims - K&N - MacEwen guages
Stereo: Pioneer DEH-P8200R - Cadence 4x6's - Pioneer 6x9's - Kicker amps - Kicker 10" CompVR
Firebird parts - Selling an '80 Firebird for a friend
Moderator of tranny board over at TransAmGTA.com
------------------
~Luke
'91 Firebird :: L03/700R4 ::
Mods: Catco cat - Flowmaster 80 series - B&M Shift kit - TA tail lights - GTA rims - K&N - MacEwen guages
Stereo: Pioneer DEH-P8200R - Cadence 4x6's - Pioneer 6x9's - Kicker amps - Kicker 10" CompVR
Firebird parts - Selling an '80 Firebird for a friend
Moderator of tranny board over at TransAmGTA.com
#5
Supreme Member
Engine replacement instructions:
Remove radiator and drain cooling system.
Drain oil.
Disconnect flywheel and engine mounts.
Remove engine.
Replace in opposite manner.
Remove radiator and drain cooling system.
Drain oil.
Disconnect flywheel and engine mounts.
Remove engine.
Replace in opposite manner.
#6
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: PA
Posts: 1,978
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 88 Firebird WS6
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42
I love the Haynes manuals. Most of the stuff you need information about they say to take it to a qualified tech. Why the hell would you buy the manual for then? Must be to look at that pretty spark plug chart. Or maybe the in depth details on how to change the motor oil and wiper blades.
Chiltons are alot better, especially with wiring diagrams, but are nowhere near the factory service manual.
Chiltons are alot better, especially with wiring diagrams, but are nowhere near the factory service manual.
#7
Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Posts: 20,981
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes
on
8 Posts
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
I've got both the Haynes and the Chiltons. The Chiltons does have more and better diagrams and illustrations, but I've noticed in a few cases that their text is lacking.
Trending Topics
#8
Moderator
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: 51°N 114°W, 3500'
Posts: 17,120
Likes: 0
Received 123 Likes
on
104 Posts
Car: 87 IROC L98
Engine: 588 Alcohol BBC
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"/31 spline spool/4.86
I've noticed that they both only have enough information to make a backyard mechanic dangerous. Usually the information I want is not in either one or it's incomplete.
Get a dealer manual.
Get a dealer manual.
#9
Supreme Member
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Reno, NV
Posts: 1,237
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: yep
Engine: uhuh
Transmission: sure does
Example :
Clitons manual for an 86 camaro = 1 inch thick.
My dealer manual for same car = 2 1/2 inches thick.
Same car, twice as much info.
------------------
ASE Mechanic/Machinist/Smog Tech
1999 NBM Trans Am
1986 Chevy 3/4 ton pick up
1981 corvette
1995 Kawi ZX6R
and 2 POS commuters...
R.I.P. #3
"He can see air"
Clitons manual for an 86 camaro = 1 inch thick.
My dealer manual for same car = 2 1/2 inches thick.
Same car, twice as much info.
------------------
ASE Mechanic/Machinist/Smog Tech
1999 NBM Trans Am
1986 Chevy 3/4 ton pick up
1981 corvette
1995 Kawi ZX6R
and 2 POS commuters...
R.I.P. #3
"He can see air"
#11
Member
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: United States of America
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1987 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 IROC-Z
Engine: L98
Transmission: TeamTripp Performance
Your assertion is correct, the Haynes manual (for Camaro anyway) does indeed suck. It is better than nothing, but not in the same class as the factory manual.
I have both the Haynes and factory manuals. The factory manual not only has more information, it has better information. There are troubleshooting flowcharts, location diagrams, and more stuff that Haynes just doesn’t offer. Check out ebay for good deals on used manuals.
Also, realize there are some things that cannot be explained in a book, and have to be done to be learned. But the factory manual arms you with specific info that increase the odds you will complete the job successfully the first time. It's worth it.
I have both the Haynes and factory manuals. The factory manual not only has more information, it has better information. There are troubleshooting flowcharts, location diagrams, and more stuff that Haynes just doesn’t offer. Check out ebay for good deals on used manuals.
Also, realize there are some things that cannot be explained in a book, and have to be done to be learned. But the factory manual arms you with specific info that increase the odds you will complete the job successfully the first time. It's worth it.
#12
Supreme Member
I always get both the haynes and chiltons manuals. usualy if there is something one doesn't have, the other one might. For example, for my old Integra, the haynes manual didn't give any info on testing sensors, while the chiltons did.
------------------
- David
88' GTA 5.7L TPI MODS---> air foil, K&N, Shift Kit, 180* therm, TB bypass, Gutted CAT, Flowmaster 80 Series
------------------
- David
88' GTA 5.7L TPI MODS---> air foil, K&N, Shift Kit, 180* therm, TB bypass, Gutted CAT, Flowmaster 80 Series
#13
Moderator
iTrader: (14)
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Littleton, CO USA
Posts: 43,169
Likes: 0
Received 35 Likes
on
34 Posts
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: LS1/LQ4
Transmission: 4L60E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
I don't know, I think mine has been worth the $13.95. It helped me sort out splicing an '86 harness into an '82 body, and showed me how to get rear drum wheel cylinders out without having to go buy any special tools. Has the torque specs I typically need.
Only missed a couple of small things needed to replace the heater core. I probably would have really messed that up without it.
Wonder where it is right now? Haven't seen it for several months...
------------------
82 Berlinetta, orig V-6 car, now w/86 LG4/TH700R4. 2.93 limited slip. 2-1/2" cat-back, ZZ3 intake, Accel HEI SuperCoil. AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Daily driver, work-in-progress (LG4 CC system w/'87 LB9 block, ZZ3 cam, ported World 305 heads, Hooker 2055 headers, 3" Catco cat & 3" catback, restalled TC, Spohn SFCs).
57 Bel Air, my 1st car. '66 396, 9.7 CR forged TRWs, Weiand Action+, Holley 750VS w/4150 conversion, GK 270 cam, Magnum rockers, Jacobs Omnipack, 1-3/4" Hedders & 3" Warlocks, TH400 w/TCI Sat Night Special conv & Trans-Scat shift kit, MegaShifter, 3.08 8.2" 10-bolt w/Powertrax, AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Idles smooth @ 600 RPM in D. Best 15.02/95.06 @ 5800' Bandimere (corrected 13.93/102.4 @ sea level).
Only missed a couple of small things needed to replace the heater core. I probably would have really messed that up without it.
Wonder where it is right now? Haven't seen it for several months...
------------------
82 Berlinetta, orig V-6 car, now w/86 LG4/TH700R4. 2.93 limited slip. 2-1/2" cat-back, ZZ3 intake, Accel HEI SuperCoil. AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Daily driver, work-in-progress (LG4 CC system w/'87 LB9 block, ZZ3 cam, ported World 305 heads, Hooker 2055 headers, 3" Catco cat & 3" catback, restalled TC, Spohn SFCs).
57 Bel Air, my 1st car. '66 396, 9.7 CR forged TRWs, Weiand Action+, Holley 750VS w/4150 conversion, GK 270 cam, Magnum rockers, Jacobs Omnipack, 1-3/4" Hedders & 3" Warlocks, TH400 w/TCI Sat Night Special conv & Trans-Scat shift kit, MegaShifter, 3.08 8.2" 10-bolt w/Powertrax, AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Idles smooth @ 600 RPM in D. Best 15.02/95.06 @ 5800' Bandimere (corrected 13.93/102.4 @ sea level).
#14
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Czech Rep
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1990 Black TransAm GTA hardtop
Engine: L98
Transmission: THM700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 w/Alu prop
I have the haynes manual for the 3rd gen fbird which is the nearest one I could find thats supposed to cover my car - an 89 GTA. I find the pictures are lacking - 99% of them are actually off the V6 bird, so its not a great help when you are new to V8 TPI's and are trying to identify and troubleshoot components. Its almost as if haynes didnt have access to a v8 TPI model for long. Also the wiring diagrams are flawed - IE there are two different schematics that the voltmeter appears in, in the instrument gauge and also the charging circuit diagrams. They are mutually exclusive - one shows the meter connected to the fuse box and other side straight to ground, and the other meter being grounded through the alternators regulator. Which one??? I wouldnt mind so much, but I DO have a problem with the vmeter reading low, and MAY have a prob with the alternator.
Anyway, thats my 2p done.
Smeg
89 GTA
United Kingdom
Anyway, thats my 2p done.
Smeg
89 GTA
United Kingdom
#15
Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Columbia MO
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1983 Z28
Engine: 350
Transmission: WCT5
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by rezinn:
Engine replacement instructions:
Remove radiator and drain cooling system.
Drain oil.
Disconnect flywheel and engine mounts.
Remove engine.
Replace in opposite manner.</font>
Engine replacement instructions:
Remove radiator and drain cooling system.
Drain oil.
Disconnect flywheel and engine mounts.
Remove engine.
Replace in opposite manner.</font>
Step 1: Disconnect negative battery cable! LOL
Clem
------------------
Clem
SCCA TransAm Series Race Mechanic/CrewChief
-------------
1983 Z28 with LG4, 5 speed, and (unfortunately) T-tops
1983 Z28, NO T-tops, (unfortunately) Auto Transmission (hopefully not for long)
#16
Supreme Member
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Manassas, VA
Posts: 4,231
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 89 Formula Firebird
Engine: 305 - Demon 525
Transmission: 700R4
I was reading a haynes manual to help set my timeing. What I needed to find is the tan wire with a black stripe there I would have a clip where you can disconnect the wire. The old haynes book said it should be right by the distributer cap, on the passenger side. Ha it even had a little picture of the clip and where is was. After 30min. of searching and ready to just cut the wire and forget about the clip. I found the clip way over to the right side just above the wheel well. The only thing that manual was good for was to find out what color the wire was.
------------------
89 Formula Firebird
Red with T-tops
5.0 305 FI
Soon to be a 400sb.
------------------
89 Formula Firebird
Red with T-tops
5.0 305 FI
Soon to be a 400sb.
#18
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Czech Rep
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1990 Black TransAm GTA hardtop
Engine: L98
Transmission: THM700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 w/Alu prop
Well I just went out and bought a chiltons. though I am impressed at the amount of detail, I noticed that either there is stuff missing from the electrical diagrams, or I have missed something. I guess you need to have both and then fill in the gaps yourself...
Smeg
89 GTA
United Kingdom
Smeg
89 GTA
United Kingdom
#19
Re: Haynes manuals suck!!!
I bought a haynes manual a while back and ever since i have had it, it has not helped me do a damn thing. Is it just me? I not really good with cars yet but i am trying to learn and this manual is not helping at all. Is the Chiltons manual any better or do i need to spring $100 for a dealer service manual?
------------------
Later,
Vomex
'89 GTA 5.7L TPI
------------------
Later,
Vomex
'89 GTA 5.7L TPI
#20
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Re: Haynes manuals suck!!!
Since your new around here , I'll let you in on a couple of things about this board ;
#1 , This is a forum dedicated exclusively to Third Generation GM "F" body cars , which are 1982 thru 1992 Chevy Camaro / Pontiac Firebird . Any talk of Dodge Caravans , or any other vehicle besides GM third gen F body cars , is off topic and subject to deletion per moderator discretion .
And ,
#2 , If you are talking about GM Third gen F body cars , it helps to look at the date of the post your responding to . In this case you have bumped a thread that's been silent for a good 18 years , old enough to vote & join the Army ....
Last edited by OrangeBird; 06-01-2019 at 03:39 PM.
#21
COTM Editor
iTrader: (22)
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 9,932
Likes: 0
Received 1,861 Likes
on
1,275 Posts
Car: '89 Firebird
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: T56
Re: Haynes manuals suck!!!
You made an account just to say this? Somebody needs a new hobby. LOL! There are cars for sale in the classifieds section to remedy that situation.
#22
Supreme Member
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Tallahassee, FL. USA
Posts: 1,266
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 92 Camaro RS
Engine: 350 Crate Motor
Transmission: Tremec TKO
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 3.73
Re: Haynes manuals suck!!!
Haynes is better than nothing, but if you plan on keeping this car, it's well with the cost to get the factory manual. So much better than any of the generic alternatives...real details pertaining to your exact model and year. It's been over twenty years since I've purchased any manual other than factory and have no regrets about spending the money on the correct manual.
-Rich
-Rich
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Pac J
Tech / General Engine
3
05-17-2020 10:44 AM
3.8TransAM
NW Indiana and South Chicago Suburb
2
10-01-2015 07:47 PM