I've been reading eBay auctions for a 1986 shop manual. I'm seeing manual covers saying both "Shop Manual" and "Service Manual". Are these both the same or completely different manuals?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1986-Chevrol...item483a70cb6e

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1986-CHEVY-C...item4151658197

 

the 89 manual I'm selling (plus haynes plus rebuild a sbc) all 3 for only $40 shipped says "service manual"

 

they are the same. as long as it doesn't say "owners" manual, your good. however, i would be certain that you are getting a factory authorized copy or an original. manuals written by the manufacturer (Original OEM), are designed specifically for your vehicle and are more accurate and complete than any other service information available. OEM Manuals contain thousands of pages of diagnostic and repair information and they are the same manuals your dealer service center uses so you know you're getting the technical information needed. Most of them include diagramed repair and replacement procedures, electrical diagrams and sometimes even training information.
Trust me, there is no comparison. You could literally build a car from ground up with one of these, or do a complete restoration. They also either come with a supplement or you can request one (usually free), very handy also.
I recommend Helm Inc. They are factory authorized and fairly inexpensive, the only downside is that they send you only the pages, you have to get them bound. but this doesnt cost very much and you can have it done however you want to. I had the 4 major sections of mine split up so I dont have to look at a book thats 10 inches thick (literally, thats how much info is in these).
If your not into books they also offer these manuals as a disc or download, i just prefer picking up the manual instead of worrying about my damn PITA computer
GOOD LUCK!!!

 

I've always found that a good factory shop manual is the best but will also cost you a lot more.

The Chilton or Haynes type of manuals are good but they never tell me what I want to know. They only provide enough information for someone to be dangerous. They're never 100% complete for all the repairs a car can need.

Either one of those Ebay listings is a good choice.

 

Definitely invest in a service manual. I just got mine off ebay. only $17 dollars. Its about 6 inches think and the level of detail for the troubleshooting is unbelievable.