is there much of a difference between the CHILTON manual and the HAYNES manual?

just got an '89 iroc needs little bit of work for smog and just want to get the right one I guess.

Thanks adam

 

Very little difference... neither is particularly useful for things like that.

The factory manual is MUCH better, although still not completely what we need. It treats things like it's a new car, back in 8x, as if nothing has changed since then. But it has things specific to your exact car, like wiring diagrams for example, that no "universal" aftermarket one has.

 

Thanks. Factory ones bit expensive. But I see your point about specific to my year

thank you

 

You should have both manuals as each manual does not cover 100% of the information you may need to know. Trouble with Chilton and Haynes manuals, they don't cover things you really need to know. I always say that they cover enough to make someone dangerous. In the end though, a factory manual is the best unless you have access to something like Alldata.

 

I'll have to suck up to my father in law so get him to let me use his Alldata account

 

I would say go with the factory one as well although I have one of each manual

 

Factory manual. I got on on ebay for my 1987 GTA. Those Chilton and Hayes are for simple stuff like wheel bearings, oil changes and general minor repairs. Get the factory manual.

Here you go...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1989-Chevy-C...RX0x7N&vxp=mtr

They also have it on CD ROM....probably the better option as you get all 3 volumes for a lot less. But for me I like the original book.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1988-1989-19...1UNwp6&vxp=mtr

 

I got the factory manual in PDF for $25 on eBay.

 

Factory Service Manual. That thing has saved my bacon several times now.
Especially with finding electrical gremlins.

The Haynes one is just too basic, but can help you take apart and reassemble stuff in the beginning.

 

Factory manuals are cheap on ebay. I got a paper copy for $40 shipped.

GD

 

Helm all the way

 

I have done "A LOT" to this car and I have been using a Chilton's Manual for over 10 years now and the book shows it, with a little grease on every page.

That, this site and YouTube videos. Especially the ones by 1A-Auto and "Bob the car guy" have been very helpful.

Still kick myself for not having the Factory Manual though I have managed without it.