someone says that the haynes manuals are crap, what is better??? im buying one today

 

HELMS factory manuals are the BEST!!
It's what the GM service techs work from.
I got mine second hand & paid $40. THAT WAS GOOD.
New mine is like $65 or more!!
GO TO GM DEALER for phone number & address for the books. OR ask them to let you see one & then you'll know why it's the right investment.

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

The GM Service manuals are the best. They are published by Helm Inc. http://www.helminc.com They are a bit pricey but well worth it. They have almost every possible diagnostic chart and tear apart diagram possible.

Dale

EDIT: Karl, you just beat me to the Submit Button
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1986 FireBird
2.8L MPFI
1/2 CAI
Gutted Cat, No muffler
Was 700-R4 --> Now T5

Great cars aren't bought, they are built

[This message has been edited by 86Chicken (edited September 07, 2001).]

 

KED, you know I have to agree, but when you look at all wasted details it goes thru to rebuild things such as starters, alternators and 700r4s it irks me to think that more effort should have been spent on other things that can easily go overlooked. Like for example, the emissions piping diagram (normally located under the hood near the latch). You know, I had to refer to the Chiltons book for this info.
My feeling is that all 3, Haynes, Chilton and Helms should be used since some lack info on what others have. All have their quirks! IMO, the electrical diagrams on all 3 of these leave a lot to be desired.

 

I have the Helms (GM Service) and the Haynes. I didn't think the Chilton's was that hot; but the Haynes has no vacuum diagram, either. Many of the GM procedures in my Helms book are duplicated in the Haynes- so I usually drag the cheaper Haynes out to the garage, and leave the Helms in my room.

But, then again, for the hardcore stuff, the Helms book tells me stuff the Haynes won't even go into. Hehe, quite a few times, the Haynes says "this is not covered in this manual. You should bring this job to a {whichever} specialist." And the Helms has the diagnostic charts for the engine error codes, and (i guess this is personal opinion) I love the wiring diagram section. I've solved a ton of mysteries by flipping thru those charts!

As to Haynes vs Chiltons, it's another personal preference deal, so flip through them both in the parts store; see which one catches your eye the best. If it's in plastic, rip it open. I've done it before, if they complain (and they probably won't), just say you might buy it, and you won't buy it if it doesn't cover what you need. Try using the manual to look up things you've needed help with, like, oh, I dunno, suspension, ignition, tune-ups, brakes, etc...


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l)

 

well i bought the Chiltons manual, i have read all it says about the MPFI engine and all the other basic stuff, very interesting thanks for your opinions

 

Hey X55 Cam, I do agree with ya on the lack of some information in the Helms books. But, those details may and usually are covered in some other GM publication. The person working on the car also has alot of inside informtion stored in his "working knowledge"-brain, about cars, too.
Those mechaincs, make the most as they need not refer back to the books. They know the probs & fix it & get to the next money making job.
IF I run into a BIG problem, I'll go to the GM parts counter & ask for an exploded diagram of the area I'm dealing with, as that gives me clues/details lacking in the HELMS book, too. I ALSO USE the small Chiltons for Clues when my hands are dirty. Then I clean my hands and go back to the HELMS books. I have Helms books for all my rides, very necessary very valuable a worthwhile investment. Many way more expensive than what I've paid for them! I wish I had one specifically on the 1993-95 3.4 engine so I can offer some answers on those engines. I can only offer from the GM Perf Parts Book. And I'm not into gettting into a typing arguement about cam specs again. I can safely say the 2.8 & 3.1 cams are identical specs and everything.

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA