Wondering how many folks own the Helms manuals
and any type of scanners.
Guess I'll go first.
I have the Helms manuals for a 2000 F bod, also
have the old Autotap AT1 (running under DOS).

 

I know the Helms doesn't tell everything you want to know,
but many, many questions I see on the board makes me
wonder what source of info folks use (if any) before they
post up. And I know my old Autotap has
helped me plenty of times to find/eliminate probs.
Post up folks!
Feel free to offer other sources/devices, etc. that have
helped you out.

 

I've got Helms (for '00 model year, which is not always helpling me now that I have only a '98 F-body), and AutoTap Windows version 1.10 I beleive. Yeah, I guess that's old school stuff these days, but it still works fine for my needs.

 

i got hptuners and 00 helms manual

 

I subscribe to AllDATADIY for 2001 F-body V8s. Also have it for a few other vehicles. Keeps you updated on TSBs as well. Sometimes you have to do some real searching on it, but you can usually find any thing you need.

 

AllDataDIY has as part of its material, scanned
images of the Helm (GM) manuals. I had both,
they're identical, but AllDataDIY gets all pissy
if you don't renew on time and wants to charge
you extra (like initial) to renew late, so "fvck 'em"
I said. Can't say as I used it a whole lot, a well
indexed hard copy works better for me than
online documents.

Helm books I jave the 3-volume standard set
plus a couple specialized ones for the auto and
manual trans, driveline & rear (never cracked
those yet).

Scanners I have EFILive V6, HPTuners and a
Predator (finally found where I put it, a year
ago). Just use HPTuners pretty much, anymore.

 

You are right about that renewal thing with AlldataDIY! It was handy with the updated Technical Service Bulletins to help force warranty issues when the cars where still under warranty. But now they don't seem so important. lol Not much is stock any more on them. lol

I forgot to mention my scanning/tuning. Spent way to much money on that. Started out years ago with autotap then upgraded to EFILive to go with LS1Edit. Now LS1Edit scans as well. lol

My list for scanning: lol
1. LS1Edit (don't use any more, but still have)
2. EFI Flash/Scan
3. HPtuner

I use #2 and 3 a lot depending on what I am doing and if I am at the dyno or on the street.

 

I have the GM service mauals for 97 f-bodys. I also have access to Alldata and Mitchell.

For scanning I use a Tech 2.

 

I got an Alldata Subscription which I use for all my rides, and an Auto X-Ray 5000 which I use for all my rides. I am going with HP Tuners proabably next spring.

 

Well Since I am a tech at a GM dealership I have access to a GM Tech 2 and all of GM's online service info. But I have a set of 98 F body manuals at home for quick reference

 

I'm looking to get the shop manuals 1,2, & update. Lost a bid on Ebay yesterday...
Lady RedHawk,
I spent a few minutes at your website.... SWEET RIDES!!

 

Thank-you.

 

Thanks to all you folks that voted.
I like my Helms manuals, between
those and Autotap I figure I've
saved a buncho bucks in the
last 5 years.
Gerald

 

Who sells the Helms? Maybe a site sponsor?

 

www.helminc.com
You could try a sponsor. I got mine from a sponsor on
ls1.com years ago for a good price.

 

Thanks for the link

 

I have a Helm GM 3 volume manual and I found little use in it. Most of the jobs they decribe are shown using the GM special tools which few people have. I have some Chilton and Haynes manuals for other cars I've owned and they would actually show you little tricks of getting by without the special tools. I prefer to just dig in and figure stuff on my own. Manuals tend to tell you to take apart more **** than you really have to.

 

I have the helms manuals, and love them. They may not always tell you everything, but most of the time, you can get most of what you need done through them. Plus, they have all the torque specs, and a bunch of other good information in them. Also, all the steps for diagnosing the DTC's are pretty helpful too.

 

I wish I had both. I find most of my info on the internet somewhere.

 

It's the truth there is a lot of info on the net, if you can
find it. First hand knowledge (when accurate!) is better
than a manual.
I like factory manuals for the technical expertise, but
they never have the "easy fixes".
I spent about 3 hours on the net (dial up) the other day
looking up a blend door/actuator problem for a '96
Ranger. I found a write up with pics, that will save me
enough money to buy some mods. -Not for the Ranger!-
LOL.
Seriously though, even if you don't do your own work,
the Helms and other manuals give you a way to "proof"
your mechanics work.
I hate being ripped off.
gwj