Factory Manuals

I have a 1972 911E. The Haynes manual is just not good enough. Unfortunately from what I read I supposedly need both the early set of factory manuals (65-71) and the later manuals (72-83) If I were to only buy one set to get started, which would be the better set? Anyone know who has the best prices on the printed version of the manuals? I know the microfiche is cheaper, but I like having the manual right there as I am working on the car. Thanks.

Kurt V

Kurt,

I guess it depends on exactly what area of the car you think is most important to have the best factory info on ... for your '72 model, my opinion only, follows, others may feel differently:

Basic engine mechanical info -- early set
915 transaxle -- late set
MFI basic info & adjustments -- early set
Electrical wiring diagram -- late set
Basic brakes & suspension -- early set
Basic bodywork & painting -- early set
Air conditioning -- early set

Two other factory publications that are less expensive than the service manuals, but have very good, valuable information, are the '72-'73 'Technical Specifications' booklet ... the 'Bible' for parts dimension and torque specs, and the '72-'73 Parts Catalog ... especially valuable for the exploded diagrams!

Obviously, you need all four publications in the end ... assuming you want to work on your car!

------------------
Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

http://www.my-porsche.com has the factory manuals for $187.01 each. They were running a special a couple of months ago where you could get them for $168. Unfortunately the '72-73 parts catalog and technical spec books are no longer available. I have not seen anyone that still has them.

------------------
Greg
72 911S

... and I don't think you will want the microfiche unless you're fortunate to find a fiche reader at a reasonable price --- many of us here on the Pelican BB are searching for some way to get these things to a CD at a reasonable cost but, so far, no luck. They are almost impossible to read with anything but a fiche reader, microscope or having 20/5 vision thru a 10x (or better yet, 40x) magnifying glass.

The fiche parts manual are positives (black letters on white background)--- ALMOST readable ----------
but the repair manual is negative (white letters on black background) --- IMPOSSIBLE to read

[DonDavis]

Warren and the rest, do you guys know of a current source for factory manuals? From the looks of it, it appears I will need both early and late to cover my 72. Is that true?

Thanks!

[Rot 911]

Damn Don how did you dredge this thread up? This had to be one of my first posts! Even Warren was just a "guest" back then. Personally I don't care too much for the Factory manuals, but if you get them, yes you will need the ones that include the '72 models. I see them on Ebay from time to time. I think I may even have the factory manual at home that includes the transmission that I might be willing to part with.

[donk]

Kurt,
I'm in the same boat. I just bought my car a month ago, and I'm already finding that the books I have, though good, aren't going to cut it. I have the haynes book and the 101 projects. Inevitably I will have (want) to break down and buy the factory manuals, the spec book, and the parts book. It would be great if it were on cd. If anyone wants to send me their manuals, I would be happy to put them on cd. Would that be legal though?

[RickM]

Regarding Fiche. Can it not be scanned?

[Rot 911]

I had my '72E for about 2 years and never bought the factory manuals. What I did do was go through the postings on this board and make up my own manuals divided into sections such as engine,tranny, suspension, electrical, fuel, etc. I was amazed to find, even back in 2000, a detailed explanation for almost every item on my '72. Now, 4 years later, I bet everything has been covered on this board in detail. If you want to save yourself $500 or more I would suggest you do what I did. And don't forget to go to the home page to copy the tech articles and the parts diagrams! In the end, by the time I read all the different threads, which does take some time, but costs nothing, I had a good working knowledge of my 911.

[donk]

Kurt,
Thanks for the advice. That's pretty much what I've been doing so far. The stuff I'm having trouble with is the simple stuff. For example, I read a tech artice, and it says to remove some doohicky before doing step 2. Well, I may know what the doohicky is, but more often than not, I don't know where it is located on the car. A good example might be something like the fuel pump relay. When you were starting out, where did you find this information?

[juanbenae]

why is kurts name in the post starter colum black (instead of blue) and not underlined?

[DonDavis]

Thanks Kurt, I've been "archive diving" again since I'm back in the "ownership" column. Almost anything can be found in there. Plus, bumping really old threads can be a treat to the starter. If you in fact have the manuals, let me know what the damage will be via PM.

[donk]

I think its because this post was started in 2000. I remember hearing that old posts show everyone as being a Guest.

[DonDavis]

k911sc,
The thread started WAY back in the day when Kurt was a guest. Check out the post date.

[Rot 911]

Originally posted by k911sc
why is kurts name in the post starter colum black (instead of blue) and not underlined?

Because we were all just "guests" back then and not registered. I don't think Wayne actually registered anyone as members until 2001. That is why when you do a search under your screen name none of the year 2000 posts show up. However if you search and put your screen name in the topic section of the search you will get these old posts.

[Early_S_Man]

Actually, there was a major change to the database in 2001 ... and all of the 'old' posts show up with 'guest' status for members!

[DonDavis]

Yeah Kurt, that's kind of what I've started doing but sometimes people can inadvertently leave stuff out. I just thought it would be good to have "baseline" or "default settings". I will always use the board for "best practices" though.

Any advice on Manuals, Warren?

[aseem]

This guy is advertising factory workshop manuals and parts catalogue on CD in 911 & Porsche World classified section.

I don't know if each manual is on a separate CD or if they are all together. Anyway, the CDs ar $50 each

contact info: Richard on 305 528 0555 or richardcd@comcast.net

No affiliation. I have not done any business with him.

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by RickM
Regarding Fiche. Can it not be scanned?

I spent hrs at the library making photostats on a special fiche machine.

if you have any kids ? they'll get to earn their keep..

[RickM]

I have a slide/negative attachment here on an HP scanner...works damned well. Curious if it could be made to work with Fiche.

There are also services to convert to electronic fomat......