are Porsche Factory Service Manuals worth it?

[Trakrat]

I've come across a few places that are selling a volume set for my car.

Unfortunately it's close to $1000.

Is it worth it though?

[Ayles]

They are pretty handy. My father in law had a set and he got a lot of info out of them for me. I think you can buy them used for quite a bit less.

Id love to have a set some day myself.

[ClickClickBoom]

I have the Red Binder for early 911s, the Grey for middies, and the Carrera set. I also have the Carrera Maintenance set on PDF as well as the Illustrated Parts(PET) on PDF as well. Have looked at the Bently as well as the Haynes. The FSM covers everything I need to work on the car, add Waynes books and every base is covered to the max. I actually use the PDFs while in the car, absolutely priceless. If you send me a PM I will try to send you the PDF for the Carrera. As an Airframe and Powerplant mechanic, docs and pubs are everything, manual wise.

[Bob Kontak]

For basic stuff, I say no, given what is here on this forum. For obscure stuff, yes.

It is not the easiest set of manuals to find information for a one car DIY guy. Those that live in them say it's very intuitive.

You can buy "flat" file CD's of page scans without an indexing function for cheap.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by ClickClickBoom

I also have the Carrera Maintenance set on PDF as well as the Illustrated Parts(PET) on PDF as well.

This is gold. Pursue his offer with extreme prejudice.

[Trackrash]

If you bought a set of the factory manuals we wouldn't be seeing any more of your threads.
For most folks the factory manuals are over-kill. But for a dedicated DIY guy they are worth it.

[evan9eleven]

FWIW there is a guy looking to sell a few over on the classifieds. its in the CIS thread as he is open to trades.

1976 2.7 CIS fuel injection system

[gazzerr]

I've seen good well used sets on the "for sale" forum for about ~$450 ish.

[Norm01]

If you search around you can download most sets in PDF from the internet. I have a PDF copies but also bought a NOS full set for my car as I prefer paper volumes.

[Norm01]

http://early911nzdownloads.yolasite.com/workshop-manuals.php

Link to older manuals

[Mark Salvetti]

If the potential copyright issues don't bother you, save Norm's link now, as a moderator will soon delete the link.

Mark

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by Trackrash

If you bought a set of the factory manuals we wouldn't be seeing any more of your threads.
For most folks the factory manuals are over-kill. But for a dedicated DIY guy they are worth it.

For technical information the FSM's are very valuable. Depending what level of DIY'er you are, a factory shop manual might not suit your needs.



A good used set of FSM (multiple binders) costs around $300~$450. I used them a lot so no need to look for pristine and immaculate manuals unlike other collectors.

Tony

[3rd_gear_Ted]

"Instructions is someone else's idea of how it should be done."
Tim Taylor - Tool Time

[Plavan]

Save your money. Not worth it at all at $1000

[Ayles]

Originally Posted by Plavan

Save your money. Not worth it at all at $1000

Do you have a price in mind where it becomes worth it?

[Plavan]

Originally Posted by Ayles

Do you have a price in mind where it becomes worth it?

I have worked on/ rebuilt a few 911's and never needed one. When I needed more info, this website or a quick internet search answered my questions. Pick up Waynes 911 repair book. That is really all you need.

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by Plavan

I have worked on/ rebuilt a few 911's and never needed one. When I needed more info, this website or a quick internet search answered my questions. Pick up Waynes 911 repair book. That is really all you need.

Where do you think Wayne got his information? From the Internet?

Tony

[Plavan]

Originally Posted by boyt911sc

Where do you think Wayne got his information? From the Internet?

Tony

Seriously? Does it matter? Not sure what your point is....

OP was going to spend $1000 on manuals that 98% of people don't need. He can spend less that $24 for a book that should fit all his needs.

[Canada Kev]

The manuals show up in the classifieds from time to time for usually around $400. A new Carrera set is available for about $900. Yes, that's kinda steep. Most would be fine with the Bentley, Wayne's book and resources like Pelican. But if you want the gospel from the Mother Ship, the FSM is it.

I also believe that the 1972-83 set (Vol 3-6) builds on the 1965-71 set (Vol 1-2). Can anyone confirm this? Does that also apply to the Carrera set 1984-89 (Vol 1-5) or are those stand alone manuals?

[Catorce]

If you are serious, you need the manuals. Wayne's book only covers the rebuild of a 2.7 mag case engine. While many concepts in there apply to other engines, things may or may not be the same for your particular engine.

Not to mention that Wayne's book completely omits any mention of fuel injection systems in any kind of detail. The manuals cover the body, trans, and electrical systems on your car as well. They're worth it just for the electrical diagrams.

Again, if you're a serious owner, you have the manuals.

If you own later cars like I do (especially like the 997 turbo) you aren't doing ANY of the work without the FSM. The steps need to be followed on the later cars to a T.