Model Years Covered:
1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985
Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Sedan / Coupe / Station Wagon
Platform Codes Early:
B-body (GM B platform)
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, home mechanics, professional technicians, restoration specialists.
Advantage:
Provides extensive coverage for a long production run of popular American vehicles, offering a single source for multiple model years and variations.
Features:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, clear illustrations, troubleshooting guides, factory specifications, torque values, wiring diagrams.
Benefit:
Enables owners to perform maintenance, repairs, and diagnostics, saving money on labor costs and preserving vehicle value.
Powertrain:
Engine overhaul, rebuilding, performance tuning, timing belt/chain service, firing orders, exhaust systems.
Drivetrain:
Transmission service (automatic and manual if applicable), clutch service, driveshaft, U-joints, CV-joints, rear axle.
Brakes:
Brake system diagnosis, repair, hydraulic components, parking brake, power assist systems.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering systems, steering gearbox, tie rods, steering column.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, battery), ignition system, starting system, lighting, accessories, fuses, relays.
Body:
Body panel repair, doors, windows, locks, glass, interior trim, weatherstripping, structural components.
HVAC:
Air conditioning service, repair, refrigerant handling (as per era), heating system, ventilation.
Fuel System:
Carburetor overhaul, fuel pump service, fuel lines, fuel tank service.
Exhaust System:
Service and replacement of exhaust manifolds, pipes, mufflers, and catalytic converters (where applicable).
Ignition System:
Distributor service, coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, electronic ignition conversion (if applicable).
Wheels Tires:
Wheel bolt patterns, tire pressure recommendations, wheel bearing service.
Maintenance:
Preventative maintenance schedules, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair.
Rebuilding:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilding.
Diagnostics:
Engine performance diagnosis, electrical system diagnostics, brake system diagnostics.
Engine Performance:
Detailed procedures for diagnosing and improving engine performance, including carburetor tuning, timing adjustments, and emission control system service.
Front End Procedures:
Includes front end alignment specifications, steering system repair, and suspension component replacement.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Includes timing belt service procedures (note: most engines of this era used timing chains, but the manual likely covers chain inspection and replacement).
Depth:
Full workshop level, covering everything from basic tune-ups to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed schematics and specifications.
Torque Specifications:
Complete torque specifications provided for critical engine, chassis, and body components.
Diagrams Illustrations:
Hundreds of illustrations, belt routings with diagrams, exploded views, and detailed component breakdowns.
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
File Size Potential:
Up to 4000 MB (indicative of a very comprehensive digital manual)
File Types Mentioned:
PDF, ZIP, RAR, EXE
Operating System Compatibility:
Windows (97, 2000, Me, XP, Vista, 7, 10), Linux, Mac.
Searchable Text:
Likely, typical for modern PDF manuals.
Restrictions:
No restrictions on printing or saving/burning to disc.
Printable:
Yes, can be printed on any computer and printer.
Zoomable Illustrations:
Yes, contains hundreds of illustrations.
Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Engine Families:
Chevrolet Small-Block (305ci, 350ci), Chevrolet Big-Block (400ci, 427ci, 454ci), Chevrolet inline-six (250ci, 292ci).
Induction Systems:
Carbureted (Rochester Quadrajet, Carter Thermo-Quad, Holley), some early fuel injection models possible.
Horsepower Range:
Varies significantly by engine and year, typically 130 hp to over 300 hp for high-performance options.
Torque Range:
Varies significantly by engine and year, typically 200 lb-ft to over 450 lb-ft.
Type:
Primarily carburetor-based; later years may have included electronic fuel injection (EFI) on specific models/options.
Type:
Water-cooled, typically with a belt-driven fan and thermostat.
General Maintenance:
Oil changes: typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months. Lubrication: as per manual, often every oil change or every 12,000 miles. Tune-ups: spark plugs, points, condenser (if applicable), distributor cap/rotor every 12,000-24,000 miles. Transmission fluid: typically every 24,000-50,000 miles or as specified.
Engine Oil:
Viscosity typically 10W-30, 10W-40, or 10W-50 depending on climate and engine type. API Service Classification: SF or SG.
Transmission Fluid:
Automatic Transmissions: DEXRON-III (or equivalent) for TH350, TH400, 200-4R, 700-R4. Manual Transmissions: GL-4 gear oil.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Green color conventional coolant.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Common Problems:
Carburetor adjustments and rebuilds, exhaust system rust, suspension wear (bushings, ball joints), rust in body panels and frame, AC system leaks, electrical component failures (alternator, starter, points/condenser in older models), potential for oil leaks from seals and gaskets.
Typical Parts:
Spark Plugs (e.g., AC Delco R44TS, Champion RN12YC), Points & Condenser (for older ignition systems), Distributor Rotor, Distributor Cap, Ignition Wires.
