FSM manual differences

[Stupidquestionspro]

I want to purchase a FSM for my 83 cutlass and have noticed that there is a fisher body manual a factory service manual and electrical manual.

Obviously the electrical manual is fairly self explanatory and would be a good idea to have but my 83 cutlass is a Calais is that a part of the cutlass manual for that year?

Also I have a 68 SBO in it rather than the factory motor so I can only assume I would be best served to get a fisher body manual and a 68 factory service manual? Or would I miss out on valuable information?

Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[pagrunt]

It's good to have all for your year. As for the '68 engine you could use the '83 engine info for basic knowlage. For specific details something covering an Olds 350 could work.

 

[Ribbedroof]

MOST of the questions that sem to arise on this forum would be best served by the OE chassis service manual for the year of the vehicle, along with the electrical and body manuals.

The engine fundamentals would be pretty similar regardless of year...once any internal parts and/or bolt-on items like intake/carb are changed, all bets are off., but there should be enough Olds gurus to answer most stuff that comes up.

And that's my 2 cents

 

[fleming442]

Calais was just a trim package on a G body, not to be confused with the later model W(?)-body ('89 & up).
Unless you're building an Olds engine from the ground up, only 2 key differences stick out to me: the distributor turns counter clockwise and they like "a lot" (compared to other makes) of initial timing as far as tuning goes. All the rest is basic engine fundamentals...
Now, if you're gonna build one, read this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1613251742/?tag=gbody-20

 

[Stupidquestionspro]

Thanks I appreciate that and yes I knew the Calais was basically a trim level or options package per say not a separate mode I was just concerned if the FSM would contain all trims. Where would be the best place to locate these obviously there are options on eBay but truth be told digital copies would be my preference.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[69hurstolds]

Helm, Inc. @ www.helminc.com provided the CSM for most of the automobiles we loved in the G-body era. The only 1983 book they have left is the body manual for $55 and it's a reproduction.

If anyone has it in digital, it's been copied from the paper version. I think the newer manuals only come in digital versions from Helm, but the 80s models were all paper copies. I bought mine for the 84, 85 and 87 factory new from Helm but that was many many years ago. Also got the ones for my 2010 Camaro. Pricey beeches too.

Used, but seemingly in good enough shape to fix your car.....

83 Electrical manual for Cutlass (Calais is included with Cutlass)- cheap, something like 14 bucks shipped.
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5335822911&icep_item=222347764445

83 Cutlass CSM- cheap (17 bucks shipped)
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5335822911&icep_item=372619746182

83 body manual- about 22 bucks shipped.
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5335822911&icep_item=291202136463

So for that $55 you would spend at Helm, you can get ALL the manuals you would need. Sure, they're used, but consider that set would have been around $200 or more if you could still buy them new from Helm.

Or spend 33 bucks and get just the CSM on CD rom....
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5335822911&icep_item=142946475353

And $68 shipped gets you all 3 in seemingly very good condition from one guy.
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5335822911&icep_item=362659931970

Don't muck around. If you plan on keeping your car and want to fix it RIGHT, get the right manuals. Sure, the Motor manuals and Haynes are pretty good, but these are better. Hands down.