gregory's manual? Crap?..i dont know
Hey again all. just a quick question...
A few months back now i got a Gregory's manual for my 'VX' V6, The book i got covers VT,VX,VY,VZ Series,V6-V8- supercharged... The book number is #273...
I really find this book is CRAP..I mean it barley covers much for what i need it for wich is 'VX' V6, for example, I wanted to look up error codes but it only has them coverd for VT series 1..how useless for me!! -and the rest-
I have tryed looking up quiet a few things in it with not much luck..if anything it will have a very vauge rundown on what to do on a series 1 VT...Again..useless for some things..
I cant remember all the issues i had with this book but when i was re-building my engine and installing it i had a fair bit of trouble with this book as it barely coverd most to do with my individual model bein VX...
Reading around it seems people are very happy with this book, most the time i think they may be talking about some other gregory's manual.... but maby its just me.
Is there a book on individual models ie: my car!!!
Its in the bottom of the draw now because i really dont bother thinking of useing it.. Anytime you just so happen to find anything even remotly what you're after and you start reading it just seems to jump into some other model of car ie: Alloytec..... Again useless...
I know it may not be thread-worthy over just a book but i hear good review's over book's just not mine!
Thanks again...
gregorys were always pretty good but from what i understand,haynes bought them out so now gregorys will become like haynes which means they will be rubbish also which is a shame...
i think its upto interpretation of the book....i have read it and yes your right there are some parts that have been ommitted but if it only lists error codes for the VT chances are they could be the same for all models...thats my experience anyways, plus i have always used the book as a reference never as a manual
I know in mine about 20 pages are blank in the body section, there's bits of writing here and there but that's it, it's blank lol will put pics up when I get the chance
But other then that I found them handy
Kicker - Livin' Loud :)
I find the book very helpful as me and my missus have commodores and if there is ever a problem I normally consult the gregorys, or bible as I call it, before trying to get outside help. I've never needed error codes though.
Originally Posted by some_guy
Donating Member
I also have a Gregory's manual #273 which I bought many years ago and it only covers VT V6 (1997-1999) including supercharged. It doesn't cover any other models or even the V8, so that is strange considering the manuals are both #273. I find my manual to be quite adequate and comprehensive. It looks to me like they covered a whole lot more models in the same size book and now there is a lack of information.
I often recommend Gregory's but now I will reconsider.
Try and get your hands on the Holden Workshop CD, it is excellent.
MY RIDE
I thought I was wrong once but I was mistaken.
Tells it like it is.
Epic fail manuals bordering on dangerous. I have personally found many errors in the VP one which had a very high probability of catastrophic engine failure if the procedures were followed. One such error is with the torque settings of the rocker bolts - they have n/m and ft/lbs mixed up (from memory). If you try to torque the bolts as specified in the manual they break.
They are only good for a few illustrative photo's so you can see what (whatever) looks like when it's apart imo.
Go buy the genuine holden workshop manuals that are on Ebay. They are more expensive but the information is correct and they are a ton more thorough with explanations.
Reaper
Torana Addict
The only Commodore manual I have is a VP one, so if I need to use one for the VS I just use it and handle the differences as I come across them.
As said above, I use it more as a guide than anything else. It's still handy to have.
Ive found the VT/VX gregorys manual awesomely helpful over the years for My VS. Ideally i would have got a VS manual but they didn't make them to cover the Series II engines so the VT manual matched up a bit closer. Its not word for word perfect but it is a great help in solving problems and planing out what tools You need before starting a job
Mate,Id say that someone who has pulled their car apart and are trying to put it back together again with no idea on what they are doing, is way more dangerous than a mistake in a manual.Ive used these manuals for nearly 30 years on a lot of different cars and have never come across anything that could be catastrophic.Like the bolt tensions you mention,most people who own or use a tension wrench know that the size and the type of bolts will pretty much determine their recommended tension,and if the recommended specs dont look right for that bolt,then they will probably just double check the recommended specs elsewhere.Anyway,If someone cant spot something like that,then they probably souldnt be attempting that level of work,or at least should have someone there who has some experience to help them out.Ive also come across a few errors in some manuls,including factory issued manuals,but,thats no reason to say they are no good at all,or are just good for a few pics or whatever.Most young blokes/gals can learn a hell of a lot of stuff about their car from these manuals.Ive been into the local holden dealer here before and have seen the mechanics going through a factory manual to check up on something or whatever. I still use a manual for any major jobs,just to be 100% sure everythings done right.Ive seen so many people make simple mistakes that just wouldnt have happened if theyd followed a manual.Ive also seen a lot of people who just plain and simply couldnt fully understand or follow the instructions from the manual..
Rags 2 riches!
Max ellerys are another option though don`t know there quality, there multi model though.
Ive got the VR to VS V6 and V8 Max Ellery manual, Ive got the Haynes VN to VS V6 and V8 manual, Ive also got VN,VP,VR and VS V6 gregorys manuals. Each brand has their good and bad points. The Max Ellery manual isnt too bad,better pics would make it a lot better than it is now. They use a lot of drawings instead of actual pics.The manuals that cover more than one model can be pretty vague with some things that are specific to one model..
Mucca Mad Boys
Ive got a few books for differant models, as reaper said, its good to have a look at the pics of certain stuff pulled apart, and i just use it as a general guide
Im pretty sure all 3 brands, ellorys, haynes and gregorys are all now owned by bookworks
Thats my book there, it covers VT,VX,VY,VZ, when i went to purchace the book from the store it was wraped up in plastic so i couldent have a bit of a look before i brought it, i have a gregory's book for my VP wich i find excelent because it focuses on the 1 model...
I do only use the book as a guide but somethings i refer to the book for help with no luck,
I live on the sunshine coast so getting stuff for cars is a pretty hard task! this was the only book i could find. next time i go to brisbane i might have a bit of a look there for a more specific book for my model car...
Donating Member
Here is a pic of mine, it looks exactly the same but you will see that it only covers VT 3.6. It's a bit grubby because I use it a lot.
Thats my book there, it covers VT,VX,VY,VZ, when i went to purchace the book from the store it was wraped up in plastic so i couldent have a bit of a look before i brought it, i have a gregory's book for my VP wich i find excelent because it focuses on the 1 model...
I do only use the book as a guide but somethings i refer to the book for help with no luck,
I live on the sunshine coast so getting stuff for cars is a pretty hard task! this was the only book i could find. next time i go to brisbane i might have a bit of a look there for a more specific book for my model car...
You might look for a copy of that, either new or second hand because it is very good, in my opinion anyway.
I thought I was wrong once but I was mistaken.
Rags 2 riches!
Thats a bit starnge that they have the exact same lot number should be 273 for the single model coverage and 273b for the multi model.
Blues Brother # 1
I Have a Max Ellery Manual for VR-VS, The only thing i have ever found that was useful after god knows how many repairs was the correct way to tighten the
manifold bolts lol
Besides that found it useless, the page may as well be blank thats how helpful it is lol
What CD are you referring to?
i can upload the cd manual for people who have a ######## account if people want
Forced to be Fast
^^^^ a what account? Where can i get on of these work shop cd's from?
Check out my ride here >>>>My VX Raptor
say NO to chev badges
Wanted To Buy=>> Mace 12mm or 25mm Manifold spacers - VX SS Headlights - VY handbrake complete set up
For Sale=>> vt/vx Berlina/Calais chrome window surround PM me for more details
looks like my post was edited to have the account i said changed to # sigh
Tells it like it is.
Likening Gregorys manuals to a bible is quite fitting. Both are fictitious documents. Their best use is for starting open fires.
Reaper
Gregorys manuals have always been good for me. The problem with the VT - VX is they did the VT manual and then just added on info to suit the VX so while they are similar some things are overlooked.
Nil Bastardo Carborundum
Like Reaper said, the only worthwhile manual is the factory CD. You only have to see the size of the CD files and the number of pages for each section on it to realise that a manual printed to cover four different, though similar, models, in about 400 pages, won't go anywhere near the coverage or accuracy of the factory manual.
I bought the Ellery manual a few years back which covers VT-VY, plus Pontiac GTO. I keep it close at hand in case I ever run out of Sorbent.
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