Description

This article is from the Watercooled VWs General FAQ, by Jan Vandenbrande with numerous contributions by others.

02 What are the best manuals for my car?

A: Robert Bentley Manuals:
"Official Factory Manuals" series. Available from the publisher
1000 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
(800) 423-4595, (216) 572-0725 (?) (617) 547-4170
VW & other US mailorder houses.
Currently NOT available outside North America.
Covers ONLY cars sold in the US & Canada.
NOTE according to (rgolen@UMASSD.EDU) there are TWO types of
Bentley manuals:
VW Service Manual= Aimed for amateurs (us!)
VW Repair Manual = Geared for experienced/professionals
Bentley is setting up a home page. Domain name: RB.com
Some reference #s:
Corrado Manual: Bentley Stock No. VC94, ISBN 0-8376-0387-0,
VW Part No. LPV 800 300


John Muir:
"Complete Idiot Guide to keep your water cooled VW alive".
John Muir Publications Inc., Box 613, Santa Fe, NM 87504
(800) 888 9079 (?) (800) 888-7504 (?)
or try Classic Motorbooks 1-800-826-6600, or KdF Enterprises?
(Rumored to be out of print, A-1 cars only, but has lots of
advice/procedures that are still valid today)

Greg Raven:
"Volkswagen Water-Cooled, Front-Drive Performance Book"
Available from US mailorder houses.
greg.ihr@kaiwan.com
http://www.kaiwan.com/~greg.ihr

[Vack] Peter Vack, The Volkswagen Buyer's Guide. 1-800-826-6600 (Motorbooks
International), $16.95.
Discusses the VW models and VW's technology (i.e., VR6 & G60)
over the years (up to the Corrado).
It claims that: "Overall, the Corrado had a classical shape that
harked back to the old Ferrari 275 GTB/4 and is appreciated by
enthusiasts." In general, an interesting book.

Haynes:
"Modify Your Golf/GTI" (available from Rapid Parts) "VW Service Manual".
Also available outside North America.

Chiltons:
Chilton Way, Radnor PA 19089
(800) 695 12 14, (215) 964 40 00, (215) 964 47 45
"Front Wheel Drive VW(?), 1974-1990", Item # 6962
The main problem with Chilton is that it contains ALL FWD VWs
from 1974-1990 in one small paper back book, using fuzzy pictures,
and even pictures from *other* car makes.
Chilton is generally not the preferred book to buy, but in some
cases there may be no alternative.

Caveat:
For regular service, my personal [jan] preference goes to Bentley (old
style), Muir (A1 cars), Bentley (new style).
For newer cars, I look in the older books which gives detailed
instructions, than turn to the new style Bentleys and try to figure out
what to do there.
Back issues of EuroCar/VW&P & ?? (=British car mag) also contain detailed
tech procedures that may be of use.
I have both Haynes and Chiltons, and find them entertaining but never use
them.
Naturally, your preferences may vary.

Bentley:
"Bosch Fuel Injection and Engine Management", Charles Probst, available
from Classic Motorbooks, Bentley and others.
This "Bosch Bible" fully explains the theory, troubleshooting, and
service of all Bosch systems from D-Jetronic through the latest Motronics.
Sftbd., 8" X 10", 192 pgs., 475 ill.
More of a specialized book.

Auto-Bound at (800) 523-5833 has been quoted a couple of times as
a good supplier for some of these books.

From VW's Technical Literature:
VR6 engine WSP 521-402-00
1992 model change info WSP 521-404-00
The new Corrado (1990) WSP 521-202-00

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