Is there a dif between the FSM and the Workshop manual? Which is better to have if there is a difference?

 

They're the same thing (at least for our cars).

You can also find the parts fiche and training manuals for our cars floating around (hint - see my sig. for links).

 

Oh man these are awesome. Time to make some coffee and read for a bit.

 

I don't think the terms "Factory Shop Manual" vs. "Workshop Manual" have any specific meanings for FCs. However, Mazda did print the FSM in two different formats. You could get the small format which was bound like a paperback book or the large format which came in a large 3-ring binder and had removable looseleaf pages. I guess these were probably more popular with dealerships because they could insert TSBs or updates where appropriate.

The small format is handy for looking stuff up but the looseleaf version is a little easier to leave open on your workbench while in the middle of trying to fix something.

 

I've owned both the large and smaller version of the 1987 manual. I preferred the larger one.

The wiring diagrams were easier to read (larger), were color coded and first rate. Later, after not taking proper care of the large version, I bought the smaller book sized version. Black/White, no color and was in good conditon when I bought it.

I ended up trashing it also through too much thumbing thru it.

The 86-87 wiring diagrams are better layed out than later versions. Any later version.

 

FSM also stands for Flying Spaghetti Monster.
http://www.venganza.org/