Vantage V12 - need general advice
Discussion
Hi there guys! I am a new member and a very happy new owner of a 2011 Vantage V12 Carbon Black. The car has less than 10K miles, in nice shape and resides in the US (NJ). I did read many posts here and as much as I could find online - despite that I still got the car fro my 50th birthday.
I understand (to a degree) that the ownership is quiet rewarding but also expensive. Given my 15 years or so Porsche ownership, track driving etc. I am no stranger to high maintenance bills.
I watched some videos online, seen some posting here and elsewhere and opted for Autoglym products for washing/cleaning which are on their way to me. What is your experience with these? Seen some using Swisswax also. How do they compare to Autoglym?
I would like to get some additional advice on cleaning, maintenance and any useful suggestions you have please share.
One specific thing I would like to find out if there is a suitable brake rotor/pad kit which could replace (hopefully later) the OEM extremely expensive brakes.
Similarly any suggestion for cost effective but high quality clutch kit? I hope mine will last another 1-2 years but would like to learn more earlier so I can work with my friend who owns a racing shop and very capable for minor as well as major maintenance work. Unfortunately the closest non AM shop (licensee of Branford Rose) is in Arizona...
Thanks in advance!
I understand (to a degree) that the ownership is quiet rewarding but also expensive. Given my 15 years or so Porsche ownership, track driving etc. I am no stranger to high maintenance bills.
I watched some videos online, seen some posting here and elsewhere and opted for Autoglym products for washing/cleaning which are on their way to me. What is your experience with these? Seen some using Swisswax also. How do they compare to Autoglym?
I would like to get some additional advice on cleaning, maintenance and any useful suggestions you have please share.
One specific thing I would like to find out if there is a suitable brake rotor/pad kit which could replace (hopefully later) the OEM extremely expensive brakes.
Similarly any suggestion for cost effective but high quality clutch kit? I hope mine will last another 1-2 years but would like to learn more earlier so I can work with my friend who owns a racing shop and very capable for minor as well as major maintenance work. Unfortunately the closest non AM shop (licensee of Branford Rose) is in Arizona...
Thanks in advance!
sancho22 said:
Hi there guys! I am a new member and a very happy new owner of a 2011 Vantage V12 Carbon Black. The car has less than 10K miles, in nice shape and resides in the US (NJ). I did read many posts here and as much as I could find online - despite that I still got the car fro my 50th birthday.
I understand (to a degree) that the ownership is quiet rewarding but also expensive. Given my 15 years or so Porsche ownership, track driving etc. I am no stranger to high maintenance bills.
I watched some videos online, seen some posting here and elsewhere and opted for Autoglym products for washing/cleaning which are on their way to me. What is your experience with these? Seen some using Swisswax also. How do they compare to Autoglym?
I would like to get some additional advice on cleaning, maintenance and any useful suggestions you have please share.
One specific thing I would like to find out if there is a suitable brake rotor/pad kit which could replace (hopefully later) the OEM extremely expensive brakes.
Similarly any suggestion for cost effective but high quality clutch kit? I hope mine will last another 1-2 years but would like to learn more earlier so I can work with my friend who owns a racing shop and very capable for minor as well as major maintenance work. Unfortunately the closest non AM shop (licensee of Branford Rose) is in Arizona...
Thanks in advance!
Bodywork maintenance doesn't have to be hard, but you have bought black. That's a full time job... I understand (to a degree) that the ownership is quiet rewarding but also expensive. Given my 15 years or so Porsche ownership, track driving etc. I am no stranger to high maintenance bills.
I watched some videos online, seen some posting here and elsewhere and opted for Autoglym products for washing/cleaning which are on their way to me. What is your experience with these? Seen some using Swisswax also. How do they compare to Autoglym?
I would like to get some additional advice on cleaning, maintenance and any useful suggestions you have please share.
One specific thing I would like to find out if there is a suitable brake rotor/pad kit which could replace (hopefully later) the OEM extremely expensive brakes.
Similarly any suggestion for cost effective but high quality clutch kit? I hope mine will last another 1-2 years but would like to learn more earlier so I can work with my friend who owns a racing shop and very capable for minor as well as major maintenance work. Unfortunately the closest non AM shop (licensee of Branford Rose) is in Arizona...
Thanks in advance!
I had mine detailed professionally with a 2/3 stage polish followed by a Si coating. Much like the GTechniq C1 etc coatings. It's been a year and it hasn't had a single coat of wax and still looks like new. Google "two bucket wash" and consider drying with a "sidekick" blower and "woolly mammoth" towels rather than a leather. That will keep that expensive work from being undone. A professional polish is well worth it, I assure you.
Autoglym HD wax is one of the best bang-for-buck waxes I've found (when I used to use wax).
DO NOT put any aggressive or clever cleaning products on the brakes. EVER.
I use Valet Pro - PH Neutral Snow Foam for cleaning the whole car and use "wheel woollies" and a micro-fibre or lambs wool (microfiber for those in the colonies) mitt to clean the wheels by hand. I also use the "sidekick" to blow dry the discs when I'm done and avoid driving unless I'm SURE they are dry.
Do not be afraid of the CCM brakes. If you don't abuse them, they will last your ownership of the car. Pads may need replacing dependant upon your driving, if you do track days and mileage. New pads are cheaper than an iron rotor disc replacement job. IIRC you can have about 3 replacement sets before discs maybe required. Of course, if you do a lot of track days, that's something completely different.
Just be sure to look after them as above and enjoy their qualities.
Clutch kits are the same subject that affects V8 owners. If you search on here, you'll find quite a few posts. http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=151...
Edited by divetheworld on Tuesday 16th August 19:07
Washing cars......look at this guy. Well known for making it simple.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvqM4p5XKdXiug656...
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvqM4p5XKdXiug656...
Welcome!
I know nothing about cleaning cars so will pass over that topic.
Brakes - the brakes are an Aston Martin badged implementation of Brembo CCM. They are expensive but the best brakes I have ever used. If you ever get the chance on a racetrack to absolutely mash the brake pedal you can see how you can stop from 30mph in one car length. Simply outstanding...
Replacement is not trivial. Remember that ABS, DSC and TC are all linked to brake sensors and while they "learn" they are calibrated. CCM cooling is directed to the pad not the disc. So replacement is not just a case of swap out one set of discs and pads for another then bleed.
Clutches - there are two real options. One is BR, they have a very well balanced flywheel and clutch set that is equivalent in rating to the 1-77 clutch. The rest offer OEM parts which are pretty good, but not as good.
Although you are in NJ, it's only a few hours on a plane as long as you can avoid the devils ;-)
For a new clutch and brakes I would pay BR to fly over with a flight case of parts and go the work in the shop of your friend. Maybe even upgrade the exhaust system while you are at it!
I know nothing about cleaning cars so will pass over that topic.
Brakes - the brakes are an Aston Martin badged implementation of Brembo CCM. They are expensive but the best brakes I have ever used. If you ever get the chance on a racetrack to absolutely mash the brake pedal you can see how you can stop from 30mph in one car length. Simply outstanding...
Replacement is not trivial. Remember that ABS, DSC and TC are all linked to brake sensors and while they "learn" they are calibrated. CCM cooling is directed to the pad not the disc. So replacement is not just a case of swap out one set of discs and pads for another then bleed.
Clutches - there are two real options. One is BR, they have a very well balanced flywheel and clutch set that is equivalent in rating to the 1-77 clutch. The rest offer OEM parts which are pretty good, but not as good.
Although you are in NJ, it's only a few hours on a plane as long as you can avoid the devils ;-)
For a new clutch and brakes I would pay BR to fly over with a flight case of parts and go the work in the shop of your friend. Maybe even upgrade the exhaust system while you are at it!
sancho22 said:
I understand (to a degree) that the ownership is quiet rewarding but also expensive. Given my 15 years or so Porsche ownership, track driving etc. I am no stranger to high maintenance bills.
I watched some videos online, seen some posting here and elsewhere and opted for Autoglym products for washing/cleaning which are on their way to me. What is your experience with these? Seen some using Swisswax also. How do they compare to Autoglym?
I would like to get some additional advice on cleaning, maintenance and any useful suggestions you have please share.
One specific thing I would like to find out if there is a suitable brake rotor/pad kit which could replace (hopefully later) the OEM extremely expensive brakes.
Similarly any suggestion for cost effective but high quality clutch kit? I hope mine will last another 1-2 years but would like to learn more earlier so I can work with my friend who owns a racing shop and very capable for minor as well as major maintenance work. Unfortunately the closest non AM shop (licensee of Branford Rose) is in Arizona...
Thanks in advance!
Hi there and welcome. I have a 2012 V12V Carbon black. So far the only money I've spent on it is on service. Have had zero repair costs, running 3k miles/ yr. Most bullet proof car I've ever owned. A far cry from a previous F355.I watched some videos online, seen some posting here and elsewhere and opted for Autoglym products for washing/cleaning which are on their way to me. What is your experience with these? Seen some using Swisswax also. How do they compare to Autoglym?
I would like to get some additional advice on cleaning, maintenance and any useful suggestions you have please share.
One specific thing I would like to find out if there is a suitable brake rotor/pad kit which could replace (hopefully later) the OEM extremely expensive brakes.
Similarly any suggestion for cost effective but high quality clutch kit? I hope mine will last another 1-2 years but would like to learn more earlier so I can work with my friend who owns a racing shop and very capable for minor as well as major maintenance work. Unfortunately the closest non AM shop (licensee of Branford Rose) is in Arizona...
Thanks in advance!
My car is not a daily driver, and garaged. As such I use ONR to clean it and Gtechniq C2 for protection and it looks great. Of course I don't have to deal with your summer heat and winter cold/salt.
Is there something wrong with your brakes? I understand the CCMs to stand up pretty well unless you do something extreme.
In lieu of your photo (hint) I'll just post one of mine after a clean today.......
Well done on deciding to put your money in the brand you will not be disappointed in the v12 vantage 
had mine near on 3 years it's been a great car.. only issues being the condensation in front lights and led failure apart from that all good! I use swissvax products to keep it gleaming 
had mine near on 3 years it's been a great car.. only issues being the condensation in front lights and led failure apart from that all good! I use swissvax products to keep it gleaming 
phil bird said:
Well done on deciding to put your money in the brand you will not be disappointed in the v12 vantage had mine near on 3 years it's been a great car.. only issues being the condensation in front lights and led failure apart from that all good! I use swissvax products to keep it gleaming
what wheels are they? Nice! had mine near on 3 years it's been a great car.. only issues being the condensation in front lights and led failure apart from that all good! I use swissvax products to keep it gleaming 
HRE P40 SC in brushed tinted clear 
phil bird said:
Yes although 20" and the standard is 19" they are .. Sure from memory it was 1-1.5 kg. Recently had work done at Bamford rose (highly recommended 
!) they commented on how lightweight the wheels are the car also drives better on them with the lower profile continental tyres
Continental tyres? Which ones (I cannot see from the photo). !) they commented on how lightweight the wheels are the car also drives better on them with the lower profile continental tyres What made you do that rather than the Michelin Pilot Sport that seem to be chosen by most to replace the OEM Pirelli P-Zero Corsa?
JohnG1 said:
Continental tyres? Which ones (I cannot see from the photo).
What made you do that rather than the Michelin Pilot Sport that seem to be chosen by most to replace the OEM Pirelli P-Zero Corsa?
At the time the Michelin PSS was difficult to buy no one had any! So next option was continental contact 5. Great tyre would not hesitate to buy again What made you do that rather than the Michelin Pilot Sport that seem to be chosen by most to replace the OEM Pirelli P-Zero Corsa?
Welcome, I have had my Carbon Black for two years and I am still trying to find the best cleaning solution. Autoglym Polish leaves the car looking excellent with a deep lustre. In terms of the brakes they are really the best brakes going and suffer no fade when on a track and my cars pads are showing little wear. The lack of brake dust is also a massive benefit when it comes to cleaning.
My car is not a daily driver but I have completed several long journeys and on long journeys it is superb. The biggest challenge is keeping your license.
My car is not a daily driver but I have completed several long journeys and on long journeys it is superb. The biggest challenge is keeping your license.
petop said:
Washing cars......look at this guy. Well known for making it simple.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvqM4p5XKdXiug656...
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvqM4p5XKdXiug656...
Are yes, the two bucket wash.
Whatever happened to Paddy's car wash film?
After much initial excitement on this forum, have I missed the premier?
I hope that it has not all ended up on the cutting room floor.
Could he still be searching for the cast?
Jon39 said:
Are yes, the two bucket wash.
Whatever happened to Paddy's car wash film?
After much initial excitement on this forum, have I missed the premier?
I hope that it has not all ended up on the cutting room floor.
Could he still be searching for the cast?
I don't think that's a two bucket method.
Lots of good stuff guys - thanks!
Sorry for the delay in responding the site message said it will take 2 weeks to post my first posting. For some reason I thought I would get a notification of some kind, but that never happened so i finally checked. Still waiting for the approval to access/post on AMOC BTW.
OK back to business - I am not planning to track the car, although I am a certified driving instructor fro PCNA/NNJR and been driving for about 12 or so years on tracks in the US. I have other P-cars and will likely slightly modify a Cayman for double duty (had a track car but sold it).
So, the breaks will then likely last much longer than I feared. That is great news. I do love the car but have limited driving experience at this point and drive it 1-2 times per week only. All my other cars (all Porsches) have separate winter weeks and I drive them year around. This one will stay in the garage. It was an impulse buy and I am still pinching myself when I see it in the garage...amazing sound, driving feel, etc.
Love it BTW.
Sorry for the delay in responding the site message said it will take 2 weeks to post my first posting. For some reason I thought I would get a notification of some kind, but that never happened so i finally checked. Still waiting for the approval to access/post on AMOC BTW.
OK back to business - I am not planning to track the car, although I am a certified driving instructor fro PCNA/NNJR and been driving for about 12 or so years on tracks in the US. I have other P-cars and will likely slightly modify a Cayman for double duty (had a track car but sold it).
So, the breaks will then likely last much longer than I feared. That is great news. I do love the car but have limited driving experience at this point and drive it 1-2 times per week only. All my other cars (all Porsches) have separate winter weeks and I drive them year around. This one will stay in the garage. It was an impulse buy and I am still pinching myself when I see it in the garage...amazing sound, driving feel, etc.
Love it BTW.
Wanted to also check with you guys - mine does not have a clear-bra on it. I am concerned about rock chips etc so will likely add it including the windshield. Do you guys have it on your cars? It is not cheap in the US (especially considering the hood vents) but i figure with this special paint I better think long term.
sancho22 said:
Wanted to also check with you guys - mine does not have a clear-bra on it. I am concerned about rock chips etc so will likely add it including the windshield. Do you guys have it on your cars? It is not cheap in the US (especially considering the hood vents) but i figure with this special paint I better think long term.
Clear wrap is worth its weight in gold.
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