Feedback on Vantage clutch upgrade?

[Leroy007]

Hi, I’ve only just come across this forum when searching pros and cons of clutch changes etc. My 2007 V8V is in for a clutch change in February. 60k same clutch no issues as yet. I don’t drag the clutch and no track runs. I’m used to the clutch and doesn’t trouble me.does not feel heavy to me. Not to say I wouldn’t feel the difference if I upgraded it. But no point for me I guess. Lighter fly wheel. Again yes it would improve Rev response. And yes the revs at present drop off slowly. But that doesn’t justify me spending more money. I just love the car. 380 bhp is enough for me. But more importantly,it looks stunning. That’s the reason I got it in the first place. I knew it wasn’t the quickest. Anyway. Different strokes for different folks. Enjoy your cars.

[Dewi 2]

Hello Leroy007.

Expect you are quite busy now with the new film.

I don't understand why you plan a clutch change, when there is nothing wrong. Have I misread something?
My suggestion is don't think about a clutch change, until your present one needs replacing. You seem very happy with everything.

When a clutch change is needed, replacing with a twin plate type is sensible.
With so much labour cost involved anyway, the extra for a twin plate is not too significant.
I thought the original clutch was not too heavy, but the far lighter pedal with a twin plate is a joy. The bite point is not as sharp either. They are the most noticeable aspects. More free revving is not so easy to judge.
If you get the usual gear chatter at low revs with your car now, this might increase with a twin plate, but we are told it is not a wear problem.

[David W.]

Worth a watch.

https://youtu.be/SQUbAiSgoLU

https://youtu.be/38dwuBZMsO4

Edited by David W. on Thursday 12th December 12:19

[V8V Pete]

Leroy007 said:

Not to say I wouldn’t feel the difference if I upgraded it. But no point for me I guess. Lighter fly wheel. Again yes it would improve Rev response. And yes the revs at present drop off slowly. But that doesn’t justify me spending more money.

I'll turn it the other way around and ask why wouldn't you get the better clutch when you can? I don't have exact figures but the difference in price between a standard clutch and a twin plate isn't huge and I suspect you can get a twin plate from a good Indy for less than a standard clutch from a main dealer.

The twin plate is lighter (even if you don't think yours is heavy you will much prefer the twin plate pedal feel), has better bite/modulation, will last longer, will not suffer judder as the flywheel will not overheat and distort and revs much more freely which suits the car/engine. Only possible downside is maybe getting more gear chatter. Personally, having test driven V12 Vantages with the twin plate clutch and experienced how much better it is, I upgraded the clutch on my V8VS as soon as it was out of warranty and long before it would have worn out because I wanted my car to be as good as it could be.

So yes, horses for courses, but why wouldn't you upgrade? If you haven't driven a car with a twin plate you don't know what you are missing.

[macdeb]

David W. said:

Worth a watch.

https://youtu.be/SQUbAiSgoLU

https://youtu.be/38dwuBZMsO4

Edited by David W. on Thursday 12th December 12:19

Hhmm, yes, worth a watch and I like that BR take time to inform owners of facts that otherwise seem shrouded in secrecy almost. But, I don't care much for questioning if an owner who takes care of his pride and joy should have such a car. For some it is a big stretch to buy and own their dream car and don't feel the need to thrash it to within an inch of it's life. Anyway, Clutch upgrade? Hell yes for the equal cost why not twin plate? a no brainer. I fitted a twin plate to my highly modified TVR (573hp/610lb) and it was an absolute delight to use. It is in my view something that the V8 Vantage should've had from the start, especially with it being so difficult to replace.

Edited by macdeb on Friday 13th December 10:02

Edited by macdeb on Friday 13th December 16:19

[EVR]

I'll just chip in with another variable: what about the double plate with SportShift where pedal heaviness is not an issue? Is it worth it?

[Jon39]

EVR said:

I'll just chip in with another variable: what about the double plate with SportShift where pedal heaviness is not an issue? Is it worth it?

Obviously the improved pedal aspect is not applicable, but if you intend to keep your car, you may benefit from the (on average) longer clutch life.
The significant mount of work involved in the clutch change, means the extra twin plate parts cost does not add a great deal more to the total bill.

[macdeb]

EVR said:

I'll just chip in with another variable: what about the double plate with SportShift where pedal heaviness is not an issue? Is it worth it?

My thoughts in theory it should also improve gearchange speed on a SS not having to exert so much effort.