Vantage Sportshift introduction dates
Discussion
Morning all, newbie here so please be gentle. Currently looking for my first Aston (as a retirement gift to myself) and have been reading as much as I can to help sharpen my focus. Looking for a Vantage V8 with the 4.7 and either manual or SSII. Reading above I appreciate SSII was introduced on the V8S but was (at least for a time) optional on non-S models. Is there any visual distinction between SSI and SSII that make it possible to be definitive as to which is fitted? Not all those retailing used examples appear to know whether what they're selling is the six speed or the seven.
Thanks in advance for any assistance.
Thanks in advance for any assistance.
I am not an expert on this, but think it is possible that the SS11 no longer had a gearbox oil cooler.
If correct, you could look in behind the rear number plate to see if there is an oil cooler.
If you are uncertain about SS or manual, on here the advice is always to drive both before buying.
Jon39 said:
If you are uncertain about SS or manual, on here the advice is always to drive both before buying.
Equally, if the dealer doesn't know something as basic as that about the car they are selling, then maybe better to go elsewhere....
I have a 2011 V8V 4.7 with SS1. It is six speed and a very enjoyable drive - accept not everyone gets on with it, but in my experience worth persevering with and after the first few weeks I've had 30,000 engaging miles since. 6 speed is adequate and on extended continental touring has returned 25mpg. As others suggested, try - I don't think you will be disappointed. regards, Dave
dwell said:
I have a 2011 V8V 4.7 with SS1. It is six speed and a very enjoyable drive - accept not everyone gets on with it, but in my experience worth persevering with and after the first few weeks I've had 30,000 engaging miles since. 6 speed is adequate and on extended continental touring has returned 25mpg. As others suggested, try - I don't think you will be disappointed. regards, Dave
I am with you. The only annoying thing is the box in D is annoying after 3 minutes. Rarely, but some times I would love to have a good auto box.Thanks all. Yes, fully intend to drive both but was really wondering whether there's anything that would enable me to distinguish between the two (I & II) from photos. Agree perhaps anyone selling should be able to answer that, and a drive will identify, but I was hoping to draw up a short list before calling never mind visiting. Living at one end of the country means that some of my potential targets are five or six hours away.
Out of interest, another forum I've belonged to has a member 'service' where if something of interest is half way across the country, a local member will take a look and report back with their opinion. Is this something members here might entertain?
Out of interest, another forum I've belonged to has a member 'service' where if something of interest is half way across the country, a local member will take a look and report back with their opinion. Is this something members here might entertain?
dwell said:
I haven’t used D (or comfort!) since that first week - always the paddles, very engaging ??. Dave
+1 - agree with dwell. And I would suggest getting the BR twin plate clutch and flywheel conversion when you have to replace the clutch. That being said, i have not yet had to battle with a long traffic jam where some find the SS a bit of a pain. It's good to do the "clutch learn" a couple of times from cold which I find helps.Squareroot said:
+1 - agree with dwell. And I would suggest getting the BR twin plate clutch and flywheel conversion when you have to replace the clutch. That being said, i have not yet had to battle with a long traffic jam where some find the SS a bit of a pain. It's good to do the "clutch learn" a couple of times from cold which I find helps.
All valid advice. I am investigating my clutch options right now.Old Chimer said:
... wondering whether there's anything that would enable me to distinguish between the two (I & II) from photos.
Well, if you were looking for either a V8 Vantage S or a "facelifted" V8 Vantage from MY2012.25 onwards, then it would be quite easy really: If the car in question is a Sportshift, then it will definitely be a Sportshift II.Theoretically there is another visual difference, but I am afraid this will be no great help: Six speed gearbox cars have an additional rear oil cooler which is visible when you look through the rear mesh which sits in front of the exhaust backbox. So, if the car in question is a Sportshift and it has got this rear oil cooler, then it´s a six speed Sportshift I. If it doesn´t, then it´s a seven speed Sportshift II.
Emilio Largo said:
Well, if you were looking for either a V8 Vantage S or a "facelifted" V8 Vantage from MY2012.25 onwards, then it would be quite easy really: If the car in question is a Sportshift, then it will definitely be a Sportshift II.
Theoretically there is another visual difference, but I am afraid this will be no great help: Six speed gearbox cars have an additional rear oil cooler which is visible when you look through the rear mesh which sits in front of the exhaust backbox. So, if the car in question is a Sportshift and it has got this rear oil cooler, then it´s a six speed Sportshift I. If it doesn´t, then it´s a seven speed Sportshift II.
Actually, that's a great help, thank you Theoretically there is another visual difference, but I am afraid this will be no great help: Six speed gearbox cars have an additional rear oil cooler which is visible when you look through the rear mesh which sits in front of the exhaust backbox. So, if the car in question is a Sportshift and it has got this rear oil cooler, then it´s a six speed Sportshift I. If it doesn´t, then it´s a seven speed Sportshift II.
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