Vantage v8 4.7l clutch?

[m.barnes]

Looking at a 40k mile 4.7l v8 vantage and was worried about the clutch as the car is at the higher end of my budget (thought it worth the push to get into a 4.7)

The dealer selling (not AM dealer) said the clutches are stronger on the 4.7 and while this does ring a bell I am not sure whether it’s fact or the start of salesman bs.

I know there’s loads about the clutches and the lifespan varies massively but wondering whether the clutch expense will be very imminent with those miles?

Thanks.

[vernierMike]

I have to say I didn't think that was the case, at least there may have been improvement but it's still a single plate clutch on the 4.7 as standard. You'd need to upgrade to the twin-plate to get meaningful benefit, as I understand it.

[Dewi 2]

The clutch on my 4.7 failed at 17,000 miles.
Do not worry though, I think a PHer here has reached 85,000 miles on an original clutch.

Obviously we cannot know (with used cars) whether any previous drivers have been inconsiderate to the clutches, so the life is very variable. Just have to hope for the best, and avoid regularly reversing up slopes (high gearing). As you suspected, the salesman was not correct. It was a lighter flywheel which the 4.7 had.

If you do eventually need a replacement clutch, that is your opportunity to have a twin plate version fitted. More robust and a far lighter pedal action.
It can cause more gearbox chatter than is the norm (low revs driving), but I don't think any harm is done.

[bogie]

The OE clutch changed a couple of times over the years and the later spec was much lighter and nicer to use in the 4.3 and 4.7 - perhaps this is what the dealer is referring to.

My original 2006 4.3 clutch lasted 76k miles, I owned from 6k miles to 83k miles and it had a lovely smooth manual gear change

I changed to a 2012 4.7 manual that was 3.5 years old, 33k miles and history showed it had a clutch at 30k miles, so I assumed all would be fine. The gear change was much more notchy, particularly from cold. Had gear oil changed, dealer said it was "normal". At 53k miles the release bearing failed, so another new clutch after just 23k miles of careful use. Latest spec OE clutch, dealer fit, new oil, thought it would be an improvement.....nope, still feels as notchy and reluctant from cold as always. Fingers crossed, lets see how long this one lasts.....

At 40k miles, it could need another clutch in another 10, 20, 30k miles ...or more. I have read of a couple of cars that managed over 100k miles on original clutches. No-one really knows.....you just need to budget for one.

[m.barnes]

Cheers guys / girls

At least it means I have a response when discussing it that shows I have some knowledge. Going to view it tomorrow and just reading through my vantage definitive guide one last time!

[Dewi 2]

Good luck tomorrow Matt.

It has just occured to me, that I don't think you mentioned Manual or Sportshift.
Hopefully you know all about the differences. It is a 'marmite' choice.

If you want a Sportshift, I think I am correct in saying, that there is a way the workshop are able to estimate the remaining clutch lining thickness. Not possible on a manual.

If you would like to, please let us know what you decide about the car.

[m.barnes]

Well the car I was planning on viewing has come off autotrader so think I may be too late. Will give the garage a call when they open but reckon it’s gone.

Shame!

(Manual by the way)

[m.barnes]

Yep it was sold.

Not surprised, the spec was amazing and it’s now going to be a really hard task to find another that comes close