Vantage V8 new owner, any driving tips.
Discussion
Hello everyone, I’m new to this forum and Piston Heads generally. I’ve just this week acquired a 2009 Vantage V8 with only 29000 miles on the clock but with 10 service stamps! I got it from a well regarded independent who has looked after it for the last 5 years. For the last 10 years I’ve driven big engined turbo diesel Jags and BMW’s, wafting along on oodles of torque managed by excellent automatic gearboxes. Now I’ve got this 4.3 petrol engined manual with a potentially dodgy clutch that costs thousands to replace.
Having read about the clutches occasionally burning out after 20k miles I’m a bit paranoid. A contrast to my Healey which I use in sprints and hillclimbs, dropping the clutch on the start at 4000 revs and never having a problem in 7 years. So any recommendations on how to drive these and avoid shredding the clutch is very welcome. It seems the clutch engages high up in the pedal release so you don’t want to get on the gas too early, but neither do you want the thing to die on you. Setting off in first is a bit jumpy too, but I guess I’ll get used to it. Low speed manoeuvring is not the cars strongpoint. Another oddity is starting from cold the engine revs high then gradually reduces to normal revs when the ecu decides its ok to do so. This can take a bit of time, do you wait until it’s done that before proceeding?
Anyway, it’s a learning process and all tips and suggestions are welcome. I love the car, it feels special
Thanks, Derek
Having read about the clutches occasionally burning out after 20k miles I’m a bit paranoid. A contrast to my Healey which I use in sprints and hillclimbs, dropping the clutch on the start at 4000 revs and never having a problem in 7 years. So any recommendations on how to drive these and avoid shredding the clutch is very welcome. It seems the clutch engages high up in the pedal release so you don’t want to get on the gas too early, but neither do you want the thing to die on you. Setting off in first is a bit jumpy too, but I guess I’ll get used to it. Low speed manoeuvring is not the cars strongpoint. Another oddity is starting from cold the engine revs high then gradually reduces to normal revs when the ecu decides its ok to do so. This can take a bit of time, do you wait until it’s done that before proceeding?
Anyway, it’s a learning process and all tips and suggestions are welcome. I love the car, it feels special
Thanks, Derek
Pics or it didn’t happen !
Welcome - this is a very friendly lot and very willing to help out. I assume yours is a sports shift ?
You’ve bought one of the most beautiful cars ever made, so enjoy every second of it.
I have a manual so no doubt someone will be along soon. Don’t stress about the clutch, it’s not rocket science to change.
Welcome - this is a very friendly lot and very willing to help out. I assume yours is a sports shift ?
You’ve bought one of the most beautiful cars ever made, so enjoy every second of it.
I have a manual so no doubt someone will be along soon. Don’t stress about the clutch, it’s not rocket science to change.
I've got a 4.3 and I don't give the car any revs pulling away - just release the clutch and the "anti stall" will kick in and give you the extra revs you need. Yes it means pulling away is more leisurely but it reduces load on the drivetrain.
I've read that reversing up hills is a clutch-burner but it's flat where I live so I don't have that issue.
Because the gearbox is at the back it takes a while to warm up, so my gear change is very notchy / difficult (especially 1st to 2nd) when cold. But once it warms up it's lovely. I had the clutch upgraded (Bamford Rose) last year and it's made no difference to the cold start notchiness !
I've read that reversing up hills is a clutch-burner but it's flat where I live so I don't have that issue.
Because the gearbox is at the back it takes a while to warm up, so my gear change is very notchy / difficult (especially 1st to 2nd) when cold. But once it warms up it's lovely. I had the clutch upgraded (Bamford Rose) last year and it's made no difference to the cold start notchiness !
Edited by S1-NOS on Friday 12th June 17:53
Healeyguy said:
Hello everyone, I’m new to this forum and Piston Heads generally. I’ve just this week acquired a 2009 Vantage V8 with only 29000 miles on the clock but with 10 service stamps! I got it from a well regarded independent who has looked after it for the last 5 years. For the last 10 years I’ve driven big engined turbo diesel Jags and BMW’s, wafting along on oodles of torque managed by excellent automatic gearboxes. Now I’ve got this 4.3 petrol engined manual with a potentially dodgy clutch that costs thousands to replace.
Having read about the clutches occasionally burning out after 20k miles I’m a bit paranoid. A contrast to my Healey which I use in sprints and hillclimbs, dropping the clutch on the start at 4000 revs and never having a problem in 7 years. So any recommendations on how to drive these and avoid shredding the clutch is very welcome. It seems the clutch engages high up in the pedal release so you don’t want to get on the gas too early, but neither do you want the thing to die on you. Setting off in first is a bit jumpy too, but I guess I’ll get used to it. Low speed manoeuvring is not the cars strongpoint. Another oddity is starting from cold the engine revs high then gradually reduces to normal revs when the ecu decides its ok to do so. This can take a bit of time, do you wait until it’s done that before proceeding?
Anyway, it’s a learning process and all tips and suggestions are welcome. I love the car, it feels special
Thanks, Derek
Why didnt you pick up and notice the "dodgy clutch" during the test drive?Having read about the clutches occasionally burning out after 20k miles I’m a bit paranoid. A contrast to my Healey which I use in sprints and hillclimbs, dropping the clutch on the start at 4000 revs and never having a problem in 7 years. So any recommendations on how to drive these and avoid shredding the clutch is very welcome. It seems the clutch engages high up in the pedal release so you don’t want to get on the gas too early, but neither do you want the thing to die on you. Setting off in first is a bit jumpy too, but I guess I’ll get used to it. Low speed manoeuvring is not the cars strongpoint. Another oddity is starting from cold the engine revs high then gradually reduces to normal revs when the ecu decides its ok to do so. This can take a bit of time, do you wait until it’s done that before proceeding?
Anyway, it’s a learning process and all tips and suggestions are welcome. I love the car, it feels special
Thanks, Derek
You really dont need to let the car sit on the drive waiting to warm up, it can be driven but just dont thrash it until it gets the engine and gearbox oil warm. pretty much the same as you would treat any car really.
JonnyCJ said:
Pics or it didn’t happen !
Welcome - this is a very friendly lot and very willing to help out. I assume yours is a sports shift ?
You’ve bought one of the most beautiful cars ever made, so enjoy every second of it.
I have a manual so no doubt someone will be along soon. Don’t stress about the clutch, it’s not rocket science to change.
.....” It seems the clutch engages high up in the pedal release........”Welcome - this is a very friendly lot and very willing to help out. I assume yours is a sports shift ?
You’ve bought one of the most beautiful cars ever made, so enjoy every second of it.
I have a manual so no doubt someone will be along soon. Don’t stress about the clutch, it’s not rocket science to change.
A manual then.
I had the first clutch last 73k miles. Did some trackdays and performance testing too. Maybe I was just lucky as ive had 3 clutches in my latest Vantage in less miles. I think what helps kill them for some people, is holding it on the clutch on hills without thinking. A bad habit ive seen some people do because they havnt got used to using the flyback handbrake on hill starts.
Reversing uphill is weird until you get used to it. As someone else mentioned earlier, engine has a great anti stall feature, if you are smooth on the clutch you dont need any revs to pull away and the car will happily potter along on tickover, no throttle. Its the same reversing up hill. With practice you can just let the clutch off, anti stall takes over, its actually disconcerting as it seems to accelerate a little, in reverse, uphill. I remember doing a touring holiday in the Nordics not long after I got my first Vantage, got stuck a few times with oncoming traffic on one way roads and reversing up really steep hills. It was like an intensive course in reversing without smoking the clutch. Must have done ok as the clutch lasted another 8 years
Otherwise just drive normally, if the gears feel a bit tight from cold, double de-clutch or go 1st to 3rd. I seem to remember there was a later spec of transaxle oil and a small mod on the gearchange somewhere between 2006 and 2009. Your car has had a good amount of services so hopefully was done or not needed.
Otherwise, dont worry just drive normally and enjoy the car
Reversing uphill is weird until you get used to it. As someone else mentioned earlier, engine has a great anti stall feature, if you are smooth on the clutch you dont need any revs to pull away and the car will happily potter along on tickover, no throttle. Its the same reversing up hill. With practice you can just let the clutch off, anti stall takes over, its actually disconcerting as it seems to accelerate a little, in reverse, uphill. I remember doing a touring holiday in the Nordics not long after I got my first Vantage, got stuck a few times with oncoming traffic on one way roads and reversing up really steep hills. It was like an intensive course in reversing without smoking the clutch. Must have done ok as the clutch lasted another 8 years
Otherwise just drive normally, if the gears feel a bit tight from cold, double de-clutch or go 1st to 3rd. I seem to remember there was a later spec of transaxle oil and a small mod on the gearchange somewhere between 2006 and 2009. Your car has had a good amount of services so hopefully was done or not needed.
Otherwise, dont worry just drive normally and enjoy the car
Healeyguy said:
Sorry, I should have said it’s a manual.
The clutch isn’t dodgy, that’s why I said ‘potentially’ dodgy. Regarding the ‘warming up’ It just seems odd to be setting off when the idle is still 1400 rpm
Here’s a photo of the car, It’s Meteorite Silver.
Lovely, congratulations.The clutch isn’t dodgy, that’s why I said ‘potentially’ dodgy. Regarding the ‘warming up’ It just seems odd to be setting off when the idle is still 1400 rpm
Here’s a photo of the car, It’s Meteorite Silver.
From McGurks? I was too slow on that one!
Yes it’s from McGurks, I saw it on Thursday and bought it on Friday, I only live about 15 miles from them so it’s very convenient. It was a bit of a spur of the moment thing as I’d been looking at Porsche 997 Gen 2 PDK cars and had just seen a very good example. The problem with Porsche I find is that they are just not very exiting When you get in them, it’s all a bit soul less, although with the PDK models you don’t have to worry about clutches or exploding engines!
Can somebody explain this anti stall feature please? I’ve managed to stall half a dozen times.
Can somebody explain this anti stall feature please? I’ve managed to stall half a dozen times.
I had an 06 for 6 years and never noticed an anti stall feature 
As others have said, Treat the clutch like on any other car and don’t go for full bore 11s every time you set off and you’ll be fine.
I changed one clutch in my ownership and I found the clutch had to be depressed a lot before engaging, and it would slip on WOT uphill.
A high clutch pedal is normal on these cars.
Enjoy in good health, really miss mine!
As others have said, Treat the clutch like on any other car and don’t go for full bore 11s every time you set off and you’ll be fine.
I changed one clutch in my ownership and I found the clutch had to be depressed a lot before engaging, and it would slip on WOT uphill.
A high clutch pedal is normal on these cars.
Enjoy in good health, really miss mine!
I can´t for the life of me make use of this "anti stall-feature" on my MY17 V8 Vantage S - if it exists, that is.
Not touching the throttle at all will result in a juddering car and loud "gravelling" noise from the propshaft so that I am led to believe I am honestly torturing the car. I made it stall a few times not using enough throttle and practically never tried it again. But even if I put in as little throttle as I could, I would feel the car´s unwillingness to move and therefore instinctively step on the throttle more.
But yes, I have heard from an owner of a MY16 that this feature exists. I personally cannot confirm this, but perhaps/probably I am just a bad driver.
No, seriously, congratulations on your purchase and I do hope you will not be disappointed about it.
Not touching the throttle at all will result in a juddering car and loud "gravelling" noise from the propshaft so that I am led to believe I am honestly torturing the car. I made it stall a few times not using enough throttle and practically never tried it again. But even if I put in as little throttle as I could, I would feel the car´s unwillingness to move and therefore instinctively step on the throttle more.
But yes, I have heard from an owner of a MY16 that this feature exists. I personally cannot confirm this, but perhaps/probably I am just a bad driver.
Healeyguy said:
For the last 10 years I’ve driven big engined turbo diesel Jags and BMW’s, wafting along on oodles of torque managed by excellent automatic gearboxes. Now I’ve got this 4.3 petrol engined manual with a potentially dodgy clutch that costs thousands to replace.
Brilliant move, then. No, seriously, congratulations on your purchase and I do hope you will not be disappointed about it.Edited by Emilio Largo on Friday 12th June 23:59
When I took mine for a test drive it like I'd only just passed my test! I was rubbish lol
And like many on here I've had dozens of cars inc some tricky ones but nevertheless was poor at first
It doesn't help that I'm quite a gentle machine operator, whereas a more positive approach is better with this car. As others have said,just go for it but don't ride the clutch
Incidentally I think mine has the anti stall but you do have to release the clutch gently to make use of it
And like many on here I've had dozens of cars inc some tricky ones but nevertheless was poor at first
It doesn't help that I'm quite a gentle machine operator, whereas a more positive approach is better with this car. As others have said,just go for it but don't ride the clutch
Incidentally I think mine has the anti stall but you do have to release the clutch gently to make use of it
Dunno whether the "anti stall" is a real "feature" as such, or just internet invention based on a number of owners reporting experiences.
Both my first 2006 manual 4.3 and later 2012 4.7 behave the same. Just ease off the clutch really slowly, no throttle, car does not stall and just drives away smoothly, forwards or backwards, even reversing up an incline. There is enough torque at tickover to move the car up to 10mph, even uphill.
This morning I went out, start car on drive, release clutch slowly, no throttle, drive up incline of my drive, turn left onto lane, still no throttle. car is doing 10mph on tickover all the way down the road. Didn't use the throttle until I got to the main road and wanted to go >10mph. Its the same in reverse or doing 3 point turn etc. No throttle input required sub 10mph, release clutch and it just drives on tickover revs.
Isnt that the same for everyone else ? Ive done >130k miles in both Vantages so far and assumed this is normal, not specific to my cars.
Both my first 2006 manual 4.3 and later 2012 4.7 behave the same. Just ease off the clutch really slowly, no throttle, car does not stall and just drives away smoothly, forwards or backwards, even reversing up an incline. There is enough torque at tickover to move the car up to 10mph, even uphill.
This morning I went out, start car on drive, release clutch slowly, no throttle, drive up incline of my drive, turn left onto lane, still no throttle. car is doing 10mph on tickover all the way down the road. Didn't use the throttle until I got to the main road and wanted to go >10mph. Its the same in reverse or doing 3 point turn etc. No throttle input required sub 10mph, release clutch and it just drives on tickover revs.
Isnt that the same for everyone else ? Ive done >130k miles in both Vantages so far and assumed this is normal, not specific to my cars.
When you started it up in the morning from cold was the car ticking over at 1200-1400 revs? Is this perhaps what some people are calling the anti stall feature? It’s really just the engine running with a richer mixture until warm, I cannot see how a manual car can have an anti stall system and if it does then it doesn’t work properly as I’ve stalled mine frequently.
bogie said:
This morning I went out, start car on drive, release clutch slowly, no throttle, drive up incline of my drive, turn left onto lane, still no throttle. car is doing 10mph on tickover all the way down the road. Didn't use the throttle until I got to the main road and wanted to go >10mph. Its the same in reverse or doing 3 point turn etc. No throttle input required sub 10mph, release clutch and it just drives on tickover revs.
Astounding. Must try the same next time, but I´m very much in doubt I´ll manage this. But then my idle speed will have come down to the regular 900 rpm (or whatever it is) when I am able to roll off. Does that make a difference?Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff