DB9 Volante - new clutch, suspension and subframe refurb

[Green9]

It’s been the summer I’ve been dreading financially but I’ve finally bitten the bullet and got a new clutch put in (yes it’s a manual), rear subframe shotblasted and painted plus new Vantage Engineering suspension all round. Made “man-maths” sense to do it all at once, car comes back next week so will report back with my thoughts but it’s now done 65k miles over 16 years and I’m trying to convince myself it’s a future classic and therefore justifiable…

I told my wife it’s just gone in for its annual service. That also seemed to make sense to me…

[Jon39]

Do manual DB9s have twin plate clutches as standard ?

I guess so, because the V12 Vantage has a twin plate.

[Green9]

Yes, that’s correct Jon - I did check that.

[Finding Neutral]

Good that it’s all done now though. Something less to worry about.

What did they rush you for the subframe out of interest ?

[BiggaJ]

I take it the car is being handled by VE. if so, you may also find a lot of other things have been tweaked that they have picked up while having a good look over it.

For me none of it was charged but the car came back better than when it went in.

Have you gone the whole hog with the subframe or opted for their remedy which should give a few years extra life before complete removal?

[Green9]

Not sure of final costs yet as collecting next week but it was full subframe-out, shotblasted, repainted. Will post some before and after photos when I get a chance.

The main issue during the job was seized, rusted nuts/fixings and they nearly had to take the engine out to do the clutch (due to two seized bolts on top of bell-housing) but managed to get a specialist to drill them out and repair them, thankfully.

All done by Phoenix AM near Basingstoke who’ve serviced it for me for last few years.

Interested to see what the Vantage Engineering suspension is like after the crap original Multimatics…

[BiggaJ]

Green9 said:

Not sure of final costs yet as collecting next week but it was full subframe-out, shotblasted, repainted. Will post some before and after photos when I get a chance.

The main issue during the job was seized, rusted nuts/fixings and they nearly had to take the engine out to do the clutch (due to two seized bolts on top of bell-housing) but managed to get a specialist to drill them out and repair them, thankfully.

All done by Phoenix AM near Basingstoke who’ve serviced it for me for last few years.

Interested to see what the Vantage Engineering suspension is like after the crap original Multimatics…

Yes, I use Paul at Phoenix, he's very good and reasonably priced.

Is Paul fitting the VE shocks for you also? I guess you know they are fully adjustable for anti dive, bump stops etc. So will need setting up once installed.

[Green9]

A couple of before and after (or nearly after) photos in case anyone’s interested.

I may be being a bit dumb, but doesn’t the Volante have no rear anti-roll bar as standard? I’ve got a funny feeling Paul at Phoenix AM is installing one as a surprise upgrade!

Any feedback on the photos welcome as I haven’t had the bill yet!

[Green9]

[Green9]

[Green9]

[Green9]

[Green9]

[Rappa]

Matt,

It looks great. Mine is the same age and no doubt it will be something that will have to be done.

Sean

[BiggaJ]

Looking good.

[Phuketpaul]

Green9 said:

A couple of before and after (or nearly after) photos in case anyone’s interested.

I may be being a bit dumb, but doesn’t the Volante have no rear anti-roll bar as standard? I’ve got a funny feeling Paul at Phoenix AM is installing one as a surprise upgrade!

Any feedback on the photos welcome as I haven’t had the bill yet!

The Volante does not have a rear anti roll bar as standard, what makes you think he is installing one? The photo of the anti roll bar is the front one unless yours is the only DB9 with rear wheel steering! ;-)

[Green9]

Good spot! I assumed that the ARB photo was the rear end of the car as we hadn’t agreed to have the ARB shotblasted. Anyway, makes sense I guess!

[Phuketpaul]

It is a great upgrade though, I've just upgraded the chassis strength and fitted a rear anti roll bar on my Volante and its feels so much better than before.

[Riddochg]

My o6 Vantage was just trailered off to David Appleby for the same treatment.

Twin plate clutch, subframe refurb, Nitron shock rebuild, new central exhaust section, new discs and pads......

Looking at about £7k ish. Not great but given I've put 70,000 miles on it as a daily driver not too bad.

[Green9]

Interesting to hear! Sadly I suspect mine is going to be a little north of £7k but will reveal all next week hopefully…