Current views on Twin Plates clutches for V8Vs and prices

[LPH]

I know this has been done before but maybe worth an update from people in the know?

Determined to use my car more, went off through the Peaks the other week, great drive but the clutch is a real pain. 2007 V8V on original clutch - which is very heavy. Have thought about twin plate clutches in the past but never committed to spending the money, however I think I need to do it to make me use the car more. It's not on its way out as far as I can tell, just heavy.

So what's the current views on the one to have an the costs?

My car has had all of its mods done at AM dealers by the first owner. So going to AM would make sense in that respect. However VAP units are cheaper AFAIK. £3600 fitted rather than about £4.5k at Aston. Is that correct?

Are there any noticeable differences in the function / driveability of the AMR v VAP? Does one give more chatter than the other? I believe this is a thing quite common with twin plates?

Are there any other options?

Cheers

Edited by LPH on Thursday 14th May 15:22

[yeti]

Also very interested in answers to this; I'm on the original clutch at 43k miles and with 6 owners presumably careful owners. Still drives perfectly and the heaviness doesn't bother me,

Although when I get back in the Mini, it feels like I'm nearly putting my foot through the bulkhead for the first few shifts...

I would REALLY like the lighter flywheel to make it easier to balance the revs on a downshift! At 43k, a change can't be far away.

[LPH]

Mine's only on 23k miles and I'm just the second owner. Compared to my other cars the clutch takes a lot of effort! I like the idea of a lighter flywheel too as the current setup does take a while to spin up.

Edited by LPH on Thursday 14th May 15:32

[LTP]

I've just recently had a twin-plate fitted yo my car, but as it's an SSII, I don't have a dog in the particular fight of this thread.

What I will say is my clutch was nowhere near worn out, but I'd heard that a twin-plate considerably improves a SportShift. So if it made the car better, and I don't plan to change it, why would I wait until the existing clutch is worn out before I make a change that could improve the car? This would apply doubly to those complaining of a heavy clutch pedal, or a heavy flywheel reducing throttle response.

Just something for you to think about.

[giveitfish]

I’ve recently been through this - 4.3 manual with 59k miles on at the time, was still on original clutch which was not slipping.

I had the Velocity AP lightweight twin-plate fitted, with the various prop bearings and gaskets which had to be replaced and seized bolts to drill it totalled £3436 + VAT = £4123.

- Very happy with DAE, it’s been back there for other work since (and it’s a 500 mile round trip)
- My old clutch was very worn so I timed it about right
- Biting point has not changed
- Pedal effort is reduced significantly
- Engine rev response is much improved, it’s almost race-car like
- Car is easier to stall with the lighter flywheel, have to add revs when using full lock in a car park
- Transmission rattle/chunter at idle is definitely a thing though, you’ll have to think carefully about that. It’s really quite unrefined which is not in keeping with the luxury credentials of the car. OK on mine which is a tuned weekend sporty driving car with a loud exhaust, might be less happy if city driving especially if trying to impress a passenger

All in all, not long back back from 1000 miles blasting around Scotland and no regrets.

[LPH]

giveitfish said:

I ve recently been through this - 4.3 manual with 59k miles on at the time, was still on original clutch which was not slipping.

I had the Velocity AP lightweight twin-plate fitted, with the various prop bearings and gaskets which had to be replaced and seized bolts to drill it totalled £3436 + VAT = £4123.

That's quite a bit more than the 'Car required for 24hrs. £3,000.00 + Vat including install' advertised on their site.

I wonder if the AMR version has less clatter? I don't think the flywheel is quite as light as the VAP?

[yeti]

LTP said:

So if it made the car better, and I don't plan to change it, why would I wait until the existing clutch is worn out before I make a change that could improve the car? This would apply doubly to those complaining of a heavy clutch pedal, or a heavy flywheel reducing throttle response.

Because money £££

If I get a year or two out of the current one I’ll be pleased. This year is bits and bobs like carpets and gearknobs and a bit more noise.

Maybe next year is the clutch and flywheel.