Only gone and bought a Vantage!

[macdeb]

HBradley said:

Better still, get them to put in an AMR clutch with lightened flywheel, never need to worry about that ever again!

It's got me thinking,,,,,,, at least new friction plate (as I never had courtesy car plus the hassle) and then I'm thinking the lightened flywheel etc,,,,,, I'm not after something for totally free but at least labour and the clutch has to come away and it takes 30 mins max to fit once out. But I pushed my budget for the car in first instance (thinking I wouldn't have to be in this position, Doh)

[macdeb]

Dewi 1 said:

ChilliWhizz said:

VH02 AML said:

I can understand the benefits of the twin plate clutch (which also comes with its own downsides)

Hi, what are the downsides of the twin plate clutch please, I'm intending to go this route when mine eventually needs a new one...

Many thanks,

Chilli..

Whether this is always the case I don't know, but the low speed gear chatter that we are all familiar with, becomes worse.
It can even sometimes be heard at tick over, which never happened with the single plate.

Probably because a standard clutch from experience is generously spring loaded to cushion drivetrain transfer. Not sure why on tickover though but certainly under load at low RPM.

[macdeb]

ChilliWhizz said:

Mac, are you listening?

Go away, you're very good at spending my money

[macdeb]

Interesting and valid point, I'd like to hear any other experiences.

[macdeb]

The latest. Firstly I have to give a 'big up' for Richard Ellis at Charles Hurst in Belfast and Lucy at AM. (I'll get her second name) who have turned around what was a sorry state of affairs.
So thank you to them
It seems that a new engine is on it's way for my car which is a hell of a lot better than a repair and as a gesture of goodwill a new clutch assembly including flywheel. I was within an inch of refusing to accept the car but Richard and Lucy did as promised and I should have my car back within a couple of weeks
So, rewind, re-set, start again and I shall update with hopefully glowing reports
Thanks for interest and support guys, watch this space.

[macdeb]

Big Ry said:

Did they agree to the twin-plate and lightened FW or are you having the stock kit replaced ?

Either way is a result

I went round in circles a bit and it turns out that AMR only make the twin plate conversion for manual cars and not SS with no apparent plans to make one available. BR are fit and supply only, DAE would supply one but for almost as much as fitted. Also, being a main dealer They were not keen on such of which I completely understand (possible warranty issues, conflict of interest etc).
So, they have agreed to fit a complete OE clutch assembly as a gesture of good will of which I'm very pleased with. So, I'll have a Vantage with not only 7k miles but a new engine and clutch also. I must admit I so many times wanted to chuck it in but getting excited again now and I will be writing to Charles Hurst and AML to thank them and the people concerned, it's only right that credit is paid where due. Once it's back and all's well it will be a different letter to the one I had thoughts on when it was going tits up.

[macdeb]

Hmm, will do guys but, ,,, I'll reserve judgement on what's promised and what actually materialises. I hope they match and I 'will' know At least I know how to run an engine in properly and there is a right/wrong way.

[macdeb]

Well, it is scheduled to be delivered back to me tomorrow (Friday).

[macdeb]

Well, it's back home. Looking and sounding the bks. I have to thank and applaud Richard Hillis at Charles Hurst Aston Martin in Belfast for turning around a sorry tale. He has done exactly what he said he would and deserves credit as it's all too easy sometimes to complain, but it's how a company deals with an issue that matters.
Thank you Richard Hillis at Charles Hurst Belfast

[macdeb]

Cheers guys, definately up for midlands meet sometime or any other as I need to run it in (I'd like to hear your exhaust Pete). As for track days,,,,, well I've done all my track days on bikes so no plans for taking the Aston on one. Two wheels I can cope with (or even one) but four is too confusing.

[macdeb]

Actually there is another company I'd like to thank and that is CCRS who delivered, collected and delivered again the car. Quality outfit of which I'd have no hesitation to use or recommend. Could've sank a few beers with Steve I reckon, real petrolhead.

[macdeb]

This is more me, (well, it was)

Edited by macdeb on Monday 16th October 09:20

Edited by macdeb on Monday 16th October 09:21

Edited by macdeb on Monday 16th October 09:22

[macdeb]

Ahh, errr, photoshop? offisher