V8V Clutch question
Discussion
Firstly hello from a forum newbie,
Apologies if this topic has already been visited (it no doubt has but I can't seem to find it).
I think we are all aware that the V8 Vantage has a 'ahem' lower than average clutch lifespan, to that end I am the proud owner of a 2007 4.3 with 48k on the clock and I have no idea if it has had a replacement fitted. The clutch seems to be ok for now (fingers crossed) but I am doing some research in the interest of being prepared, the cheapest replacement for the standard part that I can find is <£1000.
Does anyone know a reputable supplier that can provide either the standard single plate clutch or the twin plate and lightened flywheel without having to have it fitted as part of the deal.
Thanks everyone.
Mark
Apologies if this topic has already been visited (it no doubt has but I can't seem to find it).
I think we are all aware that the V8 Vantage has a 'ahem' lower than average clutch lifespan, to that end I am the proud owner of a 2007 4.3 with 48k on the clock and I have no idea if it has had a replacement fitted. The clutch seems to be ok for now (fingers crossed) but I am doing some research in the interest of being prepared, the cheapest replacement for the standard part that I can find is <£1000.
Does anyone know a reputable supplier that can provide either the standard single plate clutch or the twin plate and lightened flywheel without having to have it fitted as part of the deal.
Thanks everyone.
Mark
Firstly, rules are rules...... We need pictures of your steed.
It's the law!
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=151...
Hope this helps.
It's the law!
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=151...
Hope this helps.
Aston V8V said:
Sorry I almost forgot, I believe it is standard to post a pic along with a first post. 
Nice!!!!! And good call on the pics rule.There's loads of info on clutches on here, as you probably know its a hot topic for people from time to time. The good news is the abundance of clutches available has made it easier to make our cars better than stock. So far, if you pick the right friction material, there are few bad choices.
divetheworld said:
Thanks, who would have though the search button would help me find what I was looking for. Time for another coffee to get the brain working.To be fair, the search feature on these forums is barely above useless - much easier to use google directly 
https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-ins...
https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-ins...
Aston V8V said:
I think we are all aware that the V8 Vantage has a 'ahem' lower than average clutch lifespan . . .
Mark
Mark
Welcome. Exciting times for you with your first Aston Martin.
I don't think 'lower than average' is entirely fair.
Top gear could wear it out in an afternoon, but a few on here have reported over 65,000 miles on the original, which must be considered quite good, when 400 BHP through a clutch is quite an ask. The high reverse gear means, be careful with clutch slip when going backwards.
Enjoy your car.
VelocityAP (http://velocityap.com/v/home).html has what you need. I just purchased their twin-disc / lightweight flywheel kit and will be installing it sometime after Christmas. It was not inexpensive. All reviews I have seen for it have been extremely positive.
I'll post my impressions after it is installed. I'm also having the VelocityAP exhaust headers and ECU tune installed at the same time.
I'll post my impressions after it is installed. I'm also having the VelocityAP exhaust headers and ECU tune installed at the same time.
Nothing wrong with the clutch in manual cars, managed 75k miles out of mine
cheapest parts might be £1200 ish, but theres a good day to fit, at an indy thats another £600-700...then likely you need the flywheel too, occasionally you might get away without. Thats another £600
Paid £2500 for new clutch and flywheel earlier this year
cheapest parts might be £1200 ish, but theres a good day to fit, at an indy thats another £600-700...then likely you need the flywheel too, occasionally you might get away without. Thats another £600
Paid £2500 for new clutch and flywheel earlier this year
Beautiful car... identical to mine!
My V8V had 52k on the clock when I bought it 14 months ago with no evidence of the clutch having been done (and anyone in their right mind would keep the evidence if it had been). It now has another 5k on the clock and is still fine.
When I enquired I found that David Appleby and Bamford Rose were both willing to send the uprated clutch kits by post for local installation. BR took weeks to reply but DAE were very helpful. Then I lost my job before making a clutch kit purchase, so I just have to cross my fingers that the clutch is ok until the oil price goes back up again!
http://www.davidapplebyengineering.com/v8drivetrai...
http://www.bamfordrose.com/v8-and-v12-options.html
My V8V had 52k on the clock when I bought it 14 months ago with no evidence of the clutch having been done (and anyone in their right mind would keep the evidence if it had been). It now has another 5k on the clock and is still fine.
When I enquired I found that David Appleby and Bamford Rose were both willing to send the uprated clutch kits by post for local installation. BR took weeks to reply but DAE were very helpful. Then I lost my job before making a clutch kit purchase, so I just have to cross my fingers that the clutch is ok until the oil price goes back up again!
http://www.davidapplebyengineering.com/v8drivetrai...
http://www.bamfordrose.com/v8-and-v12-options.html
When people say that they have <a lot of miles> on their clutch and it's fine - what is "fine"?
My car has 38k miles on (what I assume) is its original clutch. It's fine - in that it shows no signs of slipping - but it's sufficiently heavy that it sometimes makes the car fairly unpleasant to drive in traffic. That's the main reason I'm considering getting it changed in the new year.
My car has 38k miles on (what I assume) is its original clutch. It's fine - in that it shows no signs of slipping - but it's sufficiently heavy that it sometimes makes the car fairly unpleasant to drive in traffic. That's the main reason I'm considering getting it changed in the new year.
JS1500 said:
When I enquired I found that David Appleby and Bamford Rose were both willing to send the uprated clutch kits by post for local installation.
That's useful to know - I think I've concluded I probably do want a BR twin plate, but it would be much simpler to have it installed down here!bogie said:
the original clutch was always very heavy, from new my Vantage had the heaviest clutch of any car ive driven. The new Aston Marting clutch this year was a revelation, so light, like a "normal" car and much easier in traffic
New as in you got a new standard one or new as in you got an uprated/different one?Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff