Vantage GT8 Gearbox - Which One?

[Slickhillsy]

Evening all...

Would greatly appreciate ownership perspectives on GT8 manual vs SS3. On a bit of a journey for a new motor, 10 epic years with a 430 Scud and now feeling something new. Always loved Aston as a brand especially the special Vantages. I'm a big lover of old school motoring (also had 2 x 997 GT3's and loved the manuals in those) so the GT8 ticks many boxes, but having enjoyed the Scuds gearbox am not against a SS3 (but current thinking is I really want a manual).

So. Now to the conundrum....

I love the spec of this car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306208...

and this isn't bad either:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305107...

But they're SS3

Whereas this car is a manual but a more subdued spec. I do still like it, just not as much as the others:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307099...


Reports on how good the manual is vary, from good to heavy and a bit clunky. SS3 is more of a know quantity. Is the manual the one to go for and just suck it up in terms of the spec or go down the SS3 / awesome spec route and not look back?

Also. I have also considered the white car and retro fitting / paining Halo accents - but realise that's quite some rabbit hole (might be worth exploring)

Any thoughts or view greatly appreciated. M

[Dewi 2]

Slickhillsy said:

Evening all...

Would greatly appreciate ownership perspectives on GT8 manual vs SS3. On a bit of a journey for a new motor, 10 epic years with a 430 Scud and now feeling something new. Always loved Aston as a brand especially the special Vantages. I'm a big lover of old school motoring (also had 2 x 997 GT3's and loved the manuals in those) so the GT8 ticks many boxes, but having enjoyed the Scuds gearbox am not against a SS3 (but current thinking is I really want a manual). ...

If I wanted a GT8 manual, I would be waiting for the colour that I wanted.
It appears 68 of the 80 RHD cars are manual, so the odds appear to be in your favour.

The V8 pedal is fairly heavy and the initial 1st to 2nd change can be a little stiff. but only until the oil is warm.
A replacement twin plate clutch solves the heavy pedal and should also last longer.

[Calinours]

Slickhillsy said:

Evening all...

Would greatly appreciate ownership perspectives on GT8 manual vs SS3.
I love the spec of this car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306208...

and this isn't bad either:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305107...

But they're SS3

SS3 is more of a know quantity. Is the manual the one to go for and just suck it up in terms of the spec or go down the SS3 / awesome spec route and not look back?

Any thoughts or view greatly appreciated. M

SS3 was V12 only. The version of the ASM system in the 7speed V8’s was SS2. AFAIK the only real difference is that the torquier, smoother V12 came with a twin plate clutch and lighter flywheel as standard.

[alscar]

I have a manual GT8 and have also had a 997.2 GT3 CS manual.
The Porsche also wasn’t brilliant at cold but when warmed up was “better” than the Vantage’s when warm.
I’ve also had a SS3 V12 Vantage.
The GT8’s that tend to take longer to sell are usually the SS’s.
The manual ones also tend to sell for more especially if the spec / colour adds to the occasion.
The GT8 is not the fastest Aston but the noise and the driving feel is pure theatre.
If you are into Track days then the db may prove an issue.
If the spec isn’t to your liking in terms of adding colours to contrast then obviously that is doable.
I specced mine from new from the factory and then had AM Works add fine line lacquer paintwork to the aero package and also some additional work inside.
I think longer term the manuals will still remain more desirable and may even increase more as a consequence.
I had the 997 for 9 years and the GT8 coming up to 7 next year but I can’t see me ever selling it.
I think if you drive both back to back you would go manual.

[IainWhy]

the gt8 uses the same box as other vantages, for me the shift was too slow and too heavy as standard, the clutch is also poor as standard. A twin plate clutch and some modification to the lever and know solve all these issues. Once warm i am now very happy with the gear shift on mine.

[XJR500bhp]

Try and get a car with the three big options…

Centre lock wheels, titanium exhaust and carbon roof

The cars for sale lack some of the big options and are not as desirable.

They are amazing to drive by the way, I adore them

[cayman-black]

The first ones a nice spec the second one I like the inside and miles, the white one I just dont like.

[Davil]

That white one is so nice and very very stylish. Don’t care for the other two, especially the blue highlight one. They are very “look at me” and not in a good way.

I think it’s just the same as the V8 manual gearbox. Mine is a MY18 and I really like it. I don’t have the problem going into 2nd gear and it’s a very satisfying shift. I suspect many improvement were made over the years and the GT8 is quite late so I’d imagine it is a good ‘un.

[Jon39]

Davil said:

I think it’s just the same as the V8 manual gearbox. Mine is a MY18 and I really like it. I don’t have the problem going into 2nd gear and it’s a very satisfying shift. I suspect many improvement were made over the years and the GT8 is quite late so I’d imagine it is a good ‘un.

GT8s were introduced in 2016, therefore the manuals as you say 6 speed, so going into 2nd is straight line and only slightly notchy when oil is cold.
This model appears to have had very low depreciation, especially the manual.

[KevinBird]

This is worth a read https://www.instagram.com/p/CTFNMCtqUlJ/?igshid=Nz...

[Davil]

KevinBird said:

This is worth a read https://www.instagram.com/p/CTFNMCtqUlJ/?igshid=Nz...

Excellent. Young Instagrammer requiring gratification and validation not familiar with analog road cars that give you all the feels thinks he is buying a track special with all the driver’s aids and the turbos and technology. He should be tasered by Cammisa for not getting it.

In other news, here is a man with very very tight trousers and the upper body of a light bulb taking us through that lovely white GT8. Ooh I like that one.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=71A_ew3MMAg

[cayman-black]

The white one has gone, did you buy OP? Does look great in the video.

[Davil]

Just noticed it had gone too. It looks suspiciously like Andy Palmer’s old GT8 per this video. I went to check the ad, hence also realised it had gone.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=O4WJvXO2HDQ

[Jon39]

Davil said:

Just noticed it had gone too. It looks suspiciously like Andy Palmer’s old GT8 per this video. I went to check the ad, hence also realised it had gone.

Might be able to verify that, if anyone can remember the mileage of the advertised car.

https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/results?regis...

Does any AP connection make it worth more, or less ? -

[Vulcan06]

Davil said:

KevinBird said:

This is worth a read https://www.instagram.com/p/CTFNMCtqUlJ/?igshid=Nz...

Excellent. Young Instagrammer requiring gratification and validation not familiar with analog road cars that give you all the feels thinks he is buying a track special with all the driver’s aids and the turbos and technology. He should be tasered by Cammisa for not getting it.

In other news, here is a man with very very tight trousers and the upper body of a light bulb taking us through that lovely white GT8. Ooh I like that one.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=71A_ew3MMAg

Francois Perrodo is not a young instagrammer requiring validation.

[AstonV]

Davil said:

In other news, here is a man with very very tight trousers and the upper body of a light bulb taking us through that lovely white GT8. Ooh I like that one.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=71A_ew3MMAg

Those trousers do not look comfortable. Beautiful car though.

[Mr.Tremlini]

Slickhillsy said:

Evening all...

I have also considered the white car and retro fitting / painting Halo accents - but realise that's quite some rabbit hole (might be worth exploring)

Yes, also in my opinion the other two are more vibrant, but the white one could indeed be sexed up with a bit of graphic treatment, which to my mind suits the nature of the GT8. If you want a subdued silver version that`s also fine but the GT8 is no shrinking violet.

KevinBird said:

This is worth a read https://www.instagram.com/p/CTFNMCtqUlJ/?igshid=Nz...

"Sausage on wheels" Haha, probably the most unflattering thing ever written about a Vantage, especially a GT8! Of course hereby lies the difference of perspective, as I dare say that should I get behind the wheel of a GT8 I`d be smitten, but I am not a Le Mans racing billionaire with an exhaustive car collection like Perrodo.
The crucial thing is to maintain your own perspective and experiences, as we as individuals know what we like, and that`s what`s important.