DIY Clutch Replacment and SportsShift Reliability Question

[millsjq]

A few questions from across the pond: I am interested in replacing my Porsche 997 with a Vantage. I drove a 2009 4.7 with Sports Shift and was pleasantly surprised on how well it worked. It appears one of the few “major” issues with the Vantage is clutch life for both the manual and sports shift, influenced much by the competence of the driver. The idea of a 5K bill is lurking around the corner on any used Vantage has given me concern.

Has anyone tackled replacing the clutch themselves? I have an above average skill level, having replaced a number of clutches, engine replacements, and rebuilding a score of 356 and 911 engines. I have a lift and air tools in my garage. Are any special tools required, is the Sport Shift clutch more challenging?

One additional question, the Ferrari F1 systems seem to have occasional but extremely expensive failures of the pump unit and the control unit. Is this a concern for the Vantage?

[rick-derby-]

Hi Jack, the V8 clutch could be considered it's weak point, But a good driving technique will give a good life out of it, I have customers who have done in excess of 50000 miles with no issues and some of these are the more spirited driver and some of these have enjoyed track days as well, so it is not a case of driving the cars very carefully but correctly, with the sport shift carrying out the simple clutch learn on each cold start is the key,
As for replacement the labour time is just shy of 10 hours, from your experience I do not see you would have any problems with replacement and can provide technical guidance if required,

[millsjq]

Thank Rick. I realize that the driver is the key ingredient in the life of the clutch. But buying a used Vantage I will never know if the previous owner was a "bone head" driver and have the risk that the clutch is near the end of life. Thanks for the offer for technical assistance if I need to perform a clutch r/r. Is there an access cover on the bell housing that will allow you to measure the clutch thickness or a tester somelike Ferrari has for thier F1 system. Any car I purchase will have a prepurchase inspection by an Aston specialist or dealer.

[mikey k]

On the F1 system you can interogate the clutch to get the 5 wear. Not sure if the AM one does as well.
Never heard of an AM hydraulic pump going.
BTW the F1 pump is a FIAT part
I do the clutch learn on mine as Rick suggests and always let creep mode do its thing
Reversing up hill also strains the clutch

[Dav_s]

How long should the car be left in neutral on start up for the clutch learn to take place??

[Knights of Aston]

From cold, about 10 seconds. You can do this as many times as you like.