V8 Vantage slipping clutch

[tim006]

Hi guys,

I have an 06 plate vantage, which I have owned for a couple of years, and I have to say has been superb!!

I have recently noticed that the clutch is starting to slip when pushing the car hard. I have had a quote from Rick at Derby to rplace the clutch, which I am sure is reasonable, but before I spend a load of bear tokens, just wondering if anyone knows and better, and by better, i mean cheaper options?

Thanks all for your help with this.

[Siy]

depends on how much you have been quoted!

Rick always seems pretty keen on price, and has an excellent reputation. I think I may be in the same boat, so would be interested to know.

[tim006]

I think I am looking at about £2,500 which as I say, is not inconsiderable money!! I wonder if he would do 2 for the price of 1????

[Knights of Aston]

£2500 is pretty much standard through the network to be honest. OE stuff is always recommended over spurious.

[shunt]

Out of interest what mileage did you manage before the slippage started. I realise it's driving style dependant, just wanted to compare the 2.

[tim006]

Thanks Bamfordmike, I will contact you to find out prices of the various mods. Shunt fyi, the car has done 32,000 miles. I have to say that I certainly (on occations and with in the speed limit)!!!! give it some beens, but I by no means say I rag it without mercy!

[Neil1300R]

Does anyone know what became of the lightweight clutch that was being developed? There was a big long thread on it last year.

[bogie]

I think that particular development of clutch/flywheel pack had a few issues and never made it to production?!

[Murph7355]

BamfordMike said:

...
I appreciate you mention that this topic has already been discussed, but lets just say my past affords me some knowledge..

The problem you state could well have something to do with the factory not being able to afford the high performance part piece price cost for volume production. Also, the factory is often tied into parts procurement via Ford approved suppliers. So, if any of the parts in question here do not conform to pricing and supplier criteria it will not make it into production, regardless if the parts perform better than current. Don't forget the parts in question here are standard equipment for all Aston Martin GT4 / N24 race cars...

You may have some knowledge Mike, but the part bogie referred to wasn't, as I understand it, an Aston factory part. It was aftermarket.

Have you installed your set up on any road cars yet? And what sort of mileage have they done?

Race cars are very different beasts to road cars...their owners too.

Not suggesting yours isn't a good product. But 3.5k's a wedge of cash to risk on a test...

[millsjq]

Does the dual plate clutch require a light weight flywheel? Is this clutch available for both 4.3 and 4.7 versions.
My experience with light weight flywheels on Porsches, BMWs and others is that you do get a snapier throttle response you give up some driveability at low speeds(and possible ECM errors)and gain driveline noise (gear clatter). I think that most of us know that it is just a matter of time before our clutches expire it would be great to get feedback from road users for an alternative to the OEM clutch.

[007 Vantage]

Spec Clutch now has Stage 1, 2, 2+ available for the vantage ...

The prices are $2250, 2350, 2450 $USD for the three kits respectively. I will be getting the Stage 2+, its the best and is a kevlar/carbon hybrid that has better break-in than pure kevlar, and is a full disc, not an aggressive puck clutch. Its also a great deal and a high quality unit. The clutch engagement should be much more precise as the owner of Spec mentioned to me.

I see no point in replacing with stock clutch, you might as well upgrade instead of replacing with the same weak mushy clutch.

hope that helps

[BamfordMike]

Murph7355 said:

You may have some knowledge Mike, but the part bogie referred to wasn't, as I understand it, an Aston factory part. It was aftermarket.

Have you installed your set up on any road cars yet? And what sort of mileage have they done?

Race cars are very different beasts to road cars...their owners too.

Not suggesting yours isn't a good product. But 3.5k's a wedge of cash to risk on a test...

In that case I am extremely sorry to not have looked back at previous threads, I made the assumption that the word production used by Bogie meant / was code for factory.... sorry Bogie if what Murph says is the case..!

The distinctions between each user you state are correct, you raise valid points - Good discussion..!

After the success of the light weight flywheel and twin plate clutch during race development, it was upsetting not to carry this across to road cars. It was not through the want of trying and the benefit to the customer would have been immense. The twin plate clutch on manual gives much better / precise feel without being too heavy and returns better wear rates.

Has Bamford Rose fitted them to road cars, no, just race. Have I experience of the product on road cars, yes. A 4.7L Vantage I punished for over 38k road miles finished its life on the original twin plate clutch with wear to spare (the car died not the clutch).

I am committed to offering PistonHead members real value, so, I am prepared to offer the first light weight flywheel and twin plate clutch at a special price, with a retro fit guarantee F.O.C. if not fully satisfied, to the first PistonHead forum member to pick-up the phone and make a booking..! The feedback / comments posted on here from that individual will provide the acid test..!

All the best.
Mike.

[flyingjase]

BamfordMike said:

The feedback / comments posted on here from that individual will provide the acid test..!

I like your style Mike - nothing like putting your neck on the block to demonstrate commitment.

Unfortunately I had my clutch replaced last year so won't be able to take you up on your offer, but I'm sure another PHer will shortly.

I look forward to hearing the feedback!

[bogie]

nice to know there are other options out there, and £2K is certainly the best VFM ive read about for clutch replacement on a Vantage

...I was referring to another aftermarket supplier who occasionally posts on here, that was developing a LW flywheel and clutch pack, but it never materialised.....so the factory OE clutch kit has been the only option...up until now

ive done 55K miles on my OE one now, so maybe in the next year will be needing one

[Siy]

Hi Mike - I tried calling - left you a message.. I could well be in need of this. Thing is the car is a 57 reg, with 16,500 miles on it... I bought it in November and havent really driven it much yet. Can't tell how it was driven before, but I guess if it had a hard life, it could well need one already.

[millsjq]

Mike, Is the clutch available for both the 4.3 and 4.7? Is the lightweight flywheel steel or aluminum?

[BamfordMike]

millsjq said:

Mike, Is the clutch available for both the 4.3 and 4.7? Is the lightweight flywheel steel or aluminum?

Hi all.

Now that most of the different options have been outlined, I am instructed to direct any further questions directly for me to my sponsored area.

Mike