Introduction to the Vantage Clutch Life
The clutch life of a Vantage should be 40,000 miles if not more. The cars we have seen over the years that have achieved this have usually been one or two owner cars. The same driver with the same style. It’s easy for these cars to eat through a clutch in little time. When pulling away making sure the engine rev range and the bite point of the clutch are in harmony can be tricky and if they aren’t then the clutch will slip against the flywheel and this in turn reduces the clutch life.
The Impact of Heat on Clutch and Flywheel
Another issue here is by slipping the clutch, this creates too much heat, in fact, it will burn the clutch and create scorch markings of the flywheel. The flywheel needs to be perfectly flat and made in unison with the clutch plate for that perfect fit. Once burnt the shape of the flywheel will begin to change ever so slightly. If they are no longer that perfect match then again it will be easier for the clutch plate to slip, again more heat and again more wear. Ever-decreasing circles. As they wear the pedal feel will change too. This will become heavier and heavier. A top tip for when you are buying a Vantage.
You need a new clutch, what to do? If you are reading this then you have no doubt read a number of forums and listened to the world’s best bedroom experts and their advice. This will no doubt point you in the direction of a twin plate clutch. Everyone raves about how it transforms the car but we aren’t as convinced. The twin plate clutch is designed to be stronger and capable of dealing with more torque. It is also designed to help dissipate heat, an important aid. Aston Martin fit the twin plate clutch to the V12 Vantage. This is the same package being fitted to the V8 so it stands to reason it should last longer. The pedal should also feel lighter compared to a standard clutch plate, but is it too light? The problem here is that if you go from an old clutch with a heavy pedal to a new clutch, no matter what it is, then the pedal will feel like a dream anyway. We have received mixed feedback at this point. The pedal on a twin plate clutch is very light indeed perhaps too light? Clients have complained how they can’t get on with it and it’s easier to stall. The throttle pedals are fly by wire and they are light too. For example our very own Matt Franklin is not a fan of the twin plate. He also agrees the pedal feel is too light and for the difference in cost he prefers the original. But more importantly they can rattle and the noise will drive you around the bend. This is a real problem recognized by the factory. So much so that some of the dealer network have stopped supplying them. You have been warned.
There is no right or wrong here it’s all personal preference. By all means read all the forums you want but please make up your own mind, it’s an expensive choice.
Caution: Twin Plate Clutch and Sports Shift Gearbox
Speaking of right and wrong. DO NOT fit a twin plate clutch to a Sports Shift Gearbox. The Magneti Marelli system that operates the gear selection is designed to operate at a certain depth of clutch plate. The twin plate thickness is different. Many people have designed a spacer to help solve this issue unsuccessfully. The gear change can be very harsh and uncomfortable. It usually drives ok to begin with but if you drive your car often enough the characteristics will change. We have seen this time and time again, you have been warned.
In terms of servicing and costs they constantly change due to suppliers so please call us to discuss.