Long time lurker and a big enough problem got me to finally join the fun!

Recently had the VelocityAP twin-plate clutch/lightweight flywheel installed by an authorized/highly skilled Indy that specializes in AM. While running the tune, the car was unable to engage 5th gear from 4th. It seems every other gear (R,1-2,2-3,3-4) run great so the install seems to have gone well enough. The issue is the car fails to get to 5th gear.

Now, about the car - Vehicle is a 2011 V8 Vantage 6 speed ASM with 28.5k miles. A few times (maybe 3 or 4 times total), the car wouldn’t be able to execute shifts while driving. Instead, it would go into N, and shifting down then back to the correct gear seemed to correct it. Then it drove like nothing happened and was 100% operational until the next time it decided to miss a shift. Previous clutch was on its way out, so we assumed a new clutch would fix the issue. Long story short, it sounds like the old clutch had enough play to mask a transmission issue and the new clutch doesn’t have much give - making it unable to engage 5th at all. Unless we are completely missing something. Mechanic also mentioned there were metal shavings in the fluid.

What are the options for these 6-speed Graziano units? Is there anyone that specializes in rebuilding in the US (west coast)? Currently looking at used units, but feel like that’s a total gamble.

 

I also have a 2011 V8 Sportshift with about the same miles. I've not heard of anyone having similar issues. I have over 80 people on my Midwest Aston Martin Group and are not aware of any Vantage Sportshift issues in the transaxle. Could it be something with the mechanism that controls the gear shifting. I recently bought a 2016 V12S 24K miles with a two year Timeless Warranty and demanded records from the dealer who maintained the car for the last 6 years. One of the services was to replace the mechanism that controls the transaxle shifting about 4 years ago. Not sure what that problem, but they replaced the module. Maybe it's similar???

 

Lookup HCF Parts - I found them when I had a shift cable snap (though fortunately my transmission was fine).

 

Not a total answer, but I recall that my Foxwell unit could perform a gear shift check/learn on my 2015 V8V with SS2. It was done with the ignition on, but engine off. You could hear the gearbox repeatedly selecting a gear and then moving on.
i presume your installer has access to to similar software.
Just verifying that the selecting 5th problem exists with the engine off may remove another variable in the differential diagnosis.

philip

 

Contact Graziano and ask them.

 

That transmission was used in quite a few exotic car brands. You should be able to find a reputable shop with a few phone calls.