I have a 2005 Vanquish s and would like to convert the transmission to fully manual with a real clutch pedal. Has anyone seen this done or know of a contact that has done the conversion?


Thanks,


Bill

 

On a Aston would be quite the task i take it. I would say just sell and get 6 speed but i thought they only came in auto.

I am sure its possible if money were not an object. But if it is sell and get a db or vantage manual.

 

Aston Works Service have converted many to manual, and I've seen a few up close, but not driven any. At one time they sent a team over here to convert a bunch, but I don't think that's a viable option any more because of numbers.

I would do two things. First, check on the AMOC forum, and then give one of Aston's Heritage dealers a call. If anybody knows about conversions, it'd most likely be one of them. Check Aston's main site if you need a list of US Heritage dealers (there are at least two, IIRC).

 

ask Rob Sims at HWM,or Works.I have seen one being converted last May at NP,it comes as a large box a parts with all necessary items,work time was about 2/3 days.

 

My tech, Craig Newton, at the Aston Martin of Orlando dealership will do it. Tell them I sent you. Be warned it won't be cheap, though.

BTW: Last year, Craig was chosen as the best tech in the USA in an annual competition held by Aston Martin. Craig has recently been researching converting the new Vanquish to a manual gearbox as well and seems to think it is quite possible.

 

I spoke with Craig, he is checking with the Aston rep to see if he can buy the kit for the conversion. Thank you Karl for the contact and I will keep you informed


Thanks,
Bill

 

You have also got Ken Lovejoy a little closer to home just South of the Bay Area San Francisco. Ken is ex-main dealer independent and knows the Vanquish inside and out. PM me and I can send you his details.

 

Aston sends their tech engineers out from the UK to do the conversions in the USA. It requires cutting the floor pan, changing the center console, etc. They use the same Tremec 6 speed transmission that was standard in all Vanquish cars. Typically costs between $25k-$30K. I thought about converting mine. There is a Vanquish day at Newport Pagnell later this month and they'll have converted cars at the event.

 

I would love to see a Vanquish s that has had the conversion completed and ask the owner how he likes it

 

I know of an Aston owner based in the LA area that has a standard Vanquish with the manual conversion. He usually attends the North-South CA event: it occurs the weekend after Easter.

I'm not aware of a converted S in the USA. I was told about 25 cars have been converted. BTW I know Ken Lovejoy very well. He's maintained my Astons for nearly 15 years and lives nearby. He's a great resource, especially since the local Aston dealer is no longer a heritage specialist.

 

Thanks for the information. I would love to speak with Ken if possible. The CA. meet next weeks sounds like fun, where is it located?


Thanks,
Bill