I have mixed feelings regarding this post as it may result in things unintended. As a caveat to this review, I am 56, have had plenty of seat time in open wheel race cars. I have driven my AM like all the other street cars I have owned and am particular about a few things. In every car I have owned I changed the oil every 5k miles or sooner depending on conditions. I am likely more familiar than many as to what wears a car and being a touch parsimonious tend to avoid conditions and behavior that may exacerbate wear. To that end, do not run the car at wot or rpm above 4k until completely warmed up (10-15min), Also, after a long trip or car sitting for more than two days, use the extended storage start procedure (thank you FoMoCo). The only issue I have had has been tie-rod replacement, failing cats, and intake air temp sensor and ac needs charged every 24 mos. so leak somewhere. Have had rockers and front resprayed twice. Have cracked rims twice and have one out of round now. This is due to country roads, thrown shoes (horse) and RR tracks. My shocks are worn but do not impede performance or drivability. The right rear bushing are only slightly more worn than 60k miles ago and is no more squirrelly than then. I changed plugs at 40k miles to non oem and have not changed since, however, it is soon time. I have not followed the AM recommended service schedule, as it is not designed for the way I drive and though I love the marque, feel no need to subsidize their service dept. I think this car was designed with much excess and unnecessary robustness for which I am thankful.

Sorry, a bit remiss not including a few more details. Second owner, 2007, fully optioned, high flow cats, AM power upgrade. I have covered 85k miles after acquiring 7 yrs ago. Clutch is original. I will check on plugs, they were reccomended by my indie garage. Also forgot to mention, replaced pads/rotors on front once and pads rear once. The rear pads and perhaps rotors will be replaced next spring. on 4th set of PSS's Also replaced all door, hood, and trunk struts. These I consider routine maintenance.

 

And the unstated but obvious , given 100k miles, is your love of the car

Well done

May you long enjoy your car - they are stunning

Graze

 

I think being honest on how you drive and maintain your car reflex's well with me! I admire you.

​​​​​​Most good cars are over engineered to protect the type of people that buy them....most threads on here are about breakdowns of everything but the engine...most complain of the stupid code lights but never fix till forced...I have read hundreds of these threads...god I have a boring life! Haha

I really enjoyed your frankness! I hope you reach 200000 miles and report more....evening

Duke

 

I just found a bent rim washing the car today ;/


That's 100k of pure pleasure. It's good to see these get driven. What year is it, and are you the original owner?


You also said you don't follow their service regimen but you change the oil twice as often as suggested. Is it the brake flush and other fluids you let go longer?

 

What do you mean by this?

 

there's a certain procedure you can use when starting the car after it's been sitting for a while. it will pop-up in a search for the term oo7 used.

 

It's not complicated, just hold the gas pedal to the floor while pressing the start button until the oil light on the dash goes out. That builds oil pressure before you start the car. The procedure is in your owner's manual.

 

Thanks.

 

I would believe it distributes the oil throughout the engine, but as soon as you back off the key you've lost pressure. If you [as read] let off the gas while still holding in the start you would keep the oil pressure, but it's only oil pressure built at [what is start rpm, 200?] low rpm so, not alot of pressure. Distribution of the oil would be the objective IMO, but I'm certainly no expert!

 

Strictly speaking, you're right, but the action of building oil pressure is what drives the oil throughout the engine. The end result of coating the engine with oil before the subjecting them to the loads introduced when the engine is driven by combustion is the benefit.

 

We're pretty much saying the same thing. If I'm ever not in the car for a week I may remember to try this, but it's my DD so probably unlikely. And I have a tough time waiting the 5 seconds for the traction control to turn off. Why can't I just one touch it's off?! AM safety engineering gone wrong.

 

oo7
you mentioned you changed sparkplugs to non oem,
what plugs did you use ?

 

oo7, have you changed your clutch? If so, at what mileage?

 

Sorry, a bit remiss not including a few more details. Second owner, 2007, fully optioned, high flow cats, AM power upgrade. I have cover 85k miles after acquiring 7 yrs ago. Clutch is original. I will check on plugs, were reccomended by my indie garage. Also forgot to mention, replaced pads/rotors on front once and pads rear once. The rears will be replace next spring again. on 4th set of PSS's Also replaced all door, hood, and trunk struts.

 

that's great work with the clutch! i have 46k on my v8v and still on original clutch.