This is a minor issue but it took me a moment to track it down.
The linkage to the valve lost the clip (e-clip or snap clip) that keeps the two parts together.

I tried getting under the car to put a new clip on but just can't get enough leverage to get it done.

I realized I had a problem based on the tinkling sound coming from the rear end during idle. Localized it to the driver's side exhaust and took a peep and saw I was missing the clip.

Any suggestions? I'd rather not take it to the dealer to get it done since it's such a simple job.

 

why not take it to a competent shop that's got a lift? when i wanted to have the transmission oil changed i took my vantage it to a foreign auto specialist shop and they had no problem changing the trans oil.

the nice part is that they don't often get a chance to work on an aston and can be very accommodating. IIRC, i got under the lift with the mech and showed him what i wanted to have done. try that at an aston dealerhip sometime. you won't even be offered the slightest opportunity to even SEE someone with grease on their hands!!!

 

Interestingly, I called the Aston dealer and their first response was that the valves were a nonserviceable part. I had to explain that it wasn't the valve itself that failed but all that was needed was a 25 cent clip to hold the linkage in place.

 

i don't think Aston dealerships sell $.25 parts. they are more like an exclusive nightclub with a $100 cover charge and a two drink minimum.

 

So I've learned!

 

If you can get to the side that is still working, remove the clip and head to Ace or another local hardware store. Get a couple of the clips, go home and reassemble both sides. If you're having trouble getting under the car, get a set of ramps that you can back onto to get the car in the air. That's still cheaper (and more satisfying) then taking to someone else and paying them to do it.

 

Managed to get under the car, but simply could not get the clip to snap in place. Sadly, it seems the muffler may need to come out to get the proper leverage. I don't have a lift, and I can't be bothered to go through the hassle of finding a third party apart from the dealer to get it done.

 

Fixed!! No Charge!

 

As a follow up to this. The c-clip fell off. So the valve will probably need to be replaced.

Here's what I'm looking at:

1. I can try a more permanent repair to keep the linkage in place. This is the immediate "cheapest" fix that won't require removal of the muffler. This may fail though. So it will wind up as temporary at best if does fail again.

2. I can pull the muffler and have a welder repair the linkage.

3. Similarly to option 2, I can pull the muffler and replace the valve (wield in a new valve).

4. The final option is to replace the entire exhaust manifold. Part No.: BG33-5230-AC. This is a valved muffler.

This is where my question comes in.

My car is a 2015 Vantage V8S with the sport muffler.

Does anyone have any knowledge on the sound of the comparable muffler made by Velocity AP?

I absolutely adore the sound of my current (stock) sport muffler and don't won't to change that sound.

So if I need to replace the muffler and it's going to change the sound, I'll simply go with the Aston branded muffler.

All comments are welcome.

Thanks

 

Keep it OEM so you managed to attach the link rod to the valve and it worked for a few weeks? I would try it again and get some stainless safety wire and perhaps safety wire pliers and do a little practice securing the 2 together so it appears race quality. Then match the other side.

 

Yes. Worked for a few weeks. Safety wire is a good thought. I need something that is going to allow the link to operate but still keep the coupling intact.

I'll let everyone know how this goes.

 

I replaced my 2015 sport muffler with Larini valved back box and secondary cat delete pipes. It sounds great, much more volume than the stock box, but probably much of that is due to the cat deletes, civilized when driving normally, but really wakes up when you get on it. I left the exhaust fuse in place so the valves work as normal. I know Velocity mufflers are x piped. I learned the hard way that an x pipe completely destroys the signature Aston sound. I would be hesitate of the Velocity box without hearing it first.

 

This is good info. I did see the X-pipe on the velocity muffler. So, I'm a little wary too.

 

I installed an x pipe cat delete and was so disappointed. I assumed it was the factory muffler, that's how I ended up with the Larini. Car was basically as silent as a family sedan, it howled at around 3000 - 4000 RPM and above, but much below that it was very quiet. Lot of money learning the hard way. I spoke with both Quicksilver and Larini and was told that's why they won't sell and x pipe for the AM. Many on here will disagree and like the x pipe sound. On the plus side the Larini is extremely light, like 25 lbs or so, the factory back box is something like 65 lbs if I remember. Hind sight I would have just did secondary cat deletes and kept the factory box.

 

This is one of the distinct differences between the 4.3 and the 4.7. On the 4.3, 200 cell cats (no secondary cats to delete) make a huge difference in sound, even with the factory mufflers. I added a Velocity x-pipe to my 07 as the tone with the 200 cell cats installed was quite raspy. It helped smooth things out a bit, but there is still a lot of rasp. The 200 cell cats are currently on a shelf while I debate reinstalling them.