Been a while since I was here, but I thought some of you would like to see a REAL clutch replacement A friend is currently getting the Countach clutch done, the first time we believe that it's been completed on this car (and, at 20k kilometres, that ain't bad...). Should be ready for a day out soon, but obviously the engineers are taking time to do other housekeeping jobs whilst the car's with them. This includes a bit of rust inhibiting and some new pipes and cables.

So, what does this procedure entail?....



"Funny, I thought the clutch was in the front...":



"So, the entire engine and gearbox comes OUT?!"



"And what's left inside the car?..."





"Oh. That'll be expensive then." Think along the lines of the cost of a small hatchback.

The photos show just how much room this massive V12 takes up. You can almost see the front spoiler from the boot, through the gaping hole. The two large grey boxes (left and right) are obviously the start of the cabin/seat areas.

Can't wait to get a drive in it again soon.

 

Makes you realise just how far cars have come nowadays and how crude they were way back when.

Interesting article in this months evo about that engine.

 

Cost of a small hatchback - £8-10,000?

I certainly hope they are doing more than changing the clutch, even if the engine does have to be taken out.

Or do Italian supercar bolts unscrew a special expensive type of way

 

Clutch and flywheel must be about £3k in materials?

 

Now that is a lump and a half!

 

The clutch (inc fitting) is around £6,000 ( I think it's £4.5k + £1.5k approx). In fact, that's pretty cheap for this model. The owner is expecting a bill of around £8,000 due to othr jobs that will be included whilst the engine is out.

 

Jesus.

8k????

Thats one hell of a way to dump money.

I would seriously enjoy a lovely holiday with them rather than change the clutch

 

Hold on there; this isn't quite the way to look at it.

For example, take a look at second hand values:

S2000 - @ £20k, will depreciate by at least £10k in 3 years. Now worth £10k

Countach @ £65k (2003) is now worth £80k (2011)

Who's dumping what?

 

Hold on hold on.

I agree. I am a petrol head too.

Look at my post. Just bought a 1961 Fiat 500D convertible. Serious money but appreciating like nothing else.

HOWEVER i think that I'd rather not own such a piece of exotica as buying it at 60K and fixing it for 10K then hopefully reselling at a profit is not my cup of tea

The factor is enjoyment. Does he use it?

 

Yeah, we do about 1000 miles a year on it now - charity events, Scottish Motorfair, etc... He'll never sell it unless it's absolutely vital for his wellbeing. He's had the car for 7 years. It's never let him down and is cheaper to maintain than his R35 GTR. Over that period, the clutch has been the only predictable component that needed changing. The tyres were also replaced last year and its serviced annually of course.