🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Aston Martin

Model:

V8 Saloon

Production Years:

1977-1989

Chassis Codes:

V8 Series 3 & 4 variants (specific VIN ranges would apply but are not detailed in product info)

Engine Family:

Aston Martin V8

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Owners of Aston Martin V8 Saloons from 1977-1989, independent workshops specializing in classic British sports cars, and automotive restoration professionals.

Value Proposition:

Provides comprehensive, factory-authorized repair information, essential for maintaining and restoring a high-performance, low-production vehicle.

Completeness:

Covers all styles and variants within the specified production years.

Accessibility:

Digital format offers instant access, eliminating shipping delays and costs associated with physical manuals.

User Friendliness:

Numbered instructions, bold figure numbers, and a detailed table of contents facilitate easy navigation and procedure execution.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

Page Count Estimation:

Hundreds of pages (exact count not specified, but indicative of a comprehensive document)

Printability:

Printable without restriction

Platform Compatibility:

PC-based Windows operating systems and Mac

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Service Repair:

Detailed procedures for maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of the V8 engine.

Transmission Service Repair:

Coverage for gearbox overhaul, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Brake System:

Repair and maintenance of braking components, hydraulic systems.

Electrical System:

Diagnosis, repair, and troubleshooting of the vehicle's entire electrical network.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for accurate fault finding.

Suspension:

Maintenance and repair of front and rear suspension components.

Steering:

Procedures for steering system diagnosis and repair.

Cooling System:

Service and repair for the engine's cooling apparatus.

Fuel Injection System:

Detailed information on fuel delivery and injection system maintenance and repair.

Fuel System:

Maintenance and repair of the entire fuel delivery network.

Emission System:

Information related to emission control components and troubleshooting.

Heater Air Conditioning:

Service and repair of HVAC systems.

Engine Control System:

Diagnosis and repair of engine management electronics (likely for later models with more advanced ECUs).

Chassis Body:

Repair and maintenance procedures for the vehicle's structural components and bodywork.

Restraint System:

Information pertaining to seatbelts and potentially early airbag systems.

Interior:

Procedures for interior trim, fittings, and components.

Differential Drive:

Service and repair of the rear axle and drive components.

Axle:

Specific axle maintenance and repair procedures.

General Maintenance:

Routine service tasks, fluid checks, and adjustments.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common problems.

Complete Disassembly Reassembly:

Step-by-step instructions for full component and system overhauls.

Periodic Lubrication:

Lubrication schedules and specifications for all key components.

Detail Level:

Comprehensive, factory-level detail suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

Illustrations:

Includes hundreds of detailed illustrations, drawings, and photos.

Diagnostic Support:

Specific troubleshooting guides and electrical system diagnostics.

Notes Cautions Warnings:

Critical safety and procedural information highlighted throughout the manual.

Substep Expansion:

Detailed substeps provided for complex repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Delivery Method:

Instant download link post-payment

Software Requirement:

Adobe PDF Reader

Portability:

Savable to hard drive, burnable to CD-ROM

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Print Quality:

Professional quality, high-resolution scans/digital source.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Aston Martin V8

Displacement:

Approximately 5.3 liters (5340 cc) for most models in this range. Specific variants might have slight variations (e.g., V8 Vantage, Vantage Volante).

Horsepower Range:

Typically 280-315 bhp (gross) depending on variant and emissions equipment. Exact figures vary by year and specific engine tune (e.g., Weber carburetors vs. Bosch K-Jetronic).

Torque Range:

Approx. 360-380 lb-ft (gross). Precise figures depend on specific engine configuration.

Carburetion Injection:

Early models (1977-approx. 1980) typically used multiple Weber carburetors (e.g., 4x Weber 42 DCNF or 40 DCOE). Later models (post-1980, often designated V8i) transitioned to Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection.

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (95 RON or higher recommended).

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Often the Chrysler 'TorqueFlite' A727 three-speed automatic transmission was standard or a very common option. Some manual transmissions were also available, typically a 5-speed ZF gearbox.

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (ZF S5-18/3 or similar)

Automatic Transmission Details:

Robust and reliable heavy-duty automatic, known for smooth power delivery.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2600-2650 mm (102.4-104.3 inches), depending on the specific chassis series.

Overall Length:

Approximately 4600-4700 mm (181-185 inches).

Overall Width:

Approximately 1790-1830 mm (70.5-72 inches).

Overall Height:

Approximately 1300-1350 mm (51-53 inches).

Curb Weight:

Typically around 1700-1900 kg (3750-4200 lbs), varying with transmission and equipment.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Likely a period-correct AM/FM radio or cassette player. Upgrades are common for modern users.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) were not standard across the entire range and likely appeared on later models.

Early Electronics:

Minimal to no modern connectivity features. Focus is on mechanical and electrical systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or annually. Consult manual for exact intervals and oil type.

Major Service:

Often recommended around 12,000-15,000 miles, involving checks of ignition, fuel system, suspension, brakes, and fluid changes.

Engine Oil:

Likely SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 for gasoline engines, depending on climate. Specific API service rating would be detailed in the manual.

Coolant:

A 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water. Specific coolant type (e.g., OAT, HOAT) would be detailed.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Likely Dexron-III or equivalent for the Chrysler TorqueFlite. Capacity approx. 3-4 quarts (dry).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity dependent on climate (e.g., 75W-90 or 80W-90). Capacity approx. 2-3 quarts.

Carburetor Tuning:

Weber carburetors require diligent tuning and synchronization for optimal performance and fuel efficiency.

Electrical Gremlins:

Older British cars are prone to minor electrical issues; the manual's detailed wiring diagrams are crucial.

Rust Corrosion:

As with many cars of this era, bodywork and chassis integrity require regular inspection for rust, particularly in common areas like wheel arches and sills.

Fuel Injection Maintenance:

For injected models, fuel system components (pumps, injectors, pressure regulators) can require specific attention.

📚 Vehicle History

Aston Martin Legacy:

Aston Martin has a long-standing reputation for producing luxurious, high-performance grand tourers and sports cars, often associated with Formula 1 racing and cinematic spy roles.

V8 Saloon Development:

The V8 Saloon, evolving from the DBS V8, marked Aston Martin's significant move towards a more powerful and refined V8 engine. This generation saw continuous refinement, including the transition from carburetion to fuel injection and subtle styling updates.

Production Period:

The V8 Saloon chassis was produced for an extended period, with significant models falling within the 1977-1989 timeframe, encompassing various series and engine configurations.