🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Aston Martin

Model:

V8 Saloon

Year:

1988

Chassis Code:

VH Series

Engine Code Family:

V8 Vantage

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Premium luxury grand tourer, aimed at discerning clientele seeking performance and exclusivity.

Competitors:

Ferrari 412, Lamborghini Countach, Porsche 928.

Design Philosophy:

Emphasis on handcrafted quality, powerful V8 engine, and elegant, timeless styling.

Diy Savings:

Enables owners to perform self-maintenance and repairs, saving significant costs compared to specialist workshops.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Models:

All V8 Saloon models

Covered Trims:

All trim levels

Covered Engines:

All V8 engine variants

Covered Transmissions:

All transmission types (Manual and Automatic)

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (specific count not provided, but described as comprehensive)

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine Service/Repair, Engine Control System

Fuel System:

Fuel Injection/Fuel System

Cooling System:

Cooling System

Transmission:

Transmission Service/Repair

Differential Drive Axle:

Differential/Drive, Axle

Brakes:

Brake System

Steering:

Steering

Suspension:

Suspension

Electrical System:

Electrical System, Wiring Diagram

Climate Control:

Heater/Air Conditioning

Chassis Body:

Chassis/Body

Restraint System:

Restraint System

Interior:

Interior

Emissions:

Emission System

General Maintenance:

General Maintenance, Periodic Lubrication

Troubleshooting:

Troubleshooting

Repair Procedures:

Detailed substeps for repair procedures, numbered instructions, disassembly, assembly, cleaning and reinstalling procedures.

Diagnostics:

Comprehensive diagnostic information, electrical system diagnostics.

Depth:

Professional technician level, complete informational book, used in local service/repair shops.

Illustrations Included:

Hundreds of pages of diagrams, detailed illustrations, drawings, photos, enlarged insets for parts examination.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Printability:

Full Printable

Zoom Functionality:

Zoom IN/OUT capability

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip

Operating Systems:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V8

Displacement:

Approximately 5.3 Liters (5340 cc) or 6.3 Liters (6340 cc) depending on specific V8 variant within the VH series.

Bore X Stroke:

Varies by specific V8 engine variant. For example, some early 5.3L V8s were around 91.1 mm x 82.6 mm.

Compression Ratio:

Typically around 9.5:1 to 10.5:1, depending on specific engine tune and variant.

Horsepower:

Estimated 300-330 bhp (brake horsepower) for the 5.3L and 330-360 bhp for larger displacement variants.

Torque:

Estimated 300-335 lb-ft (pound-feet) for the 5.3L, increasing with displacement.

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Fuel Injection (Likely K-Jetronic or early electronic injection systems for the era).

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (95 RON or higher).

Ignition Type:

Electronic Ignition (Distributor-based or distributorless depending on specific ECUs).

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 8.5-10 liters (8.9-10.5 US quarts) depending on the specific oil pan configuration.

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 10-12 liters (10.5-12.7 US quarts).

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

Aston Martin Manual (5-speed)

Optional Transmission:

Chrysler Torqueflite 3-speed Automatic (often specified as 3HP22 or similar variant).

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic Actuated Single Dry Plate Clutch (for manual).

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III / Mercon ATF for automatic; specific manual transmission fluid recommended in manual.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 4,648 mm (183 inches)

Width:

Approximately 1,791 mm (70.5 inches)

Height:

Approximately 1,315 mm (51.8 inches)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2,604 mm (102.5 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1,700 - 1,800 kg (3,750 - 3,970 lbs) depending on specification.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

No standardized crash test results readily available for this era and specific model. Designed with structural integrity for its class.

Active Safety:

Four-wheel disc brakes, power-assisted steering.

Passive Safety:

Seat belts, reinforced chassis structure, designed for occupant protection.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Likely a period-correct analog radio with cassette player. Aftermarket upgrades may be present on individual vehicles.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited to the fundamental driving dynamics of the vehicle. No electronic driver aids such as ABS (on some early models), traction control, or adaptive cruise control.

Connectivity Options:

N/A (Pre-digital era for in-car connectivity).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Recommended every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first. The manual will provide precise intervals.

Major Service Interval:

Typically every 15,000 - 20,000 miles (24,000 - 32,000 km) or every 2-3 years, covering more comprehensive checks and component replacements.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 depending on climate. Specific Aston Martin approved oils will be detailed in the manual.

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze mixed with distilled water in a 50/50 ratio. Manual will specify approved types.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4 High Performance Brake Fluid. Manual will specify exact requirements and change intervals.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II/III or specific power steering fluid as per manual.

Common Wear Items:

Ignition system components (coil, distributor, leads), fuel system components (injectors, pumps), suspension bushings, brake system wear, exhaust manifold gaskets.

Potential Reliability Concerns:

Due to age and handcrafted nature, electrical gremlins, aging rubber components, and occasional cooling system leaks can occur. The manual provides diagnostic steps for these.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

Aston Martin has a long-standing heritage of producing luxurious, high-performance sports cars and grand tourers, synonymous with British craftsmanship and motorsport success.

V8 Saloon Evolution:

The V8 Saloon (often referred to as the Virage predecessor) evolved from the V8 Vantage lineage, showcasing continuous refinement of the V8 engine and chassis through the 1970s and 1980s, culminating in the robust VH platform used here.

Production Period:

The V8 Saloon models were produced throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with the 1988 model year falling within the latter part of this era, leading up to the introduction of the Virage.

Manufacturing Location:

Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, England.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Brand Accolades:

Aston Martin is consistently recognized for its design, luxury, and performance in automotive circles. Specific awards for the 1988 V8 Saloon are generally tied to its enduring classic status and desirability.

Owner Satisfaction:

Owner satisfaction is typically high among enthusiasts who appreciate the unique driving experience and classic luxury. Maintenance demands require dedicated owners.