🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Aston Martin

Model:

V8 Saloon

Year:

1978

Chassis Code:

V8 Series 2 / Series 3 (depending on specific variant, manual likely covers both as it's for the 1978 model year range)

Engine Code Designation:

V8

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Aston Martin V8 Saloon owners (both enthusiasts and those seeking to maintain their vehicle) and independent automotive repair professionals.

Unique Selling Point:

Provides factory-level, vehicle-specific information equivalent to what dealership technicians use, enabling accurate and efficient servicing.

Accuracy:

Highly accurate and concise text with detailed diagrams for safe and easy servicing.

Completeness:

Covers all major topics and systems, ensuring no critical information is omitted.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Summary:

Comprehensive service, repair, troubleshooting, and maintenance for the 1978 Aston Martin V8 Saloon.

Estimated Page Count:

Likely 500+ pages, common for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era.

Type:

Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Full overhaul, component disassembly and reassembly, timing, valve adjustments, piston/ring replacement, crankshaft/bearing service.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), sensor testing, component diagnostics.

Emission Control:

Details on emission control systems relevant to 1978 models, potentially including air injection or specific carburetion controls.

Fuel System:

Carburetor overhaul (likely Weber or Zenith Stromberg), fuel pump testing and replacement, fuel lines, fuel tank service.

Clutch System:

Clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing inspection and replacement, hydraulic system service.

Transmission Manual:

Manual gearbox overhaul, gear selection mechanisms, synchronizers, bearing replacement.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission service and troubleshooting (if applicable to the specific variant covered).

Drivetrain Axles:

Driveshaft, universal joints, differential inspection and service, axle shaft replacement.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension component inspection (wishbones, springs, shock absorbers), alignment specifications.

Steering:

Steering box adjustment and overhaul, power steering system (if fitted), tie rod ends, steering column.

Brakes:

Brake system hydraulics (master cylinder, lines, calipers, wheel cylinders), disc and pad replacement, drum and shoe service, parking brake.

Body Interior:

Interior trim removal and installation, seating, dashboard components, headliner.

Body Exterior:

Door mechanisms, window regulators, boot/trunk lid, bonnet/hood, panel alignment, trim pieces.

Body Electrical:

Headlight, taillight, interior lighting, switchgear, wiring harness inspection and repair, dashboard instruments.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system component diagnosis and service (if factory fitted).

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication points, spark plug replacement, air filter servicing.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, common problem identification, symptom-based troubleshooting guidance.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation across all vehicle systems.

Diagnostics:

Detailed procedures for diagnosing faults using both visual inspection and electrical testing.

Depth Level:

Full factory-level repair and overhaul procedures, suitable for professional mechanics and skilled enthusiasts.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repairs.

Wiring Schematics:

Detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, crucial for diagnostics and repairs.

Illustrations:

Numerous diagrams, line drawings, and illustrations to clarify repair procedures and component identification.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing for quick information retrieval.

Print Capability:

Printable pages, allowing users to print specific sections for garage use.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8, naturally aspirated

Displacement:

Approximately 5.3 liters (5340 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

Typically around 3.80 x 2.87 inches (96.5 x 73.0 mm) for the 5.3L V8.

Compression Ratio:

Varied by specific tune, but generally in the range of 8.5:1 to 9.5:1.

Horsepower:

Around 280-325 bhp (gross) depending on carburetor and exhaust specification.

Torque:

Around 320-360 lb-ft (gross) depending on specification.

Carburetion:

Quad dual-throat Weber carburetors (e.g., Weber 40 DFI or similar) or Zenith Stromberg carburetors depending on market and emissions regulations.

Fuel Type:

Leaded or unleaded gasoline, depending on regional specifications and engine modifications.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Typically a 3-speed automatic transmission (e.g., Chrysler TorqueFlite A727 or similar robust unit) was common for US market, or a 5-speed manual (e.g., ZF or David Brown) for European market.

Type Optional:

5-speed manual transmission was also available, often considered the purist's choice.

Fluid Type Automatic:

ATF Dexron II or equivalent.

Fluid Type Manual:

GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, specific viscosity to be confirmed in manual.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 179 inches (4547 mm).

Width:

Approx. 70 inches (1778 mm).

Height:

Approx. 50 inches (1270 mm).

Curb Weight:

Around 3,800 - 4,000 lbs (1725 - 1815 kg).

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

No formal crash test data available from modern agencies for vehicles of this era, but designed to robust safety standards for its time.

Brakes:

Four-wheel disc brakes (ventilated at front).

Steering System:

Power assisted steering (typical).

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia reel seatbelts (front).

Body Construction:

Steel chassis and body, with integrated safety cell principles of the era.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Period-appropriate radio and cassette player, often integrated into the dashboard.

Assistance Features:

Primarily focused on driving dynamics; power steering and disc brakes were the key assistance features.

Connectivity Features:

None in the modern sense; connectivity would refer to basic electrical systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or annually, depending on usage and oil type. Manual will specify exact interval and oil grade.

Tune Up Interval:

Spark plug replacement and ignition system checks usually around 10,000 - 15,000 miles. Carburetor tuning might be more frequent.

Engine Oil Grade:

Likely a 20W-50 or 10W-50 mineral oil for period-correct specification. Manual will confirm exact API service classification.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water. Manual will specify ratio and type.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Common Points Of Attention:

Carburetor synchronization and tuning, ignition system maintenance, cooling system reliability, suspension bushings wear, potential for rust.

📚 Vehicle History

Marque Legacy:

Aston Martin has a long-standing reputation for producing high-performance luxury grand tourers with a strong racing pedigree.

V8 Saloon Development:

The V8 Saloon evolved from the earlier V6-powered models, adapting the chassis and body for the larger, more powerful V8 engine, significantly enhancing performance.

Manufacturing Location:

Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, England.

Production Years Variant:

The V8 Saloon series was produced through the 1970s and 1980s, with 1978 falling within the key Series 2/3 development period.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Era Reputation:

The Aston Martin V8 Saloon was recognized as a premier luxury performance automobile of its era, embodying British craftsmanship and powerful engineering.