🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Aston Martin

Model:

V8 Saloon

Year:

1981

Chassis Code:

V8 Series IV/V (depending on exact build date within '81, V8 Vantage variants also exist)

Body Style:

4-door Saloon (Sedan)

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Aston Martin V8 Saloon owners, enthusiasts, and independent workshops

Advantage:

Professional quality, manufacturer-written, complete, and accurate information mirroring dealership resources

Authenticity:

Original workshop manual, same as used in local service/repair shops

Completeness:

Complete and intact, no missing or corrupt parts/pages

Cost Savings:

Enables owners to perform repairs and maintenance, saving significant money

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Coverage Areas:

All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmissions Types for 1981 V8 Saloon

File Format:

PDF

Language:

English

Print Quality:

Full Printable

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip

Operating System Compatibility:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine Service/Repair, Transmission Service/Repair, Differential/Drive, Axle

Chassis And Suspension:

Brake System, Suspension, Steering, Chassis/Body

Electrical And Fuel:

Wiring Diagram, Electrical System, Fuel Injection/Fuel System, Engine Control System, Emission System

Comfort And Climate:

Heater/Air Conditioning

Interior And Safety:

Restraint System, Interior

Maintenance:

General Maintenance, Periodic Lubrication

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting, Electrical System Diagnostics

Repair:

Detailed Repair Procedures, Disassembly, Assembly, Reinstallation

Scope:

Comprehensive diagnostic, repair, and maintenance information

Detail Level:

Detailed substeps, critical notes, cautions, and warnings

Illustrations:

Hundreds of pages of diagrams, detailed illustrations, drawings, and photos

📊 Manual Specifications

Zoom Capability:

YES

Searchability:

Implied via PDF format, though not explicitly stated as text-searchable

Editability:

Not designed for editing, for reference and printing

Pagination:

Numbered table of contents for easy navigation

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Aston Martin V8 (DOHC, V configuration)

Displacement:

Typically 5.3 Liters (5340 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

91.0 mm x 76.0 mm (typical)

Compression Ratio:

Varies by variant, often around 9.0:1 to 9.5:1

Horsepower:

Typically 280-300 bhp (gross), depending on carburation and emission controls (Vantage variants higher)

Torque:

Approximately 320-350 lb-ft (gross), depending on variant

Carburation:

Typically Weber 4x2-barrel carburetors (e.g., 40 DCNF) or Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection on later/specific models

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline

System Type:

Water-cooled, pressurized system

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 12-14 Liters (specific capacity to be confirmed in manual)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

ZF 5-speed Manual Transmission (e.g., ZF S5-325)

Type:

Chrysler Torqueflite 3-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., A727)

Clutch:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch (manual)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 or GL-5 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 - specific viscosity and API rating to be confirmed in manual)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent (specific type to be confirmed in manual)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4,661 mm (183.5 inches)

Width:

Approx. 1,778 mm (70.0 inches)

Height:

Approx. 1,300 mm (51.2 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1,700 - 1,850 kg (3,748 - 4,079 lbs), depending on specification

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 2,150 kg (4,740 lbs) (to be confirmed in manual)

Wheel Size:

Typically 15-inch or 16-inch alloy wheels

Tire Size:

Commonly 215/70 VR 15 or 225/60 VR 15 (specifics may vary, to be confirmed in manual)

Bolt Pattern:

5x120.65 mm (5x4.75 inches)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Testing:

No specific modern crash test ratings available for this era and vehicle type.

Brakes:

Discs front and rear, servo-assisted

Seatbelts:

Standard inertia reel seatbelts

Steering Column:

Collapsible steering column

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Typically period-correct analogue radio/cassette player.

Features:

Very limited by modern standards; primary focus on mechanical systems and driver feedback.

Features:

None (no Bluetooth, USB, or onboard computers in the modern sense).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months (specific to be confirmed in manual)

Major Service:

Recommended annually or at higher mileage intervals (detailed schedule in manual)

Engine Oil:

API SF or SG, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (specific viscosity depends on climate and engine condition - manual will provide definitive guidance)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 or DOT 3 (manual will specify precise type)

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II or equivalent (specific type to be confirmed in manual)

Carburetion:

Tuning and maintenance of Weber carburetors can be complex; vacuum leaks and fuel delivery issues can arise.

Electrical System:

Older wiring looms can degrade; intermittent electrical faults are not uncommon.

Cooling System:

Radiator, hoses, and water pump require regular inspection for leaks and wear.

Oil Filter:

Part numbers vary by manufacturer (e.g., Fram PH8A or equivalent, Mann W940/3, Mahle OC26/1 - manual will list approved numbers)

Air Filter:

Specific part numbers for Weber carburetors or fuel injection intake systems (refer to manual for exact fitment)

📚 Vehicle History

Legacy:

Aston Martin has a long history of producing luxury grand tourers and sports cars, known for performance and craftsmanship.

V8 Saloon Development:

The V8 Saloon evolved from the DBS, featuring the powerful V8 engine as its defining characteristic. The 1981 model year falls within the later series of the V8 Saloon, benefiting from continuous development and refinement.

Manufacturing Era:

The V8 Saloon was produced from the early 1970s through the late 1980s. The 1981 model represents the Series IV or V generation.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Collectible Status:

Highly regarded classic Aston Martin, sought after by collectors for its V8 power and luxury GT characteristics.

Historical Reviews:

Contemporary reviews praised its performance and imposing presence, though acknowledged its demanding nature and cost.