Those familiar with M3 V8s and 4.3 AMV8s please jump in. Need your help.
#16
01-22-2011 | 10:20 AM
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Hi gang. Considering getting into an AMV8 from an M3 V8. But since the closest AM dealer is hundreds of miles away from El Paso, TX, need your help to determine if the AMV8 is the car I'm looking for. Hopefully people familiar with both can answer my questions. But first, I'm a GT car guy who loves to drive (especially manual cars), and who values refinement and luxury over lightness and brute power. I drive my 'toy' cars mostly on the highway, and like to drive fast but rarely do quick starts. Never race or track my cars, so any V8 is enough for me. And yes, I like a firm suspension with nice handling, but nothing harsh. I like to hear my engine but with no drone, and no intrusive noise. You get the picture. Here are my questions:
- Am disappointed with the M3's excessive road noise, especially over the prevalent rough asphalt of the desert southwest. How quieter is the AMV8 compared to the M3? I don't expect nor want MB S-class quiet, but this car is ridiculously loud. Yes, I can drown it out some with the volume, but that's not the volume I like to listen to my music.
- Am also disappointed at the stratospheric rpm this car cruises at (4K rpm at 96 mph, or 3K at 72mph). What's the rpm on the AMV8 in 6th gear at 3 or 4K rpm? And what's the 4.3's redline?
- Also very disappointed at the RANGE. Combine a dismal 17+ mpg on the highway (at the ton) and only 16 gallons, and it rivals a motorcycle
. What's the fuel capacity and approx. MPG of the AMV8 at the ton?
- I love the V8 of this car, but it's overly complicated with its 8 individual TBs. And the valve controlling them is prone to failure, and very expensive. Also crap is it's CANbus electrical system, with myriad gremlins, and worst of all, the inability of dealers to find problems when they arise. That scares me the most to keep this car after warranty. What are the problem areas of the 4.3 AMV8? If you can be specific with years it'd be great. I assume it's probably better to skip '06s, but will have to find another source of info on differences over those 3 years.
- Finally, are there any other sites to research this car better? Since I'd probably buy it without warranty (or just about to expire), I want to make sure I know what I'm getting into. I don't expect Honda reliability, but don't want to turn into a troubled relationship. I'd do all my maintenance. And the lack of a local dealer is a concern as well, in case of an issue I can't tackle myself. I've only seen one AMV8 here, and it had out-of-state plates (probably just passing by). I'd like to know what transaxle it has (Getrag, ZF, Aisin, Tremec, etc), and what suspension (double wishbone all around, front struts, etc). Also need to learn about all possible options, and which ones are to be avoided (if any). This would be my first used car, but after the M3, I'm not going to ever buy a new toy car again, especially when you can find a pristine one with less than 10K miles for almost half. Thank you folks.
- Am disappointed with the M3's excessive road noise, especially over the prevalent rough asphalt of the desert southwest. How quieter is the AMV8 compared to the M3? I don't expect nor want MB S-class quiet, but this car is ridiculously loud. Yes, I can drown it out some with the volume, but that's not the volume I like to listen to my music.
- Am also disappointed at the stratospheric rpm this car cruises at (4K rpm at 96 mph, or 3K at 72mph). What's the rpm on the AMV8 in 6th gear at 3 or 4K rpm? And what's the 4.3's redline?
- Also very disappointed at the RANGE. Combine a dismal 17+ mpg on the highway (at the ton) and only 16 gallons, and it rivals a motorcycle
. What's the fuel capacity and approx. MPG of the AMV8 at the ton? - I love the V8 of this car, but it's overly complicated with its 8 individual TBs. And the valve controlling them is prone to failure, and very expensive. Also crap is it's CANbus electrical system, with myriad gremlins, and worst of all, the inability of dealers to find problems when they arise. That scares me the most to keep this car after warranty. What are the problem areas of the 4.3 AMV8? If you can be specific with years it'd be great. I assume it's probably better to skip '06s, but will have to find another source of info on differences over those 3 years.
- Finally, are there any other sites to research this car better? Since I'd probably buy it without warranty (or just about to expire), I want to make sure I know what I'm getting into. I don't expect Honda reliability, but don't want to turn into a troubled relationship
. I'd do all my maintenance. And the lack of a local dealer is a concern as well, in case of an issue I can't tackle myself. I've only seen one AMV8 here, and it had out-of-state plates (probably just passing by). I'd like to know what transaxle it has (Getrag, ZF, Aisin, Tremec, etc), and what suspension (double wishbone all around, front struts, etc). Also need to learn about all possible options, and which ones are to be avoided (if any). This would be my first used car, but after the M3, I'm not going to ever buy a new toy car again, especially when you can find a pristine one with less than 10K miles for almost half. Thank you folks.I have a vantage with a few mods.
#17
01-23-2011 | 12:00 AM
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. Oh, and this guy is one of the best manual drivers I've met in my 49 years 
; I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Now to my impressions. The car in person is just astonishing. And RP has it in absolutely mint condition. And let me tell you: I'm not fond of clear tailamps, but the AM ones complement the car incredibly well. Now I can't imagine owning one without them. And the Tubi exhaust? TO DIE FOR! Perfect fit, looks super light, and the sound is just undescribable, with no drone at all. And whoever said the car was noisier inside than the M3, it's NOT. It was about the same with the Tubi, meaning it's probably a lot quieter with the stock exhaust. A pleasant surprise. The transmission is simply the best I've ever had the pleasure to drive. Never expected that, especially after reading many negative comments. The 6 MT on my M3 (made by ZF) feels agricultural by comparison. Can't imagine RP making any difference, but maybe during the first minutes after a cold start. The engine is smooth as silk, something I doubt the 4.7 can match, which is always the case when engines are bored/stroked out. And finally whoever said the 4.3 does not have enough power is crazy. I have no doubt RP's car is at least as quick as the M3. And what I can absolutely attest is I felt A LOT better driving the AMV8 than the M3. Can't quite explain why; you just felt special driving this car. Suspension is just about perfect, and without the need of any electronic crap to go bad. Steering felt perfect to me. The one on the M3 is a bit numb, and a bit overboosted too. Engine has very linear power, just the way I personally like it. And like the M3, it's docile down low, and explosive on top. Seats are even better than on my car, and the stereo (the upgraded one) is awesome indeed. So yes, you could say it was love at first sight
. And if RPs car is any indication after 40K+ miles, reliability is Honda-like, even though it was the first year sold in the states (without warranty or a local dealer, always a concern). Now I have to rationalize the swap... and see how I can sell that idea to my wife 
. Nah, she's a good sport; it'd be mostly me justifying it. Maybe for my 50th birthday in about a year. Hopefully my brother will buy his (convertible) first, so I can drive it home and work on it before pulling the trigger myself. Thanks again to all the great people here who helped me. But there's no better help than actually driving the car, and I can't thank RP enough for that opportunity. Enjoy the rest of your weekend everybody.
Last edited by elp_jc; 01-23-2011 at 12:05 AM.
#19
01-23-2011 | 03:16 AM
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wow jc is a heck of a cheerleader for the amv8. im getting all excited to get mine soon now. having test driven both the e92 m3 and an 07 amv8 i cant recall which one drove the best...but i know which one looked and sounded the best 
#20
01-23-2011 | 09:05 AM
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Thank you for the kind words, JC is a fine Gentleman. It's was lots of fun to see JC getting in love with the V8 vantage. (I'm 100% sure that he's hooked lol).
JC, You and your brother are welcome to come and try my car any time yoj want. I hope you and your brother buy your cars fast so we can compare stock vs mine.
JC, You and your brother are welcome to come and try my car any time yoj want. I hope you and your brother buy your cars fast so we can compare stock vs mine.
#21
01-25-2011 | 07:23 AM
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From: St Petersburg, FL
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If you "new AM" guys have any futher questions - though the answers here have been great - I too would be happy to share experiences - PM me and I'll give you my PH#. Background has been many P-cars, e46 M3, etc.
Bought my 2007 4.3 new - close to 4 yrs ownerhip. Have every mod you can think of ... have been on several 2k+ trips w/ my wife - can pack all kinds of stuff in these cars for great trips (a big issue in my house - sorry Audi R8). Great car on the track. The upgraded AM stereo is VERY good (it is actually an Alpine) and you can mod that with a good stereo shop ... I put after market Sat Radio and iPod connection in mine too.
The GPS works (border line sucks) but is just an old system (even a MY 2011) - seems all US cars come w/ this option.
Bought my 2007 4.3 new - close to 4 yrs ownerhip. Have every mod you can think of ... have been on several 2k+ trips w/ my wife - can pack all kinds of stuff in these cars for great trips (a big issue in my house - sorry Audi R8). Great car on the track. The upgraded AM stereo is VERY good (it is actually an Alpine) and you can mod that with a good stereo shop ... I put after market Sat Radio and iPod connection in mine too.
The GPS works (border line sucks) but is just an old system (even a MY 2011) - seems all US cars come w/ this option.
#22
01-26-2011 | 11:39 PM
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im curious why the navi is unanimously slammed in these cars. how bad are they really?? also completely unrelated...hows the heel-toe with the manual? i tried once when test driving and for some reason felt completely clumsy and couldnt make it work. maybe i was just nervous
#25
01-27-2011 | 10:36 PM
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test drove yet another today and felt alot more confident. these things are glorious toys. i dont eny longer get the impression that heel-toe is really an issue...more how much do i put down and how soon can i sell the s2000.
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