I love that scissor lift--I need to get one.
Getting too old to lie on my back with oil dripping in my face!!

 

I have the MaxJax and don't think I could go back to using jackstands. Especially with the 911 where the jacking points are also where the jack stands need to go. The MaxJax and those scissor types will each have advantages and disadvantages, but either will make your life a whole lot easier.

 

About 5 years ago I just completely got pissed off with having to visit specialists to get my car fixed. I've always been handy with a spanner and so I just built my own workshop.

2 post ramp, full tool kit, tyre changer and balancer, air tools, it's all there. Note that is a mini mobile compressor in the picture, I do have a proper one

 

Just got done doing a brake pad change today on my V8V. The brake dust was just crazy with the stock pads. It took me way to long but while there I cleaned everything I could see and cleaned,polished,and waxed the wheel back side and front. Thanks to the forum members that post diy treads. It sure helps to see what others have done. Next thing is replacing the original film on the back fenders. I will replace the film on the Aston and on the Porsche. The Porsche film has turned yellow, the Aston film is all nicked up.

 

I do everything on my car :
- Thermostat and cooling fluid change ;
- Engine oil and filter change ;
- Gear oil change ;
- OAS change ;
- Cabin filter change ;
- Cruise Control retrofitting ;
- Bluetooth retrofitting ;
- Battery change ;
- Front and Rear bumper upgrade ;
- Carbon front grid upgrade ;
- Vantage S Sills upgrade.
...

 

Salut Bruno.............

 

Bonjour Sébastien ;-)

 

This is the only thing I can't do it myself :-(
I don't have a AMDS...

 

Even with an AMDS you can't flash the car to load the Cruise Control program, to flash it you must read the car config, send the file to the factory and then flash the ECU's with the new file sent by the factory.

 

Actually, that's incorrect for cruise. You can just flash the PCM as new (providing you have key codes) and when prompt for cruise fitted you click yes...no program from factory required.

it's been awhile since I did a retrofit for bluetooth to a car tha didn't come with it...i believe that you would need a new config file from factory..even if it was a newer Vantage that came with the steering wheel telephone control WITH NO bluetooth..config file required

 

Thanks Irish, what do you mean by the key codes?

 

Might not get an answer but I'll ask.

I have a chance to buy a full working AMDS system with VCI complete on a Toughbook. Being sold by a race team dropping AM from the stable. The seller offered it for $5k.

1. Is this a good value (are there any other options??)
2. For coding the AM do I need to purchase additional files from the factory - any idea on the cost?

Sorry I'm very familiar with BMW and Audi systems but not so with AM.

 

$5k seems way high, I think I saw one available for half that a while back but I could be wrong.

Some things can only be done with an AMDS, so if you need to do those things it can be worth it. But it's hard to justify the price unless you work on Astons a lot, or if you're using it as part of a profitable service.

I'm in the market for one and am about to start looking into buying one, but $5k is a hard pill to swallow.

 

I have done all the maintenance on my 09 Vantage for the last 5 years. I have a lift most tools including most of the Aston special tools that I bought a few years ago from a dealer that dropped Aston. I would be great to have, or have access to AMDS as it is the only thing that will prevent me from being able to replace the clutch (sportshift) when it finally goes. If I had access to AMDS I think I would go ahead and try the velocity dual clutch package now for the improved functionality

 

Thanks for the reply. I wasn't sure of what a fair price might be.

I really only want it initially to turn off the crappy way AM devised the DRL system. However, I've come to rely on my BMW & Audi software so much to diagnose issues with manufacturer specific components that I feel vulnerable without something for the AM. My OBD Fusion is very intuitive with the AM engine ECU and provides great live data while operating - so I'm not at a complete loss.