re: Gallardo clutches, I had an informative conversation with the owner of a UK Lamborghini dealer last Saturday about this very subject. According to him, there was a problem with the clutches on early cars, but we're talking the first few cars out of the factory in 2003. This was quickly picked up by the factory and revised clutches fitted under warranty. Since then the Gallardo clutch has been problematic for some people under some circumstances and several updated revisions have emerge from the factory; the current clutch is the 5th version, and is apparently designated Revision E (not sure if that is official or not) - note this has nothing to do specifically with E-Gear, as manual and E-Gear both use the same clutch and gearbox.

However, he maintained that the main problem with clutches going quickly is due to them not being set up correctly when replaced. The procedure requires Lambo computers connected to the car to set-up the gearbox and clutch computer stuff for the new clutch. There is also a proscribed 14 mile test drive sequence followed by further computer checks on the clutch set-up. His opinion was that problematic clutches were fitted without the set-up procedure being followed, by agents that either didn't know the procedure, didn't have the Lambo computer equipment, or didn't bother to do it. In simple terms, the onboard computer adjusts the clutch gap continually as it wears. If a new clutch is fitted without running the set-up/calibration procedures correctly then the onboard computer thinks it's still the old clutch and leaves the gap too close, excessively wearing out the clutch.

He maintained that if the clutch is set-up correctly then there will be no problems with life and reliability. I'm new to these cars, so I have no other experience to call on, but he certainly sounded like he new what he was talking about, and he should do in his position.

I don't know where people generally get their Gallardos maintained, but an independent agent, even with the best will in the world, may not be aware of the complex and specialised requirements to set-up a new clutch, let alone have the equipment to do the set-up. Or a less than scrupulous repairer could skip part or all of the procedure to save time/money for themselves or misguidedly for the customer, although I would hope not.

Hope this is helpful to people. Cheers, Pum.
Hoping to soon be a Gallardo owner, if the fit of madness does not pass soon