Keep in mind the viper is a rwd car. It takes a lot more to drive a 4wd system. If something is going to give on a high powered rwd car, it's more likely going to be the rear tires. On a 4wd car, it's got so much grip, if something does give, it's most likely going to a the clutch (especially if it's under spec'd). That with the combination of rough driving just accelerates the deteriation of the clutch.

Things that Lambo should look at is possibly upgrading it's clutch. There's 3 options I can think of atm, they can be used as individual options or a combination of options.

* A larger clutch in diameter
* A multiplate clutch
* Try changing different compounds

I'm not exactly sure what they are using atm as I'm new, but just keep in mind larger clutches or a multiplate clutch may remove some of the ease of drivability by removing the ease to slip a clutch. Changing the compounds used in the clutch is probably the simpliest solution as the design of the clutch will remain the same. It may also be used with the above, but the trick will be to find the balance between drivability and durability.

Just wondering if there's an after market solution available in the mean time? Has anyone looked for one?

just bought an '04 G. several ?'s
if u tap the accelerator at idle it creates a sucking noise. Is this normal?
breaks squeal and I'm told needs more use?? car has 3500 miles on it. thoughts on aftermkt exhaust. have heard that Larini is best for Lambo's??
appreciate any help

I guess I will find out about the clutch myself. I bought an 04 6speed today....12k. I pick it up next week. Gonna drive it home from Atlanta to Pittsburgh...see if the clutch makes it...lol. (I believe cars should be driven, not sitting in a garage, buy a model if you aren't going to drive it).

The short lived clutches with Lamborghinis isn't a Gallardo issue. The engine in the Gallardo doesn't need to be removed to change the clutch. My Gallardo was a 6 speed, I bought it new and drove it over 8,000 miles in one year, I did drive it fast and maybe drag raced the car like in 15 different times against other exotics. At the end of it all when I sold it, the clutch had like 80 percent of life left on it, I wouldn't worry about the clutch one bit.

Has anyone noticed it can be a little clunky to get into second gear sometimes ? All other gears are fine as is clutch

Yeah for me too 1 to 2 its kinda weird but the rest are fine. I love the car just cant take my eyes from it. I aslo hear a sucking noise.

1st and 2nd are the roughest for me, all others are super smooth...

Mine is in second also, but just when I first start driving, after a few miles it is like butter.

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

I have 25'000 on mine, with still 40% to go. You can measure the worn of your clutch (Lambo Dealer)

As stated from some of the coll., don't use "launch control", be careful with reverse, specially on hills (you can burn the clutch in no time), and if you speed, and not race, lift of the throtle a sec. between sifting, this will sub. extend the live of your e-gear

PS, I have found a OEM clutch bilder in Italy, he rebuilds the clutch with Class one mat. (like ferrari/Masi), the cost is about 10% of a new Lambo clutch (and it is the same!)