Vantage Engineering
Discussion
I realise these guys have been mentioned a few times on this forum however, for the purposes of anyone that like me has been looking at replacement shocks, I feel it's worthy of mention again.
My car is a 2009, 4.3, 24k miles. In the time I've owned it, virtually a year in October I have replaced the clutch, tyres, had it remapped, serviced, GT4 Filters, Lightened flywheel, head light demist, rear subframe sorted and last week MOT'd.
I knew two of the shocks were seeping and thought it may get pulled during the MOT, therefore, I have been looking to go the upgrade route and aside from replacing the stock shocks (Dynamix) or going the Bilstein route the other options I looked at were the BR remote controlled Bilstein versions but I couldn't envisage throwing several thousand at them plus BR are busy. Appleby selling the upgraded Nitron road versions or Vantage Engineerings own design and made shocks.
I have spent months looking into them all and finally decided VE were my best choice, price was a factor however, less so than I first thought. These shocks have been designed by Terry (Owner of VE) with the assistance of an ex Benneton F1 suspension engineer. Terry himself having been involved in racing vantages and setting them up, his background being in chassis and suspension etc.
The shocks are bebuildable, can be fine tuned to individuals needs, have anti dive technology so when braking hard the nose doesn't dip as it does under other suspension and come with a 5 year warranty.
A thorough inspection of your car is undertaken before Terry and I went out so he can get a feel for the way the car handles on present shocks. We then discuss what I'm looking for and leave the car with them for about a week.
As others who have experienced their ways, VE end up doing all manner of other jobs that you don't realise needed doing, adjusting lights, aligning bonnet/boots etc.
Once done, a hand over period takes place with Terry taking you through all the changes, tweaks etc.
I've had the car back for 24 hours and drive a round 150 miles.
The difference was immediately felt, the car feels so much different to what it was, compliance has improved (one of my bugbears) over a rutted road it has so much more finesse where before it would be hitting the bump stops to early (a common fault on the Dynamix I'm told), over fast flowing roads it glides however, what I wasn't expecting was the much faster turn in and the way it now holds a chosen line through a bend, because I didnt feel these two ares would be much improved.
Price? Well that comes down to your personal choice of set up, the shocks are a set price, the fitting includes basic set up but additional set up work is chargeable.
I have to say, my car feels as though it's improved by 100% in its handling, I'm quite amazed at how different it feels but in a much more positive way.
If you find yourself looking to upgrade at a cost better than stock replacement that is trailered to you're personal choice then from what I and many other have experienced, there is only one choice.
Plus their neighbours are a micro brewery selling gorgeous beer and a very good farm cafe serving great food.
If you are in the area, go talk to Terry, Rob and the other guys, Dan did my car and I can't be happier.
They have some lovely classic AM's being worked on as well as usual VH platform cars.
My car is a 2009, 4.3, 24k miles. In the time I've owned it, virtually a year in October I have replaced the clutch, tyres, had it remapped, serviced, GT4 Filters, Lightened flywheel, head light demist, rear subframe sorted and last week MOT'd.
I knew two of the shocks were seeping and thought it may get pulled during the MOT, therefore, I have been looking to go the upgrade route and aside from replacing the stock shocks (Dynamix) or going the Bilstein route the other options I looked at were the BR remote controlled Bilstein versions but I couldn't envisage throwing several thousand at them plus BR are busy. Appleby selling the upgraded Nitron road versions or Vantage Engineerings own design and made shocks.
I have spent months looking into them all and finally decided VE were my best choice, price was a factor however, less so than I first thought. These shocks have been designed by Terry (Owner of VE) with the assistance of an ex Benneton F1 suspension engineer. Terry himself having been involved in racing vantages and setting them up, his background being in chassis and suspension etc.
The shocks are bebuildable, can be fine tuned to individuals needs, have anti dive technology so when braking hard the nose doesn't dip as it does under other suspension and come with a 5 year warranty.
A thorough inspection of your car is undertaken before Terry and I went out so he can get a feel for the way the car handles on present shocks. We then discuss what I'm looking for and leave the car with them for about a week.
As others who have experienced their ways, VE end up doing all manner of other jobs that you don't realise needed doing, adjusting lights, aligning bonnet/boots etc.
Once done, a hand over period takes place with Terry taking you through all the changes, tweaks etc.
I've had the car back for 24 hours and drive a round 150 miles.
The difference was immediately felt, the car feels so much different to what it was, compliance has improved (one of my bugbears) over a rutted road it has so much more finesse where before it would be hitting the bump stops to early (a common fault on the Dynamix I'm told), over fast flowing roads it glides however, what I wasn't expecting was the much faster turn in and the way it now holds a chosen line through a bend, because I didnt feel these two ares would be much improved.
Price? Well that comes down to your personal choice of set up, the shocks are a set price, the fitting includes basic set up but additional set up work is chargeable.
I have to say, my car feels as though it's improved by 100% in its handling, I'm quite amazed at how different it feels but in a much more positive way.
If you find yourself looking to upgrade at a cost better than stock replacement that is trailered to you're personal choice then from what I and many other have experienced, there is only one choice.
Plus their neighbours are a micro brewery selling gorgeous beer and a very good farm cafe serving great food.
If you are in the area, go talk to Terry, Rob and the other guys, Dan did my car and I can't be happier.
They have some lovely classic AM's being worked on as well as usual VH platform cars.
Edited by BiggaJ on Friday 1st October 11:27
cadman said:
Nice!
Can they be purchased from the company for do it yourself installation?(for overseas)
i don't see a shopping tab on their website.
I guess they would allow this though they dont take credit/debit cards so you would have to send money via bank transfer. Best to give them a call, very good guys to do business with and I'm sure Terry will give you some set up tips if you needed them.Can they be purchased from the company for do it yourself installation?(for overseas)
i don't see a shopping tab on their website.
Have to say, this is a business I have a lot of time for...... because they have a lot of time for me.
Glad the shocks are good. Not entirely surprised.
If my service and MOT are straight-forward next April I need to decide what frivolities I'm going to get them to do for me!! Yes, I'm booked in already. Le Mans should be on next year at the normal time, I'm hoping, so the car will need to be ready!!
Adi
Glad the shocks are good. Not entirely surprised.
If my service and MOT are straight-forward next April I need to decide what frivolities I'm going to get them to do for me!! Yes, I'm booked in already. Le Mans should be on next year at the normal time, I'm hoping, so the car will need to be ready!!
Adi
Toby Tram said:
Have to say, this is a business I have a lot of time for...... because they have a lot of time for me.
Glad the shocks are good. Not entirely surprised.
If my service and MOT are straight-forward next April I need to decide what frivolities I'm going to get them to do for me!! Yes, I'm booked in already. Le Mans should be on next year at the normal time, I'm hoping, so the car will need to be ready!!
Adi
Because the way the car steers and handles since the shocks were fitted I ended up getting back in touch with the guys at VE. The car really does feel so different to how it felt before it went in. I was sure they had tweaked the geometry given the car turns in with a real sharpness I have only ever experienced with quicker steering racks.Glad the shocks are good. Not entirely surprised.
If my service and MOT are straight-forward next April I need to decide what frivolities I'm going to get them to do for me!! Yes, I'm booked in already. Le Mans should be on next year at the normal time, I'm hoping, so the car will need to be ready!!
Adi
Apparently, it's all down to having the suspension tuned to my needs, and being able to tune it. No change has been made to the geometry.
But the way the car reacts to the slightest input just off centre is fantastic, very lively but nicely weighted.
BiggaJ said:
Because the way the car steers and handles since the shocks were fitted I ended up getting back in touch with the guys at VE. The car really does feel so different to how it felt before it went in. I was sure they had tweaked the geometry given the car turns in with a real sharpness I have only ever experienced with quicker steering racks.
Apparently, it's all down to having the suspension tuned to my needs, and being able to tune it. No change has been made to the geometry.
But the way the car reacts to the slightest input just off centre is fantastic, very lively but nicely weighted.
Does it get affected by potholes, ruts and tramlines any more or less than before?Apparently, it's all down to having the suspension tuned to my needs, and being able to tune it. No change has been made to the geometry.
But the way the car reacts to the slightest input just off centre is fantastic, very lively but nicely weighted.
A.
Toby Tram said:
Does it get affected by potholes, ruts and tramlines any more or less than before?
A.
Potholes and ruts are handled much more effectively, they tend to throw the car off line way less than on stock suspension. Obviously it's a sporty car so you don't get the suppleness associated a softer sprung saloon.A.
Regarding tram lining, I have no idea. I haven't encountered a situation where it wanted to tramline yet.
Edited by BiggaJ on Monday 4th October 23:06
Edited by BiggaJ on Monday 4th October 23:07
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