The Definitive Guide to Gaydon-era ASTON MARTIN
Discussion
Grant3 said:
Thanks for the feedback Brent, congratulations on the new Aston, she looks a stunner, but be warned the books wallet health warning hasn't fully damaged your bank account yet, not until you end up with a Vanquish on the drive 
I appreciate what you are saying about including more information on aftermarket modifications, but this area is a potential minefield, full of claims for big performance increases without affecting reliability. The problem is many conversions aren't proven in the long term so it is hard to honestly critique their real world performance and reliability. The problem is compounded by the large range of aftermarket cats, ecu tweaks and exhaust systems that are used, and the same firm may offer a conversion package that keeps the same name/output but change their cat' supplier for example and they may offer a stage 1-2and 3 conversion ( for engine and exhaust etc) that would need assessing! Even with exhaust upgrades alone I have experienced some that sound absolutely awesome but on one example the next model up with a sort of super sport version created a horrible resonance at certain revs that I disliked but the owner loved (loud is a personal judgement!!). I did include Prodrive as an example because of their official Aston links, plus of course A.M's own offerings and a summary on modifications.
This is not to say I'm anti-modification and there is no question that it is proving more popular particularly as the cars age and reach a younger market while being out of main warranty. So within the guide I have included 5 pages on "mods" which provide an over view and the essence is - cat and exhaust changes are pretty straight forward, and can greatly enhance your driving experience, just check out the quality of the components via the main Aston websites and ensure you are happy with the noise levels + ensure you keep the original components for best re-sale. Major conversions need very careful inspection, but companies like Bamford Rose have won many fans for their quality modifications while established packages from Quicksilver and Larini (etc) have also established a good track record. I direct readers to check out the latest via the websites as these tend to keep track in real time with how each aftermarket company is performing. In honesty it takes a huge amount of time just to keep track with all things A.M. let alone all the aftermarket options and I would want to do the job thoroughly, having said that the guide has evolved in line with enthusiasts input so I'll look at adding some owners views on their experience with various mods
Funnily enough, every word you wrote is spot on!! Well done and keep it up, nothing else comes close.I appreciate what you are saying about including more information on aftermarket modifications, but this area is a potential minefield, full of claims for big performance increases without affecting reliability. The problem is many conversions aren't proven in the long term so it is hard to honestly critique their real world performance and reliability. The problem is compounded by the large range of aftermarket cats, ecu tweaks and exhaust systems that are used, and the same firm may offer a conversion package that keeps the same name/output but change their cat' supplier for example and they may offer a stage 1-2and 3 conversion ( for engine and exhaust etc) that would need assessing! Even with exhaust upgrades alone I have experienced some that sound absolutely awesome but on one example the next model up with a sort of super sport version created a horrible resonance at certain revs that I disliked but the owner loved (loud is a personal judgement!!). I did include Prodrive as an example because of their official Aston links, plus of course A.M's own offerings and a summary on modifications.
This is not to say I'm anti-modification and there is no question that it is proving more popular particularly as the cars age and reach a younger market while being out of main warranty. So within the guide I have included 5 pages on "mods" which provide an over view and the essence is - cat and exhaust changes are pretty straight forward, and can greatly enhance your driving experience, just check out the quality of the components via the main Aston websites and ensure you are happy with the noise levels + ensure you keep the original components for best re-sale. Major conversions need very careful inspection, but companies like Bamford Rose have won many fans for their quality modifications while established packages from Quicksilver and Larini (etc) have also established a good track record. I direct readers to check out the latest via the websites as these tend to keep track in real time with how each aftermarket company is performing. In honesty it takes a huge amount of time just to keep track with all things A.M. let alone all the aftermarket options and I would want to do the job thoroughly, having said that the guide has evolved in line with enthusiasts input so I'll look at adding some owners views on their experience with various mods
Quick question, I don't know if you have an insight. The intake manifold on the V8 is usually raw aluminium in colour unless part of a power upgrade when it is crackle black. My new toy has a painted intake the same 'silver white' colour that the DBS/V12V has. Any insight into the 'new' colour?
Thanks in advance.
bentley01 said:
Grant just wanted to say thanks for your recent advice on my car purchase. The car is in fantastic condition and Top555 went beyond expectations with their service. I have your book purchased Xmas 2012 is it worth buying the most upto date version. Has much changed or been added . Cheers Darren
Hi Darren, I hope you are enjoying that lovely Roadster in a classic colour and every option known to man , the core guide is the same, but with each new addition we add new models and extra data and detail to each section, in essence it's rather like Aston themselves, the book is continually evolving. I am due to send out a PDF update, so have look when this pops through and you can decide if you want everything all in one or are happy to bolt on the PDF info. ......PS.. I hope your roof is down in all weather
Speedraser said:
Grant, I have pdf Update 2. Am I up to date?
KarlFranz said:
Grant, any chance I can get the latest update PDFs? Seems like somehow I got behind by 3 or more versions. Or do I need to buy the book again to get the latest info?
Guys I do apologise, aside from not having enough hours in the day, I have struggled a bit to integrate lots of new snippets of info from the various sections into an update. For example the HB paint code is introduced in the colour section, a side box on actual torsional rigidity by model, updated Sportshift section to include more detail, a little more info on adaptive damping and how it uses oil flow to adjust the handling, new updated official tyre codes, DBS buyers summary paragraph, new VIn info for the new models, new colours introduced, certain inspection issues (like the bubbling!!) expanded slightly, some US only updates, additional bits in the options, a side bar on the sport button, A.M,s comment on Super Unleaded fuel for the V12..... Plus the new models, etc, etc.Anyway it should be coming your way shortly, but it is a bit of a mish-mash and I haven't been able to fit all the bits in (like HB etc) but hopefully it will be of interest thanks for your patience
Grant3 said:
Hi Darren, I hope you are enjoying that lovely Roadster in a classic colour and every option known to man , the core guide is the same, but with each new addition we add new models and extra data and detail to each section, in essence it's rather like Aston themselves, the book is continually evolving. I am due to send out a PDF update, so have look when this pops through and you can decide if you want everything all in one or are happy to bolt on the PDF info. ......
PS.. I hope your roof is down in all weather
Thanks Grant, I think I will just get an updated book anyway. Loving the car and oh my god what a great noise it makes. , the core guide is the same, but with each new addition we add new models and extra data and detail to each section, in essence it's rather like Aston themselves, the book is continually evolving. I am due to send out a PDF update, so have look when this pops through and you can decide if you want everything all in one or are happy to bolt on the PDF info. ......PS.. I hope your roof is down in all weather
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, prosperous and Astontastic New Year - thanks for your continued support and contributions to the guide, which is now on the 7th edition V2, printed mid-December.
It is also fantastic to see so many new people becoming Aston owners with help from the guide and the guys and girls from this forum
.
The latest PDF update has been mailed out (apologies for the delay & the fact it's a bit fragmented as it's getting harder to cover the many small additions that go into all the sections) and for those that don't have the guide, here is a little sample - an introduction to the new V12 Vantage S - ideally this should be read with the other 10 pages covering the original V12 Vantage, but this two page PDF gives you a taster and covers the key evolutionary changes from the last beast - enjoy
.
V12 Vantage S PDF
- thanks for your continued support and contributions to the guide, which is now on the 7th edition V2, printed mid-December.It is also fantastic to see so many new people becoming Aston owners with help from the guide and the guys and girls from this forum
. The latest PDF update has been mailed out (apologies for the delay & the fact it's a bit fragmented as it's getting harder to cover the many small additions that go into all the sections) and for those that don't have the guide, here is a little sample - an introduction to the new V12 Vantage S - ideally this should be read with the other 10 pages covering the original V12 Vantage, but this two page PDF gives you a taster and covers the key evolutionary changes from the last beast - enjoy
.V12 Vantage S PDF
Brakke said:
Received my copy yesterday very promptly in the mail.
What a quick shipment to Holland!
Enjoying the read very much so far.
Much appreciated!
Saeed
Thanks for the post Saeed and greetings to you, I hope you are enjoying your beautiful V8 Vantage, and hopefully you now have that lovely Carbon-fibre diffuser fitted What a quick shipment to Holland!
Enjoying the read very much so far.
Much appreciated!
Saeed
I've been away from sports cars for some years, tho in the past owned a bunch of Lotus and a couple Ferraris, and throw in a caterham HPC for good measure. Been mostly focusing on Ducati motorcycles, but now as I turn 54 the urge to get a sports car is calling. Short list is the Ferrari 360 Modena or the Aston V8 Vantage, or a Jaguar F-Type. For the money I can get a much newer Aston and am definitely leaning in that direction right now.
I'm located in Georgia USA. It didnt' take long for me to find this thread on Grant's book which looks to be just what I need! So have ordered from his site.
Unfortunately not nearly as much info on aston's as Ferraris so a bit more research on line involved.
Chris
I'm located in Georgia USA. It didnt' take long for me to find this thread on Grant's book which looks to be just what I need! So have ordered from his site.
Unfortunately not nearly as much info on aston's as Ferraris so a bit more research on line involved.
Chris
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