Aston Martin advice from Bamford Rose independent specialist
Discussion
Hi there....
Time and money notwithstanding wish list for DB7 - cool discussion...
The engine is the easy part - Cylinder heads can have the 'Vanquish S' touch applied. The hardware for crank throw and displacement changes to go to 6.5L / 7.0L are both also possible. Inlet manifold changes and head / combustion chamber porting work finished with a tuned exhaust manifold and low loss catalyst system, and without too much difficulty, ballpark 600Nm / 600BHP in DB7 is on the cards...
Whilst these sorts of increases can be accommodated by the modern era cars owing to bullet proof engineering and sign-off standards stipulated by Ford which resulted in over engineered components - DB7 does not have as much 'in hand'. Thermal, both coolant and oil cooling capability would be a worry, as would clutch, gearbox and driveline. Suspension, bushing and braking would be a real concern as dynamically that sort of power increase would cause real upset to DB7 harmony... The works dynamics special DB7 (pictured above) and even DB7 GT, as good as they are, would not / do not address any of these concerns adequately for that power increase. But, system by system / component by component it is possible to address all of these points of worry and a robust package could be achieved - no doubt.
DB7 is up there as one of the most beautiful Astons ever made, that is for sure. But whilst circa 2005 V8 and DB9 can be modified to dynamically 'Vanquish' models that roll off the production line today. Owing to the chassis / frame and driveline architecture of DB7, a wish list DB7 would still not come close in ride, handling or braking to modern era models. So, whilst this means upgrade of new era product not just creates uncompromised product, it is economically viable too as it is a credible alternative to trading-up. Modification to that extent on DB7 would certainly be heart ruling head with 'caped' end results.
An interesting fact would be that the cost of such works to DB7 would actually get close to the current used purchase price of a 2005 V8 Vantage....! So probably better to leave the DB7 as is and enjoy her for what she is, and have a V8 or DB9 parked next to it in the garage....!
Cant quite believe that used V8 Vantage now start with prices beginning with a 2....!
[/quote]
Hi Mike, I have tried emailing BR a couple of times with a query about potential for improving my 03 US spec DB7 Vantage Volante - no responses so far....
My car is a manual 6-speed with the AM sports exhaust and GT brakes, but other than that it is standard. I would be very interested in some performance improvements on the engine side - especially torque as I prefer the GT type motoring: get up to cruising speed quickly; the top speed is plenty fast enough for me. I also have a 97 DB7 with the Driving Dynamics mechanical package (inc OZ wheels), and - even though it is an auto - it is quicker to 60 and 80 mph than the VV!
Time and money notwithstanding wish list for DB7 - cool discussion...
The engine is the easy part - Cylinder heads can have the 'Vanquish S' touch applied. The hardware for crank throw and displacement changes to go to 6.5L / 7.0L are both also possible. Inlet manifold changes and head / combustion chamber porting work finished with a tuned exhaust manifold and low loss catalyst system, and without too much difficulty, ballpark 600Nm / 600BHP in DB7 is on the cards...
Whilst these sorts of increases can be accommodated by the modern era cars owing to bullet proof engineering and sign-off standards stipulated by Ford which resulted in over engineered components - DB7 does not have as much 'in hand'. Thermal, both coolant and oil cooling capability would be a worry, as would clutch, gearbox and driveline. Suspension, bushing and braking would be a real concern as dynamically that sort of power increase would cause real upset to DB7 harmony... The works dynamics special DB7 (pictured above) and even DB7 GT, as good as they are, would not / do not address any of these concerns adequately for that power increase. But, system by system / component by component it is possible to address all of these points of worry and a robust package could be achieved - no doubt.
DB7 is up there as one of the most beautiful Astons ever made, that is for sure. But whilst circa 2005 V8 and DB9 can be modified to dynamically 'Vanquish' models that roll off the production line today. Owing to the chassis / frame and driveline architecture of DB7, a wish list DB7 would still not come close in ride, handling or braking to modern era models. So, whilst this means upgrade of new era product not just creates uncompromised product, it is economically viable too as it is a credible alternative to trading-up. Modification to that extent on DB7 would certainly be heart ruling head with 'caped' end results.
An interesting fact would be that the cost of such works to DB7 would actually get close to the current used purchase price of a 2005 V8 Vantage....! So probably better to leave the DB7 as is and enjoy her for what she is, and have a V8 or DB9 parked next to it in the garage....!
Cant quite believe that used V8 Vantage now start with prices beginning with a 2....!
[/quote]
Hi Mike, I have tried emailing BR a couple of times with a query about potential for improving my 03 US spec DB7 Vantage Volante - no responses so far....
My car is a manual 6-speed with the AM sports exhaust and GT brakes, but other than that it is standard. I would be very interested in some performance improvements on the engine side - especially torque as I prefer the GT type motoring: get up to cruising speed quickly; the top speed is plenty fast enough for me. I also have a 97 DB7 with the Driving Dynamics mechanical package (inc OZ wheels), and - even though it is an auto - it is quicker to 60 and 80 mph than the VV!
hanny1973 said:
Hi - does anyone know how much a BR Sports-shift clutch replacement is?
Thanks.
You have to call or contact them directly to get prices. I am speaking to Mike shortly (he's in the car now) sdo will ask for you if you want and PM you.Thanks.
It's a package of twin plate clutch and very lightweight flywheel (so revs will be much quicker to rise and fall). It's their own design (they were the powertrain engineers at Aston Martin Lagonda for Vantage and DB9 so know more about the drivetrains and build of these cars than anyone!
yeti said:
hanny1973 said:
Hi - does anyone know how much a BR Sports-shift clutch replacement is?
Thanks.
You have to call or contact them directly to get prices. I am speaking to Mike shortly (he's in the car now) sdo will ask for you if you want and PM you.Thanks.
It's a package of twin plate clutch and very lightweight flywheel (so revs will be much quicker to rise and fall). It's their own design (they were the powertrain engineers at Aston Martin Lagonda for Vantage and DB9 so know more about the drivetrains and build of these cars than anyone!
MollyGTi said:
Mac355 said:
Hi guys,
does anyone have a direct email for Mike?
I sent an email to the BR general address about spending a fair bit of money with BR, and haven't even had an acknowledgement....
Alan
YHMdoes anyone have a direct email for Mike?
I sent an email to the BR general address about spending a fair bit of money with BR, and haven't even had an acknowledgement....
Alan
Navyatco said:
MollyGTi said:
Mac355 said:
Hi guys,
does anyone have a direct email for Mike?
I sent an email to the BR general address about spending a fair bit of money with BR, and haven't even had an acknowledgement....
Alan
YHMdoes anyone have a direct email for Mike?
I sent an email to the BR general address about spending a fair bit of money with BR, and haven't even had an acknowledgement....
Alan
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