Aston Martin advice from Bamford Rose independent specialist
Discussion
yeti said:
They didn't answer a question about a car you're not getting. And yet you've so much time on your hands you felt compelled to post 
People are weird
I was looking at a Sportshift Vantage which had not had a clutch change since new. It was around 30,000miles so to prepare for possible replacement i contact BR to see about prices. In the meantime of waiting i found another car, lower mileage and had a clutch change so although i wont probably need BR services it would of been nice to have a reply off them. People are weird
yeti said:
CatalystV12V said:
so it doesn't need to run rich to cool itself anymore.
Can you explain how this cooling works please?
Components of the engine / exhaust use fuel to cool themselves, one of the reasons the cars are so fuel inefficient. Which ones, you'd have to ask a grown up! Can you explain how this cooling works please?
yeti said:
CatalystV12V said:
so it doesn't need to run rich to cool itself anymore.
Can you explain how this cooling works please?
Components of the engine / exhaust use fuel to cool themselves, one of the reasons the cars are so fuel inefficient. Which ones, you'd have to ask a grown up! Can you explain how this cooling works please?
Speculatore said:
jonby said:
Very excited to see the results of Jonny 550 (570? more ?)
On the V12 front, can you give us an update Mike of what is now available. I know there are several options of V8 manifolds e.g pinnacle, ceramic, etc but I'm not sure on V12 what's been happening
So in terms of manifolds, is there more than one option now since the Lance/Oscar/etc spec systems that you have fitted several of ? Not that I'm suggesting there needs to be !! But wondered if you have started developing cheaper and/or more expensive versions in the way that you seem to have been doing on the V8s
And what else have you been fitting to V12 engine cars on the power front - rear sports cats & I think high lift cams are pretty much standard BR fodder whenever the manifolds are fitted ? Obviously there is the choice of the inlet being more torque or more power oriented (effectively DB9 or DBS inlet IIRC). Is that it before you start getting into more esoteric stuff that gets 'deeper' into improving the heart of the engine itself (and therefore into the area of diminishing returns) ?
Seeing the Oscar thread today reminded me Mike - don't forget to give us an idea of exactly what is available these days for the V12 engines
All will be revealed what is available for the V12 very shortly with the release of the 'Project Blofeld' modifications.On the V12 front, can you give us an update Mike of what is now available. I know there are several options of V8 manifolds e.g pinnacle, ceramic, etc but I'm not sure on V12 what's been happening
So in terms of manifolds, is there more than one option now since the Lance/Oscar/etc spec systems that you have fitted several of ? Not that I'm suggesting there needs to be !! But wondered if you have started developing cheaper and/or more expensive versions in the way that you seem to have been doing on the V8s
And what else have you been fitting to V12 engine cars on the power front - rear sports cats & I think high lift cams are pretty much standard BR fodder whenever the manifolds are fitted ? Obviously there is the choice of the inlet being more torque or more power oriented (effectively DB9 or DBS inlet IIRC). Is that it before you start getting into more esoteric stuff that gets 'deeper' into improving the heart of the engine itself (and therefore into the area of diminishing returns) ?
Seeing the Oscar thread today reminded me Mike - don't forget to give us an idea of exactly what is available these days for the V12 engines
it pays sometimesAstonWalks said:
V8V booked in for Service and "de-squeaking" on 30th April - looking forward to it ! Great when you can get excited about a car service ! Looking forward to my 2014 BR experience ! See you soon :-)
I too have a V8V with a "squeak" (from time to time) at very low speed; sounds like a wheel barrow that needs oiling..... Have BR diagnosed your problem., or are you assuming they'll fix it? Mines still (just) under warranty and the problem is reasonably intermittent and the authorised dealership seem pretty poor at trying to find / resolve the problem. Any comment would be greatly received.DavidPaulSmith said:
AstonWalks said:
V8V booked in for Service and "de-squeaking" on 30th April - looking forward to it ! Great when you can get excited about a car service ! Looking forward to my 2014 BR experience ! See you soon :-)
I too have a V8V with a "squeak" (from time to time) at very low speed; sounds like a wheel barrow that needs oiling..... Have BR diagnosed your problem., or are you assuming they'll fix it? Mines still (just) under warranty and the problem is reasonably intermittent and the authorised dealership seem pretty poor at trying to find / resolve the problem. Any comment would be greatly received.Mike,
Is it possible to fit the faster V8V S steering rack to earlier Vantages (mine is a MY2009 Sports pack 4.7)?
Having test driven a Vantage S, for me, this was the most noticeable difference in the driving experience compared to my V8V. If it is possible then do you also have to change the rest of the front suspension set up so that it all integrates or would it be possible/effective as a stand alone upgrade?
Thanks for your thoughts,
Pete (California Sage V8V that dropped in with Laser Sag's Morning Frost V8V on 10th April for a look round your place after our Gaydon factory tour).
Is it possible to fit the faster V8V S steering rack to earlier Vantages (mine is a MY2009 Sports pack 4.7)?
Having test driven a Vantage S, for me, this was the most noticeable difference in the driving experience compared to my V8V. If it is possible then do you also have to change the rest of the front suspension set up so that it all integrates or would it be possible/effective as a stand alone upgrade?
Thanks for your thoughts,
Pete (California Sage V8V that dropped in with Laser Sag's Morning Frost V8V on 10th April for a look round your place after our Gaydon factory tour).
Hello!
I have installed a twin plate clutch and doesn´t work. I assumed that the clutch relearn calibrate it but didn´t work and I did it with the AC off, press the brake pedal and turn on ignition, wait for about ten seconds until a "click2 sounds and repeat the operation for 3 or 4 times.
My question is about if the relearn is to compensate the wear of the clutch or also can calibrate increments as when you put a new clutch. In Lambos you need to use the official diagnosis to do that so Im wondering that I have to do the same with the Aston MArtin diagnosis tool AMDS
Go to a dealer is not possible, the problem is that I live in a island in the front of Africa 1300 km by ship far away from Spain mainland so I have to solute this by my own.
THANKS Bamford Rose for giving me a new car!
Well - it’s the same car, (V8 Vantage Roadster 2007/4.3 with Sportshift) but new modifications have utterly transformed it. I had not dared hope for such a big effect on what is already a breathtaking machine.
In essence, it still has loads of ‘personality’ but the bad edges have been knocked off.
I had the Bamford Rose twinplate clutch, lightweight flywheel and switchable suspension done, plus added new slightly wider Michelin Super Sports all at once.
(Also a mod to the Catalyst and ECU remap for a small increase in power and a decent noise change from BURBLE to ROAR, and a three-way switch so I can decide to blast it out or choose stealth mode, or have it as per factory. Finally cruise-control added.)
First impressions:
The steering felt lighter and more responsive. Surprise number One.
D mode has become totally fluid. Surprise number Two
Backache gone - six hours hard driving today. Surprise number Three!
Comfort button - now does something useful. Surprise number Four!
Here's a pic - though to be honest it looks the same as before!
I promised to feed back in detail: (It's rather thorough.. see towards end of post for "watch-outs")
Results of Twinplate clutch / flywheel:
Nodding-dog effect has gone. Creep mode smooth (still can judder slightly if you don’t put any gas in) - reverses up steep hills without barbecue smell.
If I just put my foot flat to the floor in D (and hang on tight), it surges forward with beautiful flow. Surpassed 140mph on the straight before my nerve/the road ran out but each gear change was a smooth blip rather than a great jolt with a clunk from the transmission.
On really windy roads in D mode I barely noticed the gears - just point and squirt. Anyone who has felt the 4.3 in original guise will know that’s a revelation.
As a passenger, in Bamford-Mike’s capable hands, I saw how smooth the gear change can be manually too. If you change at the right time it slips in beautifully - no need to lift off the gas or finesse it - just watch the rev counter and click- new redline slightly higher RPM too.
Comfort button really annoyed me when I got the car as it just made it jerky and uncomfy - I felt a bit let down. Now it does what you'd expect, in D mode it makes the gears change at lower revs for a smoother ride. Good in heavy/queing traffic.
Instruction:
Mike was kind enough to take me to try all the new mods at Millbrook proving ground. I am very grateful for his patient tuition in terms of how to get the best from my car, and how to get the best from a corner, many corners, over and over and over. I feel much more "at one" with the car now.
I would show pictures but they covered my iPhone cameras with these stickers which is a shame since they were filming an episode of Silent Witness there with "dead" bodies and Police with guns all over the place!
Swithchable suspension:
Two modes - soft or hard. Hard mode felt similar to the original in terms of feeling the road (and the spine jangling over bumps) though in terms of grip, the car seemed if possible more planted and responsive - which I am guessing is what made the steering feel so much lighter - very subjective as I’m no rally driver and already found it pretty good. Certainly negligible body roll even at high speed and on sharp steering inputs - it darts impressively rather than wallowing - there's no ‘rebound'.
Soft mode - Incredible difference. Even on the track, including the deliberately bumpy bits, a push of the switch takes all the pain away - I wouldn’t say it floats like a modern Jag - the closest comparison I can offer from my experience is the smooth comfort of a BMW - still absolutely in touch with the road and sporty, but polite and forgiving on the spine. I’m sure others with wider driving experience could come up with a better/posher comparison, but I expect you get the idea.
Motorway:
Got stuck in traffic on the way home. Cruise control obviously a bonus, but the smoothness down to very low speeds put a smile on my face... Though not as much as departing the M4 for three hours on twisty A-roads - every tractor overtaken was another chance to hear that joyous noise.
Tyres:
Bamford put slightly wider Michelin Super Sports on.
Rear 275/35 ZR19
Front 245/40 ZR19
Can’t say how these contributed to the extraordinary grip etc as the other mods were simultaneous. But in contrast to the Bridgestones they do project beyond the rims and already saved my alloys when I very gently scraped the kerb pulling over in a too-narrow village high-street -that’s a bonus.
Watch outs:
You can tell that I’ve become a Bamford Rose disciple overnight, and probably feel my excitement from this post - no apologies as thats exactly what the Aston Martin experience SHOULD be for me, and they’ve added massively to that by taking away my nagging doubts about keeping the car as a daily driver long-term.
However let’s be clear - they don’t have a call-centre, a receptionist, a team of email-answerers or their own parts production facility.
My project was delayed weeks by a parts supply issue (giving them time to fix a couple of things without charging me labour), and though I always heard back from Mike, and with very reassuring, sound, economical advice, it was generally later rather than sooner (and sometimes late at night -which says a lot about commitment).
So those with a control-freak disposition (most people who can afford an AM?) may have to grit their teeth a little. I guessed this from the forums already - IMHO its better to have less immediate contact from the guy who actually understands the engineering, than an instant response from a telephone operator. But forewarned is forearmed.
Insurance - Some companies avoid modified cars - my company Sainsbury's are not increasing my premium nor charging me an admin fee. I cannot commend them highly enough for this,
Odd noises - the Aston emits various noises, and one of them was, at first, more noticeable than before. Mike explained, I think it was something to do with the transmission, but I can’t remember and I’ve got used to it. Some of the old noises have gone! I suppose what I’m saying is, it’s like night-and-day compared to my ‘old’ car, but its still not a mass-produced silent-gliding Mercedes.
Afternoon tea:
After all that hair-raising, it was a joy to sweep up the majestic gravel of Cliveden House for afternoon tea. It’s a credit to the original designers that this Aston can be as at home on the track as the most impressive forecourts in the land. I’m sure they’re charming to everyone there, but I like to think we got a slightly extra-special Aston Martin welcome. We got a prime parking spot that’s for sure!
Which used AM to buy?
My choice: a cheap one, and have the mods.
I was feeling red-faced about getting a car which didn’t quite fulfil my daily missions. When I realised I was about to spend £10k modding it I kept wondering, in hindsight, if I wouldn’t have been better buying a £53k -4.7? (Putting aside that I would have never got that past the other half).
I’m comfortable now that I’ve got a car better for my needs than even a sports-pack 4.7, it’s low mileage, new tyres, under warranty and it isn’t going to need a(nother) new clutch!
But I wouldn’t advise this if you like to change cars often as the value of the mods will probably not come back to you if you sell the car. For me, I’m pretty sure I’ve now got a 'keeper'.
And they lived happily ever after (etc…)
Hope to meet some of you at PH events this Summer.
(Originally posted in main forum -copied to BR thread for those consider edging the mods).
Well - it’s the same car, (V8 Vantage Roadster 2007/4.3 with Sportshift) but new modifications have utterly transformed it. I had not dared hope for such a big effect on what is already a breathtaking machine.
In essence, it still has loads of ‘personality’ but the bad edges have been knocked off.
I had the Bamford Rose twinplate clutch, lightweight flywheel and switchable suspension done, plus added new slightly wider Michelin Super Sports all at once.
(Also a mod to the Catalyst and ECU remap for a small increase in power and a decent noise change from BURBLE to ROAR, and a three-way switch so I can decide to blast it out or choose stealth mode, or have it as per factory. Finally cruise-control added.)
First impressions:
The steering felt lighter and more responsive. Surprise number One.
D mode has become totally fluid. Surprise number Two
Backache gone - six hours hard driving today. Surprise number Three!
Comfort button - now does something useful. Surprise number Four!
Here's a pic - though to be honest it looks the same as before!
I promised to feed back in detail: (It's rather thorough.. see towards end of post for "watch-outs")
Results of Twinplate clutch / flywheel:
Nodding-dog effect has gone. Creep mode smooth (still can judder slightly if you don’t put any gas in) - reverses up steep hills without barbecue smell.
If I just put my foot flat to the floor in D (and hang on tight), it surges forward with beautiful flow. Surpassed 140mph on the straight before my nerve/the road ran out but each gear change was a smooth blip rather than a great jolt with a clunk from the transmission.
On really windy roads in D mode I barely noticed the gears - just point and squirt. Anyone who has felt the 4.3 in original guise will know that’s a revelation.
As a passenger, in Bamford-Mike’s capable hands, I saw how smooth the gear change can be manually too. If you change at the right time it slips in beautifully - no need to lift off the gas or finesse it - just watch the rev counter and click- new redline slightly higher RPM too.
Comfort button really annoyed me when I got the car as it just made it jerky and uncomfy - I felt a bit let down. Now it does what you'd expect, in D mode it makes the gears change at lower revs for a smoother ride. Good in heavy/queing traffic.
Instruction:
Mike was kind enough to take me to try all the new mods at Millbrook proving ground. I am very grateful for his patient tuition in terms of how to get the best from my car, and how to get the best from a corner, many corners, over and over and over. I feel much more "at one" with the car now.
I would show pictures but they covered my iPhone cameras with these stickers which is a shame since they were filming an episode of Silent Witness there with "dead" bodies and Police with guns all over the place!
Swithchable suspension:
Two modes - soft or hard. Hard mode felt similar to the original in terms of feeling the road (and the spine jangling over bumps) though in terms of grip, the car seemed if possible more planted and responsive - which I am guessing is what made the steering feel so much lighter - very subjective as I’m no rally driver and already found it pretty good. Certainly negligible body roll even at high speed and on sharp steering inputs - it darts impressively rather than wallowing - there's no ‘rebound'.
Soft mode - Incredible difference. Even on the track, including the deliberately bumpy bits, a push of the switch takes all the pain away - I wouldn’t say it floats like a modern Jag - the closest comparison I can offer from my experience is the smooth comfort of a BMW - still absolutely in touch with the road and sporty, but polite and forgiving on the spine. I’m sure others with wider driving experience could come up with a better/posher comparison, but I expect you get the idea.
Motorway:
Got stuck in traffic on the way home. Cruise control obviously a bonus, but the smoothness down to very low speeds put a smile on my face... Though not as much as departing the M4 for three hours on twisty A-roads - every tractor overtaken was another chance to hear that joyous noise.
Tyres:
Bamford put slightly wider Michelin Super Sports on.
Rear 275/35 ZR19
Front 245/40 ZR19
Can’t say how these contributed to the extraordinary grip etc as the other mods were simultaneous. But in contrast to the Bridgestones they do project beyond the rims and already saved my alloys when I very gently scraped the kerb pulling over in a too-narrow village high-street -that’s a bonus.
Watch outs:
You can tell that I’ve become a Bamford Rose disciple overnight, and probably feel my excitement from this post - no apologies as thats exactly what the Aston Martin experience SHOULD be for me, and they’ve added massively to that by taking away my nagging doubts about keeping the car as a daily driver long-term.
However let’s be clear - they don’t have a call-centre, a receptionist, a team of email-answerers or their own parts production facility.
My project was delayed weeks by a parts supply issue (giving them time to fix a couple of things without charging me labour), and though I always heard back from Mike, and with very reassuring, sound, economical advice, it was generally later rather than sooner (and sometimes late at night -which says a lot about commitment).
So those with a control-freak disposition (most people who can afford an AM?) may have to grit their teeth a little. I guessed this from the forums already - IMHO its better to have less immediate contact from the guy who actually understands the engineering, than an instant response from a telephone operator. But forewarned is forearmed.
Insurance - Some companies avoid modified cars - my company Sainsbury's are not increasing my premium nor charging me an admin fee. I cannot commend them highly enough for this,
Odd noises - the Aston emits various noises, and one of them was, at first, more noticeable than before. Mike explained, I think it was something to do with the transmission, but I can’t remember and I’ve got used to it. Some of the old noises have gone! I suppose what I’m saying is, it’s like night-and-day compared to my ‘old’ car, but its still not a mass-produced silent-gliding Mercedes.
Afternoon tea:
After all that hair-raising, it was a joy to sweep up the majestic gravel of Cliveden House for afternoon tea. It’s a credit to the original designers that this Aston can be as at home on the track as the most impressive forecourts in the land. I’m sure they’re charming to everyone there, but I like to think we got a slightly extra-special Aston Martin welcome. We got a prime parking spot that’s for sure!
Which used AM to buy?
My choice: a cheap one, and have the mods.
I was feeling red-faced about getting a car which didn’t quite fulfil my daily missions. When I realised I was about to spend £10k modding it I kept wondering, in hindsight, if I wouldn’t have been better buying a £53k -4.7? (Putting aside that I would have never got that past the other half).
I’m comfortable now that I’ve got a car better for my needs than even a sports-pack 4.7, it’s low mileage, new tyres, under warranty and it isn’t going to need a(nother) new clutch!
But I wouldn’t advise this if you like to change cars often as the value of the mods will probably not come back to you if you sell the car. For me, I’m pretty sure I’ve now got a 'keeper'.
And they lived happily ever after (etc…)
Hope to meet some of you at PH events this Summer.
(Originally posted in main forum -copied to BR thread for those consider edging the mods).
NealCS said:
THANKS Bamford Rose for giving me a new car!
Well - it’s the same car, (V8 Vantage Roadster 2007/4.3 with Sportshift) but new modifications have utterly transformed it. I had not dared hope for such a big effect on what is already a breathtaking machine.
In essence, it still has loads of ‘personality’ but the bad edges have been knocked off.
I had the Bamford Rose twinplate clutch, lightweight flywheel and switchable suspension done, plus added new slightly wider Michelin Super Sports all at once.
(Also a mod to the Catalyst and ECU remap for a small increase in power and a decent noise change from BURBLE to ROAR, and a three-way switch so I can decide to blast it out or choose stealth mode, or have it as per factory. Finally cruise-control added.)
First impressions:
The steering felt lighter and more responsive. Surprise number One.
D mode has become totally fluid. Surprise number Two
Backache gone - six hours hard driving today. Surprise number Three!
Comfort button - now does something useful. Surprise number Four!
Here's a pic - though to be honest it looks the same as before!
I promised to feed back in detail: (It's rather thorough.. see towards end of post for "watch-outs")
Results of Twinplate clutch / flywheel:
Nodding-dog effect has gone. Creep mode smooth (still can judder slightly if you don’t put any gas in) - reverses up steep hills without barbecue smell.
If I just put my foot flat to the floor in D (and hang on tight), it surges forward with beautiful flow. Surpassed 140mph on the straight before my nerve/the road ran out but each gear change was a smooth blip rather than a great jolt with a clunk from the transmission.
On really windy roads in D mode I barely noticed the gears - just point and squirt. Anyone who has felt the 4.3 in original guise will know that’s a revelation.
As a passenger, in Bamford-Mike’s capable hands, I saw how smooth the gear change can be manually too. If you change at the right time it slips in beautifully - no need to lift off the gas or finesse it - just watch the rev counter and click- new redline slightly higher RPM too.
Comfort button really annoyed me when I got the car as it just made it jerky and uncomfy - I felt a bit let down. Now it does what you'd expect, in D mode it makes the gears change at lower revs for a smoother ride. Good in heavy/queing traffic.
Instruction:
Mike was kind enough to take me to try all the new mods at Millbrook proving ground. I am very grateful for his patient tuition in terms of how to get the best from my car, and how to get the best from a corner, many corners, over and over and over. I feel much more "at one" with the car now.
I would show pictures but they covered my iPhone cameras with these stickers which is a shame since they were filming an episode of Silent Witness there with "dead" bodies and Police with guns all over the place!
Swithchable suspension:
Two modes - soft or hard. Hard mode felt similar to the original in terms of feeling the road (and the spine jangling over bumps) though in terms of grip, the car seemed if possible more planted and responsive - which I am guessing is what made the steering feel so much lighter - very subjective as I’m no rally driver and already found it pretty good. Certainly negligible body roll even at high speed and on sharp steering inputs - it darts impressively rather than wallowing - there's no ‘rebound'.
Soft mode - Incredible difference. Even on the track, including the deliberately bumpy bits, a push of the switch takes all the pain away - I wouldn’t say it floats like a modern Jag - the closest comparison I can offer from my experience is the smooth comfort of a BMW - still absolutely in touch with the road and sporty, but polite and forgiving on the spine. I’m sure others with wider driving experience could come up with a better/posher comparison, but I expect you get the idea.
Motorway:
Got stuck in traffic on the way home. Cruise control obviously a bonus, but the smoothness down to very low speeds put a smile on my face... Though not as much as departing the M4 for three hours on twisty A-roads - every tractor overtaken was another chance to hear that joyous noise.
Tyres:
Bamford put slightly wider Michelin Super Sports on.
Rear 275/35 ZR19
Front 245/40 ZR19
Can’t say how these contributed to the extraordinary grip etc as the other mods were simultaneous. But in contrast to the Bridgestones they do project beyond the rims and already saved my alloys when I very gently scraped the kerb pulling over in a too-narrow village high-street -that’s a bonus.
Watch outs:
You can tell that I’ve become a Bamford Rose disciple overnight, and probably feel my excitement from this post - no apologies as thats exactly what the Aston Martin experience SHOULD be for me, and they’ve added massively to that by taking away my nagging doubts about keeping the car as a daily driver long-term.
However let’s be clear - they don’t have a call-centre, a receptionist, a team of email-answerers or their own parts production facility.
My project was delayed weeks by a parts supply issue (giving them time to fix a couple of things without charging me labour), and though I always heard back from Mike, and with very reassuring, sound, economical advice, it was generally later rather than sooner (and sometimes late at night -which says a lot about commitment).
So those with a control-freak disposition (most people who can afford an AM?) may have to grit their teeth a little. I guessed this from the forums already - IMHO its better to have less immediate contact from the guy who actually understands the engineering, than an instant response from a telephone operator. But forewarned is forearmed.
Insurance - Some companies avoid modified cars - my company Sainsbury's are not increasing my premium nor charging me an admin fee. I cannot commend them highly enough for this,
Odd noises - the Aston emits various noises, and one of them was, at first, more noticeable than before. Mike explained, I think it was something to do with the transmission, but I can’t remember and I’ve got used to it. Some of the old noises have gone! I suppose what I’m saying is, it’s like night-and-day compared to my ‘old’ car, but its still not a mass-produced silent-gliding Mercedes.
Afternoon tea:
After all that hair-raising, it was a joy to sweep up the majestic gravel of Cliveden House for afternoon tea. It’s a credit to the original designers that this Aston can be as at home on the track as the most impressive forecourts in the land. I’m sure they’re charming to everyone there, but I like to think we got a slightly extra-special Aston Martin welcome. We got a prime parking spot that’s for sure!
Which used AM to buy?
My choice: a cheap one, and have the mods.
I was feeling red-faced about getting a car which didn’t quite fulfil my daily missions. When I realised I was about to spend £10k modding it I kept wondering, in hindsight, if I wouldn’t have been better buying a £53k -4.7? (Putting aside that I would have never got that past the other half).
I’m comfortable now that I’ve got a car better for my needs than even a sports-pack 4.7, it’s low mileage, new tyres, under warranty and it isn’t going to need a(nother) new clutch!
But I wouldn’t advise this if you like to change cars often as the value of the mods will probably not come back to you if you sell the car. For me, I’m pretty sure I’ve now got a 'keeper'.
And they lived happily ever after (etc…)
Hope to meet some of you at PH events this Summer.
(Originally posted in main forum -copied to BR thread for those consider edging the mods).
Thanks for your post.Well - it’s the same car, (V8 Vantage Roadster 2007/4.3 with Sportshift) but new modifications have utterly transformed it. I had not dared hope for such a big effect on what is already a breathtaking machine.
In essence, it still has loads of ‘personality’ but the bad edges have been knocked off.
I had the Bamford Rose twinplate clutch, lightweight flywheel and switchable suspension done, plus added new slightly wider Michelin Super Sports all at once.
(Also a mod to the Catalyst and ECU remap for a small increase in power and a decent noise change from BURBLE to ROAR, and a three-way switch so I can decide to blast it out or choose stealth mode, or have it as per factory. Finally cruise-control added.)
First impressions:
The steering felt lighter and more responsive. Surprise number One.
D mode has become totally fluid. Surprise number Two
Backache gone - six hours hard driving today. Surprise number Three!
Comfort button - now does something useful. Surprise number Four!
Here's a pic - though to be honest it looks the same as before!
I promised to feed back in detail: (It's rather thorough.. see towards end of post for "watch-outs")
Results of Twinplate clutch / flywheel:
Nodding-dog effect has gone. Creep mode smooth (still can judder slightly if you don’t put any gas in) - reverses up steep hills without barbecue smell.
If I just put my foot flat to the floor in D (and hang on tight), it surges forward with beautiful flow. Surpassed 140mph on the straight before my nerve/the road ran out but each gear change was a smooth blip rather than a great jolt with a clunk from the transmission.
On really windy roads in D mode I barely noticed the gears - just point and squirt. Anyone who has felt the 4.3 in original guise will know that’s a revelation.
As a passenger, in Bamford-Mike’s capable hands, I saw how smooth the gear change can be manually too. If you change at the right time it slips in beautifully - no need to lift off the gas or finesse it - just watch the rev counter and click- new redline slightly higher RPM too.
Comfort button really annoyed me when I got the car as it just made it jerky and uncomfy - I felt a bit let down. Now it does what you'd expect, in D mode it makes the gears change at lower revs for a smoother ride. Good in heavy/queing traffic.
Instruction:
Mike was kind enough to take me to try all the new mods at Millbrook proving ground. I am very grateful for his patient tuition in terms of how to get the best from my car, and how to get the best from a corner, many corners, over and over and over. I feel much more "at one" with the car now.
I would show pictures but they covered my iPhone cameras with these stickers which is a shame since they were filming an episode of Silent Witness there with "dead" bodies and Police with guns all over the place!
Swithchable suspension:
Two modes - soft or hard. Hard mode felt similar to the original in terms of feeling the road (and the spine jangling over bumps) though in terms of grip, the car seemed if possible more planted and responsive - which I am guessing is what made the steering feel so much lighter - very subjective as I’m no rally driver and already found it pretty good. Certainly negligible body roll even at high speed and on sharp steering inputs - it darts impressively rather than wallowing - there's no ‘rebound'.
Soft mode - Incredible difference. Even on the track, including the deliberately bumpy bits, a push of the switch takes all the pain away - I wouldn’t say it floats like a modern Jag - the closest comparison I can offer from my experience is the smooth comfort of a BMW - still absolutely in touch with the road and sporty, but polite and forgiving on the spine. I’m sure others with wider driving experience could come up with a better/posher comparison, but I expect you get the idea.
Motorway:
Got stuck in traffic on the way home. Cruise control obviously a bonus, but the smoothness down to very low speeds put a smile on my face... Though not as much as departing the M4 for three hours on twisty A-roads - every tractor overtaken was another chance to hear that joyous noise.
Tyres:
Bamford put slightly wider Michelin Super Sports on.
Rear 275/35 ZR19
Front 245/40 ZR19
Can’t say how these contributed to the extraordinary grip etc as the other mods were simultaneous. But in contrast to the Bridgestones they do project beyond the rims and already saved my alloys when I very gently scraped the kerb pulling over in a too-narrow village high-street -that’s a bonus.
Watch outs:
You can tell that I’ve become a Bamford Rose disciple overnight, and probably feel my excitement from this post - no apologies as thats exactly what the Aston Martin experience SHOULD be for me, and they’ve added massively to that by taking away my nagging doubts about keeping the car as a daily driver long-term.
However let’s be clear - they don’t have a call-centre, a receptionist, a team of email-answerers or their own parts production facility.
My project was delayed weeks by a parts supply issue (giving them time to fix a couple of things without charging me labour), and though I always heard back from Mike, and with very reassuring, sound, economical advice, it was generally later rather than sooner (and sometimes late at night -which says a lot about commitment).
So those with a control-freak disposition (most people who can afford an AM?) may have to grit their teeth a little. I guessed this from the forums already - IMHO its better to have less immediate contact from the guy who actually understands the engineering, than an instant response from a telephone operator. But forewarned is forearmed.
Insurance - Some companies avoid modified cars - my company Sainsbury's are not increasing my premium nor charging me an admin fee. I cannot commend them highly enough for this,
Odd noises - the Aston emits various noises, and one of them was, at first, more noticeable than before. Mike explained, I think it was something to do with the transmission, but I can’t remember and I’ve got used to it. Some of the old noises have gone! I suppose what I’m saying is, it’s like night-and-day compared to my ‘old’ car, but its still not a mass-produced silent-gliding Mercedes.
Afternoon tea:
After all that hair-raising, it was a joy to sweep up the majestic gravel of Cliveden House for afternoon tea. It’s a credit to the original designers that this Aston can be as at home on the track as the most impressive forecourts in the land. I’m sure they’re charming to everyone there, but I like to think we got a slightly extra-special Aston Martin welcome. We got a prime parking spot that’s for sure!
Which used AM to buy?
My choice: a cheap one, and have the mods.
I was feeling red-faced about getting a car which didn’t quite fulfil my daily missions. When I realised I was about to spend £10k modding it I kept wondering, in hindsight, if I wouldn’t have been better buying a £53k -4.7? (Putting aside that I would have never got that past the other half).
I’m comfortable now that I’ve got a car better for my needs than even a sports-pack 4.7, it’s low mileage, new tyres, under warranty and it isn’t going to need a(nother) new clutch!
But I wouldn’t advise this if you like to change cars often as the value of the mods will probably not come back to you if you sell the car. For me, I’m pretty sure I’ve now got a 'keeper'.
And they lived happily ever after (etc…)
Hope to meet some of you at PH events this Summer.
(Originally posted in main forum -copied to BR thread for those consider edging the mods).
I had similar work done to my 4.7L V8R at BR, differences being I didn't have the Lightweight flywheel, or the suspension mods...my car ( bought from new) included the sports suspension. I did tho have the sports cats, GT Manifold etc.....
I am more than happy with the mods, apart from the clutch which does judder, and despite putting some 4000 additional miles on still not as smooth as expected.
Performance is on a different level to the standard car, and although I have not changed the tyres yet (8700 miles but due very soon) will probably go P zero.
Very jealous of the attention you got from Mike, taking you around a track....was never offered to me, would have enjoyed that.
Can only agree about the responsiveness....I believe Mike has had some personal problems, however responsiveness I would rate at poor....
Thinking hard about taking the car to the next stage, bored out 5 L plus +.... Who knows, still waiting for a response......
Neal
how long was your car at BR for this work?
I'm trying to determine if the 13 weeks I have waited so far for a similar set of upgrades is reasonable.
thanks
mike
NealCS said:
THANKS Bamford Rose for giving me a new car!
Well - it’s the same car, (V8 Vantage Roadster 2007/4.3 with Sportshift) but new modifications have utterly transformed it. I had not dared hope for such a big effect on what is already a breathtaking machine.
In essence, it still has loads of ‘personality’ but the bad edges have been knocked off.
I had the Bamford Rose twinplate clutch, lightweight flywheel and switchable suspension done, plus added new slightly wider Michelin Super Sports all at once.
(Also a mod to the Catalyst and ECU remap for a small increase in power and a decent noise change from BURBLE to ROAR, and a three-way switch so I can decide to blast it out or choose stealth mode, or have it as per factory. Finally cruise-control added.)
First impressions:
The steering felt lighter and more responsive. Surprise number One.
D mode has become totally fluid. Surprise number Two
Backache gone - six hours hard driving today. Surprise number Three!
Comfort button - now does something useful. Surprise number Four!
Here's a pic - though to be honest it looks the same as before!
I promised to feed back in detail: (It's rather thorough.. see towards end of post for "watch-outs")
Results of Twinplate clutch / flywheel:
Nodding-dog effect has gone. Creep mode smooth (still can judder slightly if you don’t put any gas in) - reverses up steep hills without barbecue smell.
If I just put my foot flat to the floor in D (and hang on tight), it surges forward with beautiful flow. Surpassed 140mph on the straight before my nerve/the road ran out but each gear change was a smooth blip rather than a great jolt with a clunk from the transmission.
On really windy roads in D mode I barely noticed the gears - just point and squirt. Anyone who has felt the 4.3 in original guise will know that’s a revelation.
As a passenger, in Bamford-Mike’s capable hands, I saw how smooth the gear change can be manually too. If you change at the right time it slips in beautifully - no need to lift off the gas or finesse it - just watch the rev counter and click- new redline slightly higher RPM too.
Comfort button really annoyed me when I got the car as it just made it jerky and uncomfy - I felt a bit let down. Now it does what you'd expect, in D mode it makes the gears change at lower revs for a smoother ride. Good in heavy/queing traffic.
Instruction:
Mike was kind enough to take me to try all the new mods at Millbrook proving ground. I am very grateful for his patient tuition in terms of how to get the best from my car, and how to get the best from a corner, many corners, over and over and over. I feel much more "at one" with the car now.
I would show pictures but they covered my iPhone cameras with these stickers which is a shame since they were filming an episode of Silent Witness there with "dead" bodies and Police with guns all over the place!
Swithchable suspension:
Two modes - soft or hard. Hard mode felt similar to the original in terms of feeling the road (and the spine jangling over bumps) though in terms of grip, the car seemed if possible more planted and responsive - which I am guessing is what made the steering feel so much lighter - very subjective as I’m no rally driver and already found it pretty good. Certainly negligible body roll even at high speed and on sharp steering inputs - it darts impressively rather than wallowing - there's no ‘rebound'.
Soft mode - Incredible difference. Even on the track, including the deliberately bumpy bits, a push of the switch takes all the pain away - I wouldn’t say it floats like a modern Jag - the closest comparison I can offer from my experience is the smooth comfort of a BMW - still absolutely in touch with the road and sporty, but polite and forgiving on the spine. I’m sure others with wider driving experience could come up with a better/posher comparison, but I expect you get the idea.
Motorway:
Got stuck in traffic on the way home. Cruise control obviously a bonus, but the smoothness down to very low speeds put a smile on my face... Though not as much as departing the M4 for three hours on twisty A-roads - every tractor overtaken was another chance to hear that joyous noise.
Tyres:
Bamford put slightly wider Michelin Super Sports on.
Rear 275/35 ZR19
Front 245/40 ZR19
Can’t say how these contributed to the extraordinary grip etc as the other mods were simultaneous. But in contrast to the Bridgestones they do project beyond the rims and already saved my alloys when I very gently scraped the kerb pulling over in a too-narrow village high-street -that’s a bonus.
Watch outs:
You can tell that I’ve become a Bamford Rose disciple overnight, and probably feel my excitement from this post - no apologies as thats exactly what the Aston Martin experience SHOULD be for me, and they’ve added massively to that by taking away my nagging doubts about keeping the car as a daily driver long-term.
However let’s be clear - they don’t have a call-centre, a receptionist, a team of email-answerers or their own parts production facility.
My project was delayed weeks by a parts supply issue (giving them time to fix a couple of things without charging me labour), and though I always heard back from Mike, and with very reassuring, sound, economical advice, it was generally later rather than sooner (and sometimes late at night -which says a lot about commitment).
So those with a control-freak disposition (most people who can afford an AM?) may have to grit their teeth a little. I guessed this from the forums already - IMHO its better to have less immediate contact from the guy who actually understands the engineering, than an instant response from a telephone operator. But forewarned is forearmed.
Insurance - Some companies avoid modified cars - my company Sainsbury's are not increasing my premium nor charging me an admin fee. I cannot commend them highly enough for this,
Odd noises - the Aston emits various noises, and one of them was, at first, more noticeable than before. Mike explained, I think it was something to do with the transmission, but I can’t remember and I’ve got used to it. Some of the old noises have gone! I suppose what I’m saying is, it’s like night-and-day compared to my ‘old’ car, but its still not a mass-produced silent-gliding Mercedes.
Afternoon tea:
After all that hair-raising, it was a joy to sweep up the majestic gravel of Cliveden House for afternoon tea. It’s a credit to the original designers that this Aston can be as at home on the track as the most impressive forecourts in the land. I’m sure they’re charming to everyone there, but I like to think we got a slightly extra-special Aston Martin welcome. We got a prime parking spot that’s for sure!
Which used AM to buy?
My choice: a cheap one, and have the mods.
I was feeling red-faced about getting a car which didn’t quite fulfil my daily missions. When I realised I was about to spend £10k modding it I kept wondering, in hindsight, if I wouldn’t have been better buying a £53k -4.7? (Putting aside that I would have never got that past the other half).
I’m comfortable now that I’ve got a car better for my needs than even a sports-pack 4.7, it’s low mileage, new tyres, under warranty and it isn’t going to need a(nother) new clutch!
But I wouldn’t advise this if you like to change cars often as the value of the mods will probably not come back to you if you sell the car. For me, I’m pretty sure I’ve now got a 'keeper'.
And they lived happily ever after (etc…)
Hope to meet some of you at PH events this Summer.
(Originally posted in main forum -copied to BR thread for those consider edging the mods).
Well - it’s the same car, (V8 Vantage Roadster 2007/4.3 with Sportshift) but new modifications have utterly transformed it. I had not dared hope for such a big effect on what is already a breathtaking machine.
In essence, it still has loads of ‘personality’ but the bad edges have been knocked off.
I had the Bamford Rose twinplate clutch, lightweight flywheel and switchable suspension done, plus added new slightly wider Michelin Super Sports all at once.
(Also a mod to the Catalyst and ECU remap for a small increase in power and a decent noise change from BURBLE to ROAR, and a three-way switch so I can decide to blast it out or choose stealth mode, or have it as per factory. Finally cruise-control added.)
First impressions:
The steering felt lighter and more responsive. Surprise number One.
D mode has become totally fluid. Surprise number Two
Backache gone - six hours hard driving today. Surprise number Three!
Comfort button - now does something useful. Surprise number Four!
Here's a pic - though to be honest it looks the same as before!
I promised to feed back in detail: (It's rather thorough.. see towards end of post for "watch-outs")
Results of Twinplate clutch / flywheel:
Nodding-dog effect has gone. Creep mode smooth (still can judder slightly if you don’t put any gas in) - reverses up steep hills without barbecue smell.
If I just put my foot flat to the floor in D (and hang on tight), it surges forward with beautiful flow. Surpassed 140mph on the straight before my nerve/the road ran out but each gear change was a smooth blip rather than a great jolt with a clunk from the transmission.
On really windy roads in D mode I barely noticed the gears - just point and squirt. Anyone who has felt the 4.3 in original guise will know that’s a revelation.
As a passenger, in Bamford-Mike’s capable hands, I saw how smooth the gear change can be manually too. If you change at the right time it slips in beautifully - no need to lift off the gas or finesse it - just watch the rev counter and click- new redline slightly higher RPM too.
Comfort button really annoyed me when I got the car as it just made it jerky and uncomfy - I felt a bit let down. Now it does what you'd expect, in D mode it makes the gears change at lower revs for a smoother ride. Good in heavy/queing traffic.
Instruction:
Mike was kind enough to take me to try all the new mods at Millbrook proving ground. I am very grateful for his patient tuition in terms of how to get the best from my car, and how to get the best from a corner, many corners, over and over and over. I feel much more "at one" with the car now.
I would show pictures but they covered my iPhone cameras with these stickers which is a shame since they were filming an episode of Silent Witness there with "dead" bodies and Police with guns all over the place!
Swithchable suspension:
Two modes - soft or hard. Hard mode felt similar to the original in terms of feeling the road (and the spine jangling over bumps) though in terms of grip, the car seemed if possible more planted and responsive - which I am guessing is what made the steering feel so much lighter - very subjective as I’m no rally driver and already found it pretty good. Certainly negligible body roll even at high speed and on sharp steering inputs - it darts impressively rather than wallowing - there's no ‘rebound'.
Soft mode - Incredible difference. Even on the track, including the deliberately bumpy bits, a push of the switch takes all the pain away - I wouldn’t say it floats like a modern Jag - the closest comparison I can offer from my experience is the smooth comfort of a BMW - still absolutely in touch with the road and sporty, but polite and forgiving on the spine. I’m sure others with wider driving experience could come up with a better/posher comparison, but I expect you get the idea.
Motorway:
Got stuck in traffic on the way home. Cruise control obviously a bonus, but the smoothness down to very low speeds put a smile on my face... Though not as much as departing the M4 for three hours on twisty A-roads - every tractor overtaken was another chance to hear that joyous noise.
Tyres:
Bamford put slightly wider Michelin Super Sports on.
Rear 275/35 ZR19
Front 245/40 ZR19
Can’t say how these contributed to the extraordinary grip etc as the other mods were simultaneous. But in contrast to the Bridgestones they do project beyond the rims and already saved my alloys when I very gently scraped the kerb pulling over in a too-narrow village high-street -that’s a bonus.
Watch outs:
You can tell that I’ve become a Bamford Rose disciple overnight, and probably feel my excitement from this post - no apologies as thats exactly what the Aston Martin experience SHOULD be for me, and they’ve added massively to that by taking away my nagging doubts about keeping the car as a daily driver long-term.
However let’s be clear - they don’t have a call-centre, a receptionist, a team of email-answerers or their own parts production facility.
My project was delayed weeks by a parts supply issue (giving them time to fix a couple of things without charging me labour), and though I always heard back from Mike, and with very reassuring, sound, economical advice, it was generally later rather than sooner (and sometimes late at night -which says a lot about commitment).
So those with a control-freak disposition (most people who can afford an AM?) may have to grit their teeth a little. I guessed this from the forums already - IMHO its better to have less immediate contact from the guy who actually understands the engineering, than an instant response from a telephone operator. But forewarned is forearmed.
Insurance - Some companies avoid modified cars - my company Sainsbury's are not increasing my premium nor charging me an admin fee. I cannot commend them highly enough for this,
Odd noises - the Aston emits various noises, and one of them was, at first, more noticeable than before. Mike explained, I think it was something to do with the transmission, but I can’t remember and I’ve got used to it. Some of the old noises have gone! I suppose what I’m saying is, it’s like night-and-day compared to my ‘old’ car, but its still not a mass-produced silent-gliding Mercedes.
Afternoon tea:
After all that hair-raising, it was a joy to sweep up the majestic gravel of Cliveden House for afternoon tea. It’s a credit to the original designers that this Aston can be as at home on the track as the most impressive forecourts in the land. I’m sure they’re charming to everyone there, but I like to think we got a slightly extra-special Aston Martin welcome. We got a prime parking spot that’s for sure!
Which used AM to buy?
My choice: a cheap one, and have the mods.
I was feeling red-faced about getting a car which didn’t quite fulfil my daily missions. When I realised I was about to spend £10k modding it I kept wondering, in hindsight, if I wouldn’t have been better buying a £53k -4.7? (Putting aside that I would have never got that past the other half).
I’m comfortable now that I’ve got a car better for my needs than even a sports-pack 4.7, it’s low mileage, new tyres, under warranty and it isn’t going to need a(nother) new clutch!
But I wouldn’t advise this if you like to change cars often as the value of the mods will probably not come back to you if you sell the car. For me, I’m pretty sure I’ve now got a 'keeper'.
And they lived happily ever after (etc…)
Hope to meet some of you at PH events this Summer.
(Originally posted in main forum -copied to BR thread for those consider edging the mods).
Gdc said:
how long was your car at BR for this work
I sympathise with your wait - it can be very frustrating. I think it wound up being around a month in my case- the actual work only a matter of days but most waiting because a batch of controllers designed especially for this mod had to be re-manufactured; perils of using parts which are not 'off-the-shelf'.Despite the communication issues,* overall I wouldn't hesitate to recommend BR for anyone of a patient disposition. Apart from the performance the sheer comfort of my car on long trips now means I have both the GT and the sports car of my dreams.
- I did discuss these with Mike, although he has had family issues I honestly think it's the nature of his business - he's either actually overseeing the work on your car and chasing the suppliers or he's doing email etc. There's little point in adding non-specialist admin staff: My other car is serviced by a Mercedes main dealer and the last two times it went in, it came back without the original request actioned / finally I diagnosed my problem on Google and they fixed it in 30 mins on a return visit -so it took just about as long as BR took to completely rebuild my car. They were terribly good on the phone but useless in practice - despite the frustrations my choice would be for a brilliant mechanic who's unresponsive to emails, rather than the other way around!
Project Mathis has arrived, Mike very kindly delivering it back to my home at 11pm on Friday after 14 weeks at BR!
Despite the missed deadlines and delays due to some faulty parts and staff absences I've been really impressed; Mike and the BR team deliver exceptional engineering advice and quality. Customer service and communication is sporadic due to this dedication to engineering quality but their results are worth the wait IMO.
To recap its a DB9 MY2011 Volante with ADS and it now has high lift cam and switchable exhaust upgrade to 520bhp, DBS Brembo brake kit with bright silver blue callipers, rear shear plate for chassis stiffening and matching blue contrast stitching on seats and dash. Service and MOT was also completed and some new beam wipers added.
Conclusion: if you have a DB9 and its a bit soft for you, you have to get this upgrade!
When cruising along the motorway to the Bonhams sale yesterday - BTW look for any Aston junk in your barn and somebody will pay £120k+ for it - I had the exhaust in whisper mode which is quieter than standard and the car was much more relaxing to drive. Pretty sure Mike did something to the suspension as well as the car just seemed to sit much better on the road.
Hooning on the way back cross country I just flicked the switch, engaged Sport and it became a blaring beast, revving to 7500rpm, popping and banging on the TT2 down change, scaring all living things within half a mile radius....I think i did 200 miles in that mode, its so addictive it makes you look for more and more roundabouts
this upgrade package simply extends the concept of the original DB9, it just makes it more balanced, relaxing and smooth in Normal and more exciting and visceral in Sport, very similar now in feel to the Vanq 2 I test drove a while ago. I would like to see how it compares to a DBS as it is essentially now a DBS spec car.
Its the car AML should have produced for the DB9, but it takes BR to provide the touch of magic... will post some pics soon and see you on the Welsh Weekender..
mike
Despite the missed deadlines and delays due to some faulty parts and staff absences I've been really impressed; Mike and the BR team deliver exceptional engineering advice and quality. Customer service and communication is sporadic due to this dedication to engineering quality but their results are worth the wait IMO.
To recap its a DB9 MY2011 Volante with ADS and it now has high lift cam and switchable exhaust upgrade to 520bhp, DBS Brembo brake kit with bright silver blue callipers, rear shear plate for chassis stiffening and matching blue contrast stitching on seats and dash. Service and MOT was also completed and some new beam wipers added.
Conclusion: if you have a DB9 and its a bit soft for you, you have to get this upgrade!
When cruising along the motorway to the Bonhams sale yesterday - BTW look for any Aston junk in your barn and somebody will pay £120k+ for it - I had the exhaust in whisper mode which is quieter than standard and the car was much more relaxing to drive. Pretty sure Mike did something to the suspension as well as the car just seemed to sit much better on the road.
Hooning on the way back cross country I just flicked the switch, engaged Sport and it became a blaring beast, revving to 7500rpm, popping and banging on the TT2 down change, scaring all living things within half a mile radius....I think i did 200 miles in that mode, its so addictive it makes you look for more and more roundabouts
this upgrade package simply extends the concept of the original DB9, it just makes it more balanced, relaxing and smooth in Normal and more exciting and visceral in Sport, very similar now in feel to the Vanq 2 I test drove a while ago. I would like to see how it compares to a DBS as it is essentially now a DBS spec car.
Its the car AML should have produced for the DB9, but it takes BR to provide the touch of magic... will post some pics soon and see you on the Welsh Weekender..
mike
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