Aston Martin advice from Bamford Rose independent specialist
Discussion
Luckyluciano said:
A huge thank you to Adrian and Mike.
The guy's at Bamford Rose are first class. They where the only people who could source me a part for my Vantage
when even the dealer network and AM themselves couldn't.
Had a really good chat about some of the upgrades they are doing, very tempting.
Still loving the white N24 road car
The owner of that car is a very lucky man - an N24 racer registered for the road - it doesn't get much better than that. Although... your exhaust note hit the spot as you roared off into the sunset... The guy's at Bamford Rose are first class. They where the only people who could source me a part for my Vantage
when even the dealer network and AM themselves couldn't.
Had a really good chat about some of the upgrades they are doing, very tempting.
Still loving the white N24 road car
Just need to give it the icing on the cake 
All the best.
ChrisDB7 said:
Hi,
I've been lurking here for a while but I've finally decided to pop my PH cherry! I've had a 51 plate DB7V for about 18 months now and I promise I'll put a photo up later.
I read about Bamford Rose on here and after getting some pretty shoddy service from my local main dealer I thought I'd give them a call.
It turned out to be more than the simple service + new clutch that I was expecting (I know, I'm an optimist!). Not only was the clutch shot, but the spigot bearing (a £5 part) had failed causing potentially catastrophic gerarbox damage! While I was contemplating which bank to rob to fund a new gearbox, Mike and co stripped the gearbox and found that the only damage was to the input shaft and found an engineering firm who could remachine the input shaft so it could be reinstalled.
I picked up the car on Saturday and the difference is amazing. She is a pleasure to drive again and I'm looking forward to using any excuse for a good drive all summer.
Sorry to gush a bit but I just wanted to say thanks for looking after me and my beautiful car
I won't be going back to my old dealer!
Hi Chris.I've been lurking here for a while but I've finally decided to pop my PH cherry! I've had a 51 plate DB7V for about 18 months now and I promise I'll put a photo up later.
I read about Bamford Rose on here and after getting some pretty shoddy service from my local main dealer I thought I'd give them a call.
It turned out to be more than the simple service + new clutch that I was expecting (I know, I'm an optimist!). Not only was the clutch shot, but the spigot bearing (a £5 part) had failed causing potentially catastrophic gerarbox damage! While I was contemplating which bank to rob to fund a new gearbox, Mike and co stripped the gearbox and found that the only damage was to the input shaft and found an engineering firm who could remachine the input shaft so it could be reinstalled.
I picked up the car on Saturday and the difference is amazing. She is a pleasure to drive again and I'm looking forward to using any excuse for a good drive all summer.
Sorry to gush a bit but I just wanted to say thanks for looking after me and my beautiful car
I won't be going back to my old dealer!Hope your still enjoying the car as much as when you collected her.....
As you say, the spigot bearing appears to be a common failure on DB7 V12 - the word is that a batch of spigot bearings were installed dry resulting in the time-bomb of a broken bearing and damaged input shaft.
On a happier note I would like to write some words about the fantastic clutch upgrade kit recently developed by the factory.....
For whatever reason the old clutch supply ran dry meaning that the factory was in the position of not being able to supply replacement clutches for DB7 service. Consequently, the factory conducted a development activity to engineer a completely new clutch upgrade kit sourced from a new supplier.
The part number is 11-86465 and the RRP is £1,663.50.
For this investment comes a new flywheel, clutch, slave cylinder, associated pipes, nut + bolts and idiots guide of how to convert / install.
In short - a wonderful improvement to the quality of clutch actuation and control - as I am sure Chris would agree?? But the fun don't stop there... in the future should the friction plate wear, just the friction plate should require renewal meaning subsequent clutch changes would be much cheaper.
So, if anybody winces at the cost of a new clutch - then yes, wince, as £1663 is wince worthy. But its not simply a new clutch you get for your money - its a significantly better clutch than was previously fitted originally and represents a great improvement to the driveability of the car.
Edited by BamfordMike on Wednesday 8th June 22:11
Mike... Have been reading elsewhere on the forum. Vanquish cylinder heads and induction on a DB9. What say ye?
Already have QS Supersports, J1 filters and 200 cell race cats; current re-map done by DMS is excellent, changed the car! What sort of differenmce could these bits make and is it worth it, bang for buck?
Thanks in advance!
Already have QS Supersports, J1 filters and 200 cell race cats; current re-map done by DMS is excellent, changed the car! What sort of differenmce could these bits make and is it worth it, bang for buck?
Thanks in advance!
Edited by yeti on Tuesday 21st June 11:09
yeti said:
Mike... Have been reading elsewhere on the forum. Vanquish cylinder heads and induction on a DB9. What say ye?
Already have QS Supersports, J1 filters and 200 cell race cats; current re-map done by TDI via DMS and is excellent, changed the car! What sort of differenmce could these bits make and is it worth it, bang for buck?
Thanks in advance!
Hi.Already have QS Supersports, J1 filters and 200 cell race cats; current re-map done by TDI via DMS and is excellent, changed the car! What sort of differenmce could these bits make and is it worth it, bang for buck?
Thanks in advance!
Glad you are happy with your mods, and i am sure they give the car a harder edge.
The filters and exhaust system will give approx. 20-25BHP, but i am not quite sure what the remap would return??
The throttle can not be opened more to flow more air, the engine does not exhibit detonation, so advancing the spark would yield nothing. Meaning all that is left to give more performance is leaning out the fuel, but that comes with the risk of overtempting catalysts - which on an engine which ingests its cats when they fail, in turn failing the engine, is risky. What did the vendor of the ECU re-map think the improvement would be?? If they have changed the pedal / throttle blade mapping to make the engine more responsive - then so be it. But in terms of absolute torque at the road wheels there is no increase, all that has changed is more torque is delivered for less pedal input.
The upgrade to Vanqusih S heads is a worthy one as it would yield approx. 15-20BHP but would need an ECU reflash and removal of the engine to complete the job, making the bang for buck quite low and could only be performed by specialists.
The only non intrusive modification you could do from where you are now would be exhaust manifolds. Like V8 I will soon be releasing V12 exhaust manifolds which would return significantly more performance. They might be of interest.
All the best.
BamfordMike said:
Hi.
Glad you are happy with your mods, and i am sure they give the car a harder edge.
The filters and exhaust system will give approx. 20-25BHP, but i am not quite sure what the remap would return??
The throttle can not be opened more to flow more air, the engine does not exhibit detonation, so advancing the spark would yield nothing. Meaning all that is left to give more performance is leaning out the fuel, but that comes with the risk of overtempting catalysts - which on an engine which ingests its cats when they fail, in turn failing the engine, is risky. What did the vendor of the ECU re-map think the improvement would be?? If they have changed the pedal / throttle blade mapping to make the engine more responsive - then so be it. But in terms of absolute torque at the road wheels there is no increase, all that has changed is more torque is delivered for less pedal input.
The upgrade to Vanqusih S heads is a worthy one as it would yield approx. 15-20BHP but would need an ECU reflash and removal of the engine to complete the job, making the bang for buck quite low and could only be performed by specialists.
The only non intrusive modification you could do from where you are now would be exhaust manifolds. Like V8 I will soon be releasing V12 exhaust manifolds which would return significantly more performance. They might be of interest.
All the best.
Hi Mike, I worded my question badly, I didn't mean to ask what Rick's mods produced, more what the conversion of heads to Vanquish could do for my car. As to having the engine taken out to do the head and manifold conversion... I would be amenable to this after the summer season if we're on the same planet cost wise (have had engines removed from my Esprit and Marcos for replacement/work so have a rough idea of costs).Glad you are happy with your mods, and i am sure they give the car a harder edge.
The filters and exhaust system will give approx. 20-25BHP, but i am not quite sure what the remap would return??
The throttle can not be opened more to flow more air, the engine does not exhibit detonation, so advancing the spark would yield nothing. Meaning all that is left to give more performance is leaning out the fuel, but that comes with the risk of overtempting catalysts - which on an engine which ingests its cats when they fail, in turn failing the engine, is risky. What did the vendor of the ECU re-map think the improvement would be?? If they have changed the pedal / throttle blade mapping to make the engine more responsive - then so be it. But in terms of absolute torque at the road wheels there is no increase, all that has changed is more torque is delivered for less pedal input.
The upgrade to Vanqusih S heads is a worthy one as it would yield approx. 15-20BHP but would need an ECU reflash and removal of the engine to complete the job, making the bang for buck quite low and could only be performed by specialists.
The only non intrusive modification you could do from where you are now would be exhaust manifolds. Like V8 I will soon be releasing V12 exhaust manifolds which would return significantly more performance. They might be of interest.
All the best.
For the record Rick didn't give a BHP figure and I didn't ask. The car *feels* totally different and this is what I wanted and what he offered, an increase in driveability and the fact that when I blip the throttle for a downshift the revs actually rise!
I will be in contact with regard to the heads and manifolds and see if we can figure out a timescale. Thanks!!
yeti said:
Hi Mike, I worded my question badly, I didn't mean to ask what Rick's mods produced, more what the conversion of heads to Vanquish could do for my car. As to having the engine taken out to do the head and manifold conversion... I would be amenable to this after the summer season if we're on the same planet cost wise (have had engines removed from my Esprit and Marcos for replacement/work so have a rough idea of costs).
For the record Rick didn't give a BHP figure and I didn't ask. The car *feels* totally different and this is what I wanted and what he offered, an increase in driveability and the fact that when I blip the throttle for a downshift the revs actually rise!
I will be in contact with regard to the heads and manifolds and see if we can figure out a timescale. Thanks!!
look forward to hearing from you...and yes, I am sure we are on the same planet..!For the record Rick didn't give a BHP figure and I didn't ask. The car *feels* totally different and this is what I wanted and what he offered, an increase in driveability and the fact that when I blip the throttle for a downshift the revs actually rise!
I will be in contact with regard to the heads and manifolds and see if we can figure out a timescale. Thanks!!
Regarding the remap debate, it is the precise works behind the *feels* i would like to understand more about, as any suggestion that the car produces more power as a result of remap would be questionable.
Attributes like rev rise on downshift and others were absent from calibration from manufacturer for good reason. So a discussion about what safety concerns the OEM had and why aftermarket deem safe to override them is interesting to me. But for obvious reasons, a public debate along these lines is something the aftermarket folk steer clear of and i fear for the robustness of the product / liability after the remapping for the owner.
I am glad you are happy with your result, but as you can tell, I am not an advocate of any form of reprogram, from engine to transmission TCU.
Edited by BamfordMike on Tuesday 21st June 17:48
Hi Mike,
So - Vanquish S cylinder heads, induction system changes and exhaust changes. What overall changes in engine performance do you think that would give? Not going to hold you to it, just interested for future reference.
For the exhaust - what are you doing there - replacement manifolds?
So - Vanquish S cylinder heads, induction system changes and exhaust changes. What overall changes in engine performance do you think that would give? Not going to hold you to it, just interested for future reference.
For the exhaust - what are you doing there - replacement manifolds?
JohnG1 said:
Hi Mike,
So - Vanquish S cylinder heads, induction system changes and exhaust changes. What overall changes in engine performance do you think that would give? Not going to hold you to it, just interested for future reference.
For the exhaust - what are you doing there - replacement manifolds?
Hi John.So - Vanquish S cylinder heads, induction system changes and exhaust changes. What overall changes in engine performance do you think that would give? Not going to hold you to it, just interested for future reference.
For the exhaust - what are you doing there - replacement manifolds?
The upgrade kit for V12 will include new exhaust manifolds, yes.
For a DB9 starting at 450 / 470 BHP or V12 Vantage / DBS starting around the 500 mark, the choice would be head removal and porting to replicate Vanquish S heads together with the new exhaust system, to return approx. 550 BHP for each application.
If head removal was too intrusive for some, the exhaust system can be fitted independently to increase performance by around 30-40 BHP.
We expect this to be on offer winter 2012 ready for summer use..!
BamfordMike said:
Hi John.
The upgrade kit for V12 will include new exhaust manifolds, yes.
For a DB9 starting at 450 / 470 BHP or V12 Vantage / DBS starting around the 500 mark, the choice would be head removal and porting to replicate Vanquish S heads together with the new exhaust system, to return approx. 550 BHP for each application.
If head removal was too intrusive for some, the exhaust system can be fitted independently to increase performance by around 30-40 BHP.
We expect this to be on offer winter 2012 ready for summer use..!
My warranty expires December 2012...The upgrade kit for V12 will include new exhaust manifolds, yes.
For a DB9 starting at 450 / 470 BHP or V12 Vantage / DBS starting around the 500 mark, the choice would be head removal and porting to replicate Vanquish S heads together with the new exhaust system, to return approx. 550 BHP for each application.
If head removal was too intrusive for some, the exhaust system can be fitted independently to increase performance by around 30-40 BHP.
We expect this to be on offer winter 2012 ready for summer use..!
If I need a new clutch by then I'll be in for that too. And maybe a lithium ion battery and a magnesium alloy torque tube.
New induction, exhaust and cylinder heads. It's just a shame that all the stuff coming out is not very pretty - I'd quite like to make a garden feature or a coffee table for my study with ex-AM parts ;-)
Christmas present for my car :-)
Team Gilmu said:
Would appreciate any comments- maxed my 05 DB9 Volante and all i could get is 170mph ,is this right or have i got a problem ?
Volante is / was electronically limited to 165MPH - your post reminded me of a Clarkson review - here is the link.http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/jeremy_cl...
BamfordMike said:
Hi John.
The upgrade kit for V12 will include new exhaust manifolds, yes.
For a DB9 starting at 450 / 470 BHP or V12 Vantage / DBS starting around the 500 mark, the choice would be head removal and porting to replicate Vanquish S heads together with the new exhaust system, to return approx. 550 BHP for each application.
If head removal was too intrusive for some, the exhaust system can be fitted independently to increase performance by around 30-40 BHP.
We expect this to be on offer winter 2012 ready for summer use..!
Hi Mike, I had a couple of exchanges with you as "Racer_X" on 6speed. I was wondering, when you say "exhaust system" are you referring to cats and a muffler (silencer)? I have a V12V and I like the sound of 550bhp. Thanks.The upgrade kit for V12 will include new exhaust manifolds, yes.
For a DB9 starting at 450 / 470 BHP or V12 Vantage / DBS starting around the 500 mark, the choice would be head removal and porting to replicate Vanquish S heads together with the new exhaust system, to return approx. 550 BHP for each application.
If head removal was too intrusive for some, the exhaust system can be fitted independently to increase performance by around 30-40 BHP.
We expect this to be on offer winter 2012 ready for summer use..!
Rex Racer said:
Hi Mike, I had a couple of exchanges with you as "Racer_X" on 6speed. I was wondering, when you say "exhaust system" are you referring to cats and a muffler (silencer)? I have a V12V and I like the sound of 550bhp. Thanks.
Hi Rex,You are an American with a V12 Vantage? What power output do you get on the standard car over there? I remember in the past a lot of European cars had lower output to conform witn US emission regulations.
Rex Racer said:
Hi Mike, I had a couple of exchanges with you as "Racer_X" on 6speed. I was wondering, when you say "exhaust system" are you referring to cats and a muffler (silencer)? I have a V12V and I like the sound of 550bhp. Thanks.
Hi Racer_XSimilar to V8 where I offer replacement manifolds, catalysts and silencer for ~40 BHP power increase, the same will be offered for V12. The 550BHP on V12 comes when combining this exhaust system with cylinder head / port re-profiling. Development work to finalise the exhaust system will commence once we have the V8 system fully in production with Quicksilver.
All the best.
Mike
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