Aston Martin advice from Bamford Rose independent specialist
Discussion
vantager said:
WRT the much reported difficult 1st and 2nd gear selection of the AMV8 when cold,
I am surprised that, given AM must have been aware of it, it was not addressed.
Do you know what the root cause is, and is it fixable?
PS I drove a few before I bought mine which did not exhibit the problem.
I assumed this was because they were 2007 or later, and I’d read on Pistonheads this was when the issue was fixed by AM. However, given my 2008 has this issue, they must have been warmed-up!
Hi Vantager.I am surprised that, given AM must have been aware of it, it was not addressed.
Do you know what the root cause is, and is it fixable?
PS I drove a few before I bought mine which did not exhibit the problem.
I assumed this was because they were 2007 or later, and I’d read on Pistonheads this was when the issue was fixed by AM. However, given my 2008 has this issue, they must have been warmed-up!
Do you know if any corrective measures have ever been applied to the gearbox in your cars history?
Firstly, it must be said that the gearbox itself is a fantastic unit and is a credit to the suppliers engineering capability (Grazziano). The gearbox is used in GT4 racing cars where it gets a real punishing, and more-or-less the same configuration is used by Noble. There are few reported leaks (leaks on ASM’s are mainly ASM related not the base gearbox), crunchy synchros or catastrophic failures. In my opinion the quality of this product gets a bad reputation both in manual and ASM form down to the factory’s application of the gearbox to their cars through poor selector cables on manual and electronic ASM control issues, which most people think is the gearbox, which it isn’t, it’s the electronic selector mechanism bolted onto the original manual gearbox that is mostly at fault.
A factory service ‘fix’, included oil additives / modified oil, a change to the selector cables and selector arm, but at best, I think the ‘bulking’ feeling was only lessened.
For all GT4 / N24 race cars we fit our own uprated selector cables and an improved short shift mechanism. If you are a critical customer in-tune with how gear selection feels cold, you would be welcome to try these modifications FOC and report back…. They were not specifically designed to cure the cold ‘bulking’ issue – these parts overcome racing issues the standard parts were not man enough for. But I can only think these products would help the cold ‘bulking’ issue.
Mike.
yeti said:
Annoyingly Mike I have just paid big money for a power rangers leg for my DB9! What other interior upgrades do you offer, I am always looking to personalise my car further...
Also, the extra weight of the gearknow over a standrd DB9 unit seems to improve the positivity of the shift - or is it my imagination? Any chance of a pic of the newly designed knob? If you could send to lewisj_evans @ hotmail.com that would be great if you don't want to clutter your thread up.
Hi.Also, the extra weight of the gearknow over a standrd DB9 unit seems to improve the positivity of the shift - or is it my imagination? Any chance of a pic of the newly designed knob? If you could send to lewisj_evans @ hotmail.com that would be great if you don't want to clutter your thread up.
Bamford Rose has partnership with design house 'Sarah Maynard London'.
Sarah was the inspiration and chief designer responsible for the current crop of Aston interiors.
Same reasons as for me on engines, Sarah left Aston Martin to pursue her bespoke interior products the factory could not afford to implement themselves.
Interior kits are available now which replace the gear lever for a higher quality machined from billet part, and upgrade the plastic radio dials and heater controls, either finished in black or clear anodised.
Sarah is developing an exciting range of panel finishes, building on from piano-black, which can be applied to existing facia panels.
I always had the feeling of better engagement when driving a power ranger'd leg car, but i'm sure like you it was psychological... The other problem with that gear lever is that it can be very cold in winter. Together with the machined from billet gear lever Sarah supplies either leather or alcantara covers. And I will post a picture of this in due course.
Mike.
![](http://thumbsnap.com/sc/RDTjwkGU.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="http://thumbsnap.com/PBadlpgY" Target="_blank">[img]http://thumbsnap.com/sc/PBadlpgY.jpg)
BamfordMike said:
Hi Vantager.
Do you know if any corrective measures have ever been applied to the gearbox in your cars history?
Firstly, it must be said that the gearbox itself is a fantastic unit and is a credit to the suppliers engineering capability (Grazziano). The gearbox is used in GT4 racing cars where it gets a real punishing, and more-or-less the same configuration is used by Noble. There are few reported leaks (leaks on ASM’s are mainly ASM related not the base gearbox), crunchy synchros or catastrophic failures. In my opinion the quality of this product gets a bad reputation both in manual and ASM form down to the factory’s application of the gearbox to their cars through poor selector cables on manual and electronic ASM control issues, which most people think is the gearbox, which it isn’t, it’s the electronic selector mechanism bolted onto the original manual gearbox that is mostly at fault.
A factory service ‘fix’, included oil additives / modified oil, a change to the selector cables and selector arm, but at best, I think the ‘bulking’ feeling was only lessened.
For all GT4 / N24 race cars we fit our own uprated selector cables and an improved short shift mechanism. If you are a critical customer in-tune with how gear selection feels cold, you would be welcome to try these modifications FOC and report back…. They were not specifically designed to cure the cold ‘bulking’ issue – these parts overcome racing issues the standard parts were not man enough for. But I can only think these products would help the cold ‘bulking’ issue.
Mike.
Mine is a standard March 2008 car, which I've had for 2 years (2nd owner). Dont think anything was done before, but I've had the oil additives/modified oil fix. Do you know if any corrective measures have ever been applied to the gearbox in your cars history?
Firstly, it must be said that the gearbox itself is a fantastic unit and is a credit to the suppliers engineering capability (Grazziano). The gearbox is used in GT4 racing cars where it gets a real punishing, and more-or-less the same configuration is used by Noble. There are few reported leaks (leaks on ASM’s are mainly ASM related not the base gearbox), crunchy synchros or catastrophic failures. In my opinion the quality of this product gets a bad reputation both in manual and ASM form down to the factory’s application of the gearbox to their cars through poor selector cables on manual and electronic ASM control issues, which most people think is the gearbox, which it isn’t, it’s the electronic selector mechanism bolted onto the original manual gearbox that is mostly at fault.
A factory service ‘fix’, included oil additives / modified oil, a change to the selector cables and selector arm, but at best, I think the ‘bulking’ feeling was only lessened.
For all GT4 / N24 race cars we fit our own uprated selector cables and an improved short shift mechanism. If you are a critical customer in-tune with how gear selection feels cold, you would be welcome to try these modifications FOC and report back…. They were not specifically designed to cure the cold ‘bulking’ issue – these parts overcome racing issues the standard parts were not man enough for. But I can only think these products would help the cold ‘bulking’ issue.
Mike.
I dont understand what 'bulking' is, but my gearbox has a real problem going from 1 to 2 when cold. In the winter (parked in a garage) if I start off when its about 6c outside, I actually cant go into second from first without pausing to go left-right in (in neutral) first.
Reading on this forum, I know I'm not the only one. Even AM dealers told me "they all do that!". After about 20 minutes, its fine (but still 'notchy').
There are quite a few RWD cars out there that suffer from notchy gearboxes when they are cold. Often the OEM will change linkages and fluids to improve it. Most do tend to "free off" when they warm up and in fact become perfect, tight, positive gearboxes.
I wonder whether the scarifice they make for getting that when warn is it's a bit tight when every thing is cold and has contracted.
I wonder whether the scarifice they make for getting that when warn is it's a bit tight when every thing is cold and has contracted.
mikey k said:
There are quite a few RWD cars out there that suffer from notchy gearboxes when they are cold. Often the OEM will change linkages and fluids to improve it. Most do tend to "free off" when they warm up and in fact become perfect, tight, positive gearboxes.
I wonder whether the scarifice they make for getting that when warn is it's a bit tight when every thing is cold and has contracted.
My V8 was like this - from cold it was a pig. After it was warmed up it was very sweet. Not as snickety as the S2000 but good.I wonder whether the scarifice they make for getting that when warn is it's a bit tight when every thing is cold and has contracted.
So far on the V12 it's smoother but the weather has been very good lately. Ask me when it's cold - although I'll probably leave the V12 tucked up in the garage in the cold.
You will note that most of the time when you take a V8 for a test drive it will be warm already...
BamfordMike said:
Hi.
Bamford Rose has partnership with design house 'Sarah Maynard London'.
Sarah was the inspiration and chief designer responsible for the current crop of Aston interiors.
Same reasons as for me on engines, Sarah left Aston Martin to pursue her bespoke interior products the factory could not afford to implement themselves.
Interior kits are available now which replace the gear lever for a higher quality machined from billet part, and upgrade the plastic radio dials and heater controls, either finished in black or clear anodised.
Sarah is developing an exciting range of panel finishes, building on from piano-black, which can be applied to existing facia panels.
I always had the feeling of better engagement when driving a power ranger'd leg car, but i'm sure like you it was psychological... The other problem with that gear lever is that it can be very cold in winter. Together with the machined from billet gear lever Sarah supplies either leather or alcantara covers. And I will post a picture of this in due course.
Mike.
Thumbs up from me on the Sarah Maynard interior kit - my Vantage has it (supplied by Nicholas Mee) and it does take the interior quality up a notch, especially the indicator stalks.Bamford Rose has partnership with design house 'Sarah Maynard London'.
Sarah was the inspiration and chief designer responsible for the current crop of Aston interiors.
Same reasons as for me on engines, Sarah left Aston Martin to pursue her bespoke interior products the factory could not afford to implement themselves.
Interior kits are available now which replace the gear lever for a higher quality machined from billet part, and upgrade the plastic radio dials and heater controls, either finished in black or clear anodised.
Sarah is developing an exciting range of panel finishes, building on from piano-black, which can be applied to existing facia panels.
I always had the feeling of better engagement when driving a power ranger'd leg car, but i'm sure like you it was psychological... The other problem with that gear lever is that it can be very cold in winter. Together with the machined from billet gear lever Sarah supplies either leather or alcantara covers. And I will post a picture of this in due course.
Mike.
Have only had the car a month, so am yet to experience Cold Knob Syndrome ;-)
I'll be at Hever in June if anybody wants a look.
Adam
AdamV8V said:
Thumbs up from me on the Sarah Maynard interior kit - my Vantage has it (supplied by Nicholas Mee) and it does take the interior quality up a notch, especially the indicator stalks.
Have only had the car a month, so am yet to experience Cold Knob Syndrome ;-)
I'll be at Hever in June if anybody wants a look.
Adam
The bespoke hand stitched finest grade leather sheath remedies a cold knob Have only had the car a month, so am yet to experience Cold Knob Syndrome ;-)
I'll be at Hever in June if anybody wants a look.
Adam
vantager said:
Mine is a standard March 2008 car, which I've had for 2 years (2nd owner). Dont think anything was done before, but I've had the oil additives/modified oil fix.
I dont understand what 'bulking' is, but my gearbox has a real problem going from 1 to 2 when cold. In the winter (parked in a garage) if I start off when its about 6c outside, I actually cant go into second from first without pausing to go left-right in (in neutral) first.
Reading on this forum, I know I'm not the only one. Even AM dealers told me "they all do that!". After about 20 minutes, its fine (but still 'notchy').
Should have written 'baulking'... unwillingness to go into gearI dont understand what 'bulking' is, but my gearbox has a real problem going from 1 to 2 when cold. In the winter (parked in a garage) if I start off when its about 6c outside, I actually cant go into second from first without pausing to go left-right in (in neutral) first.
Reading on this forum, I know I'm not the only one. Even AM dealers told me "they all do that!". After about 20 minutes, its fine (but still 'notchy').
spamv8 said:
Mike,
Thanks for in-site as it is very helpful. As a N420 owner I wanted to hear your take on the sports exhaust system that comes standard with this model. Does it improve the power at all or is it just for weight redution?
thanks
Spam
Hi SpamV8Thanks for in-site as it is very helpful. As a N420 owner I wanted to hear your take on the sports exhaust system that comes standard with this model. Does it improve the power at all or is it just for weight redution?
thanks
Spam
I can see the confusion.
It is logical, as anybody could identify, to question why N420 does not include the AM power upgrade kit, as seen on N400 (power-flap / valve airbox and ECU update which optimizes spark), returning 10 BHP from sports air induction kit and a further 10BHP ONLY if the engine is run on 100 octane fuel. But as anybody could identify now Vantage 'S' is released, if this kit was released on N420, firstly it wouldn't have been called N420, it would have been called N440 - and the problem - as this power level would have eclipsed Vantage 'S', perhaps explains the reason why N420 did not get these goodies... Such a shame the car didn't and such a shame Vantage 'S' has the same engine performance as original 4.7L released all those many years ago...
So, to answer your question - there might be a 'slight' weight reduction and 'slight' noise increase / better quality exhaust note - but absolutely no performance gain.
You might then, be interested in our newly designed and developed sports exhaust and induction system??
I will post some pictures soon, here is a sneak preview of the vital statistics;
- +39 BHP
- - 18.4 Kilos
- Ceramic Coated
- E Marked System
Details on price and availability to follow soon....
Mike.
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!
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!Day 1 into driving my car after the performance upgrade from Bamford Rose - and WOW..! What a transformation, nothing short of fast car into supercar..! Thanks to Bruce for the hand built engine and Adrian for the vehicle build. I know Bamford Rose has the log-on ID 'AM Dragon Makers' on another forum - No s
t....! Bamford Rose has made my car snarl like it should have done to start with..!"
t....! Bamford Rose has made my car snarl like it should have done to start with..!"pommehogster said:
Day 1 into driving my car after the performance upgrade from Bamford Rose - and WOW..! What a transformation, nothing short of fast car into supercar..! Thanks to Bruce for the hand built engine and Adrian for the vehicle build. I know Bamford Rose has the log-on ID 'AM Dragon Makers' on another forum - No st....! Bamford Rose has made my car snarl like it should have done to start with..!"
Hello pommehogster, glad you're happy with the outcome. Can you please let us know what you had done to your car? Very interested in knowing the details. Was it the conversion from 4.3 to 4.7 or something else?t....! Bamford Rose has made my car snarl like it should have done to start with..!"RC
Edited by RCAMV8 on Friday 3rd June 21:01
Hi Rc the engine has gone from the standard 4.3 to the 4.7 it also has a machined from billet crankshaft, steel connecting rods and forged pistons !! the cylinder heads have been ported and skimmed and have been fitted the larger valves. on top of that it has a light weight flywheel and a twin plate motor sport clutch. now thats the work on the engine !!! it also has their own carbon fibre front lip and rear boot lid valence which look absolutly fabulous, slightly subtle but still very strong.
And ............... through their partnership with the original interior designer Sarah Maynard it has a machined from billet stalks, heater dials, radio controls and gear lever !!!! From the first conversation with Mike at Bamford Rose I have felt complete trust with these guys to take my car and do such dramatic work, but it has been a seamless project from the moment "Jessica" left me till the time she was handed back. I have a thread named Time to get serious !! have a look on there as there is more information and I am gong to put loads of photos on there so you can see the work!!!
And ............... through their partnership with the original interior designer Sarah Maynard it has a machined from billet stalks, heater dials, radio controls and gear lever !!!! From the first conversation with Mike at Bamford Rose I have felt complete trust with these guys to take my car and do such dramatic work, but it has been a seamless project from the moment "Jessica" left me till the time she was handed back. I have a thread named Time to get serious !! have a look on there as there is more information and I am gong to put loads of photos on there so you can see the work!!!
pommehogster said:
through their partnership with the original interior designer Sarah Maynard it has a machined from billet stalks, heater dials, radio controls and gear lever !!!!
Aha... I hoped there was more, just had this fitted at Nicholas Mee (sans gearknob as I like my DBS one). Looking for a bespoke panel finish (have a standard Vantage one on my DB9) and I'd heard there is work afoot on the big aluminium door pulls as well.yeti said:
Aha... I hoped there was more, just had this fitted at Nicholas Mee (sans gearknob as I like my DBS one). Looking for a bespoke panel finish (have a standard Vantage one on my DB9) and I'd heard there is work afoot on the big aluminium door pulls as well.
Hi.yep... more development afoot...
Together with Bamford Rose expanding products / across all model lines, Sarah Maynard is doing the same with her bespoke range too.
At present the the machined from billet stalk covers, heater and radio dials are available, but both Sarah and Bamford specialize in bespoke one-off works.. so the sky / imagination is the limit....!
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 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
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