Trip to DAE for Bilstein Sport Pack Dampers and H&R Springs
Discussion
Only just got round to taking the pictures off my phone, but thought I would share them with you all.
Since getting my 4.3 I have always been slightly disappointed with the suspension and handling, especially after having a 996 GT3 as my last car and test driving a 4.7 sports pack car prior to buying mine. Mind you the main reason for choosing the Vantage was to get away from the compromised road handling of the GT3 and to have more comfort.(5 1/2 years of GT3 driving does that to you!) But now after several months of ownership I came to the conclusion that the chassis warrants a better more sporty spirited setup.
Anyway since putting the DBS wheels on the arch gap was a little bit 4x4'ish, so after a little research I bought some H&R springs to lower it by 0.75" and David Appleby Engineering sourced me some low mileage Sports Pack Bilsteins. (As the ride of the 4.7 sports pack car was night and day compared to the 4.3) So a trip to DAE and under a days work produced some fantastic results. As usual their service was exceptional, and they have just hired another fully trained Aston Martin Mechanic to join their ranks to help keep up with the demand. "edited due to piss poor English! probably still piss poor but hey ho"
Anyway the pictures show the results for the look, and I would have to say it has firmed up the ride so the car now handles the corners flatter and smoother, and the rear end feels so much more planted and less bobbly! I would certainly recommend it as an upgrade. I would like to also add it does not in anyway compromise the comfort of the car the low speed tracking on the little stuff is actually better than the old dampers.
Oh and while I was there I went and bought some Performance Friction pads as mine were looking a little low. The result of this has also changed the braking efficiency and stopping power dramatically over the standard pads. Another recommended upgrade to anyone who likes spirited driving
BEFORE
DURING
AFTER
My favourite picture
Since getting my 4.3 I have always been slightly disappointed with the suspension and handling, especially after having a 996 GT3 as my last car and test driving a 4.7 sports pack car prior to buying mine. Mind you the main reason for choosing the Vantage was to get away from the compromised road handling of the GT3 and to have more comfort.(5 1/2 years of GT3 driving does that to you!) But now after several months of ownership I came to the conclusion that the chassis warrants a better more sporty spirited setup.
Anyway since putting the DBS wheels on the arch gap was a little bit 4x4'ish, so after a little research I bought some H&R springs to lower it by 0.75" and David Appleby Engineering sourced me some low mileage Sports Pack Bilsteins. (As the ride of the 4.7 sports pack car was night and day compared to the 4.3) So a trip to DAE and under a days work produced some fantastic results. As usual their service was exceptional, and they have just hired another fully trained Aston Martin Mechanic to join their ranks to help keep up with the demand. "edited due to piss poor English! probably still piss poor but hey ho"
Anyway the pictures show the results for the look, and I would have to say it has firmed up the ride so the car now handles the corners flatter and smoother, and the rear end feels so much more planted and less bobbly! I would certainly recommend it as an upgrade. I would like to also add it does not in anyway compromise the comfort of the car the low speed tracking on the little stuff is actually better than the old dampers.
Oh and while I was there I went and bought some Performance Friction pads as mine were looking a little low. The result of this has also changed the braking efficiency and stopping power dramatically over the standard pads. Another recommended upgrade to anyone who likes spirited driving
BEFORE
DURING
AFTER
My favourite picture
Edited by Jibberingloon on Monday 17th February 19:56
Edited by Jibberingloon on Monday 17th February 19:58
Edited by Jibberingloon on Monday 17th February 20:05
Edited by Jibberingloon on Monday 17th February 20:07
Nice wheels, I like that look. TBH, I dont have any preference to standard or lowered, I think they both look good.
Jibberingloon said:
Oh and while I was there I went and bought some Performance Friction pads as mine were looking a little low. The result of this has also changed the braking efficiency and stopping power dramatically over the standard pads. Another recommended upgrade to anyone who likes spirited driving
Yes, but do they stop the squeal....?AMDBSNick said:
Jibberingloon said:
They have even got another fully trained Aston Martin Mechanic to joined there ranks to keep up with demand.
My 5yro daughter laughed at this bit, cracking write up.
I come on here to learn more about our fantastic cars, not get an English lesson. Meanwhile, back on topic. I think the car looks great. I've seen a Vantage before on DBS wheels, but this example goes to prove what can be achieved when it's done properly.
I have had Bilstein Dampers fitted to my DB9 as part of Project Blofeld. They replaced the DB9 'Sports pack' dampers which were a bit 'harsh'. The bonus is that I also now have 'Switchable Suspension' (Button on the dash) so I can choose between Hard or soft depending on my driving requirements.
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