Another hunting a Manual Vantage Roadster!

[mikey k]

I've recently joined the hunt for 1-2 year old manual V8V roadster.
For those that are already in V8V's what sort of cost are dealers charging for 20k/2yr services?
For those of you with roadsters how do you find the chassis and suspension whne "pressing on" on B roads?
I've already had a chat with Rick (thanks for the advise) and will get him to inspect it.
From an owners experience is there any thing I need to watch out for or avoid when selecting one of these!?

If anyone is thinking of selling please let me know

[GlynMo]

mikey k said:

I've recently joined the hunt for 1-2 year old manual V8V roadster.
For those of you with roadsters how do you find the chassis and suspension whne "pressing on" on B roads?

Put it like this - you'd have to be driving at madness speeds to lose one - or have no idea how to drive! Best advice - go for one with the Sportpack suspension.

[mikey k]

Rick suggested trying to find a Sportpack car.
What does it consist of? stiffer springs & match dampers? Larger ARBs? Different geometry?
I guess most of that could be done easily to a none sport pack car?

[GlynMo]

See http://www.astonmartin.com/eng/worksservice/option... No doubt you could equal it with aftermarket parts, or even have it fitted post-purchase, but it'd be cheaper to find a car with it already fitted. I had 2 V8Vs without Sportspack whereas the current one has it. It provides a definite improvement in handling without sacrificing much (if anything, I'd say) in the way of comfort.

[rick-derby-]

The difference between the sports pack and standard suspension (this only relates to the V8 Vantage as the DB9 sports pack is different, Light weight front lower suspension arms, Light weight wheels these help reduce unsprung weight, the rear anti roll bar and bushes as fitted to the N400 to help reduce body roll, improved dampers and coil springs, This option is better suited to the more spirited driver, The ride is more stiff so not suited to poor roads, the only other option after market I would consider especially if the roads are poor in your area is a progressive spring setup such as H&R springs they will lower the height but reduce body roll and less dipping and lifting under braking and acceleration possibly still fitting the n400 rear anti roll bar to decrease body roll further, this will keep the normal ride quality but improved handling when having fun, I have not come across anything though that would match or better the sports pack either for price or drive ability and I have looked at loads of possibility's,

[mikey k]

Thanks again Rick!
Slight curved ball!
I have a set of Nitron Track coilovers that I could get reconfigured for V8V.

http://www.nitron.co.uk/nitron09/index.php?main_pa...

They are superb for unsprung weight and very well thought of on 911's, Lotus and TVR.
Those, an N400 rear ARB and decent geo ought to do the job around the Alpine passes and North Wales.

I'm looking at two cars on Saturday. One has the later lighter alloys on as well!

[rick-derby-]

Now those I have not tried and open up a world of possibilities, mixing them with the antiroll bar light weight wheels and light weight front lower arms, could make a great package and more customisable to the person using the car I love the idea of tailored packages as everyone has different expectations and driving skills and styles, I will be making a few enquiries tomorrow, I hope everything goes well for you in your search, just let me know if I can be of any further help,

[mikey k]

What the likely cost of front arms?

Edit - I'll call you next week to discuss it and price it all up

Edited by mikey k on Friday 14th May 12:56

[Speedraser]

Rick,

I had not heard that the V8V Sports Pack included different (light weight) front lower suspension arms -- is this true?

[mikey k]

It is the set up from the N400's
IIRC lighter alloys (now MY10 10 spokes), lighter lower arms, different compliance bushes, revalved and springed Bilstein, siffer rear ARB, different geo setup and I think steering tweaks

[rick-derby-]

Hi Mike the sports pack front lower arms including vat are £258.68 each,

[mikey k]

Wow that is cheaper than Honda S2000 arms!

Looked at 4 cars in the last week and done ~1200 miles!

1. 1 engine no was different to V5 and it was suffereing from corrosion of all sorts (stb, door & bonnet latches, mirrors!) I have had bad experiences with cars used of the winter, stored outside and not having the salt washed off
2. 2 looked like good value until I saw how a wrap had been removed
3. 3 sold with in a day of it coming on sales and me booking a 400 mile round trip to see it
4. 4 Had a dubious history

This is not as easy as I thought, only about 3 in 10 are manuals and some are very poorly looked after!
Plus prices are firming as the weather get better

[mikey k]

Bit of an updatelooked at another two;
Meteorite Silver Manual - another sold before I could get to it!
Decided to try a Black sportshift car and I actually liked it and got on well with it! Not keen on the colour and it had a few too many issues for my liking
Good news is I've haggled a bit on this one and put a holding deposit on it until I can see it tomorrow

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1719975.htm

Really pleased as I didn't think I'd get a 4.7 with the sports pack as well!
Colour is the only compromise it wasn't my first choice but the wife likes it.
Needs some clear rear lights though I think

Edited by mikey k on Monday 24th May 16:36

[mikey k]

Deal done just got to wait to pick it up now!

[silverspeed]

Looks fantastic well done. Are you having clear lenses put on? Need a nice long hot Summer to get the most from a fantastic bit of kit.

[GlynV8]

mikey k said:

Deal done just got to wait to pick it up now!

The car looks superb. Enjoy it with the roof down and fuse 22 removed.

[mikey k]

Currently twisting the dealers arm on the clear lights
If he won't do it I'll get a set from the US
Fuse 22 and front no plate holder are both going!
Bring on the sun!

[LordBretSinclair]

Good luck with the dealer, they're usually tighter than a ducks ****

Lord B

[mikey k]

deal done for clear lights £1200 fitted
Cheaper than I can buy them for!

[rick-derby-]

Mikey I do not know what you have been quoted for as the clear rear lamp kit only retails at £956.49 including the vat, and is the same for all the V8 Vantages including coupe and roadster, part number is 8G33-37-10499 for the kit, I wonder if someone has made a mistake and quoted for the individual items, worth just checking