V8 to 8,000 RPM
Discussion
Another great drive in my 4.7 V8V yesterday. Was caught in traffic, so after an hour, I set a twisty + motorway detour to finally get home. I don’t commute in a car which means most drives are special (looking to approach 5,000 miles in the first year).
I’m really wondering what could be better following nearly a year of ownership. With regular use (nearly always journeys over 50 miles) it just gets sweeter and sweeter.
OK - I could p/x for a model with sports seats (eternal topic around here), a 700W hifi and/or other options. But these are all trinkets. The core of the car is what I’m interested in and it’s so near damn perfect. Its sublime balance really makes me hesitate about upgrading to a V12.
However... there are two fundamental design aspects which are much harder to address.
The first is the awkward position of the gear stick. It makes my upper arm ache for the next days after each spirited drive. So I could get an automated manual. Not sure if I want to sacrifice that interactivity.
The other is the rev limit of the V8. Don’t get me wrong; the current power level is more than enough. The secondary de-cat has ensured it makes progress with the best sound ever. It’s tractable and has a good reliability reputation. The dry sump also brings credibility that is sadly lacking from Merc’s crate (apparently AM were forbid from doing this so as to not upset AMG’s customers?).
So... if the sound is already glorious and epic passing 6,000 RPM, what would it be like hunting down 8,000 RPM?
My main concern would be maintaining real world useability. Keep it tractable at low RPM, maintain reliability and not dropping the MPG to sub-10!
Anybody else contemplated this? Have AM Works ever offered some such official conversion for the 4.7 engine? Bamford Rose ever offered this?
In reality it’s likeky to be more prudent to upgrade to a V12VSM, but still curious.
I’m really wondering what could be better following nearly a year of ownership. With regular use (nearly always journeys over 50 miles) it just gets sweeter and sweeter.
OK - I could p/x for a model with sports seats (eternal topic around here), a 700W hifi and/or other options. But these are all trinkets. The core of the car is what I’m interested in and it’s so near damn perfect. Its sublime balance really makes me hesitate about upgrading to a V12.
However... there are two fundamental design aspects which are much harder to address.
The first is the awkward position of the gear stick. It makes my upper arm ache for the next days after each spirited drive. So I could get an automated manual. Not sure if I want to sacrifice that interactivity.
The other is the rev limit of the V8. Don’t get me wrong; the current power level is more than enough. The secondary de-cat has ensured it makes progress with the best sound ever. It’s tractable and has a good reliability reputation. The dry sump also brings credibility that is sadly lacking from Merc’s crate (apparently AM were forbid from doing this so as to not upset AMG’s customers?).
So... if the sound is already glorious and epic passing 6,000 RPM, what would it be like hunting down 8,000 RPM?
My main concern would be maintaining real world useability. Keep it tractable at low RPM, maintain reliability and not dropping the MPG to sub-10!
Anybody else contemplated this? Have AM Works ever offered some such official conversion for the 4.7 engine? Bamford Rose ever offered this?
In reality it’s likeky to be more prudent to upgrade to a V12VSM, but still curious.
Thanks for the great responses. Telum - you're right on all counts. But I wouldn't personally increase the rev limit by even 500prm without the internals being checked to be up to the job. The increase in stresses for the components involved for any additional 100prm is considerable. But if it's used on the track, it's likely worth the risk as you know what you're asking of the engine.
In all likelihood I won't do this unless it's an official solution backed by a warranty for a road car (hence why I asked AM Bristol to do the de-cat, so the warranty would stay in tact). I'm not really into modding, so it's curious that I wait for such questions to go through my head with an AM and not a Renault for Vauxhall
Other engine mods aren't really of interest to me as I'm not looking for the additional power. Simply the additional buzz! First world problems, and all that...
In all likelihood I won't do this unless it's an official solution backed by a warranty for a road car (hence why I asked AM Bristol to do the de-cat, so the warranty would stay in tact). I'm not really into modding, so it's curious that I wait for such questions to go through my head with an AM and not a Renault for Vauxhall
Other engine mods aren't really of interest to me as I'm not looking for the additional power. Simply the additional buzz! First world problems, and all that...
Very interesting mods Thomas! By just bending the gear stick, you will customise nicely with no drawbacks for (the next owner may suit as well).
I do have the standard high armrest centre, but have to admit that the cubby space is of use.
Perhaps I should try one of those pads which pops into the drink holder recess...
I do have the standard high armrest centre, but have to admit that the cubby space is of use.
Perhaps I should try one of those pads which pops into the drink holder recess...
TR-Spider said:
I would strongly recommend to remove the high center armrest and go for a testdrive...
BTW, the low center armrest does have a cupholder as well (let's say a bottleholder fow a small bottle, wouldn't put a cup there...)
Thanks for the advice. I have a long jaunt set for tomorrow, so will give it a go!BTW, the low center armrest does have a cupholder as well (let's say a bottleholder fow a small bottle, wouldn't put a cup there...)
Dal65 said:
So I just changed from 2011 V8S with BR mods , adaptive suspension,clutch & LW Fly wheel ,exhaust & power upgrade. Great car .But test drove 2015 V12SR & have to say so much better had to buy , much faster , much better ride & sportshift 3 is so much better. The V8 is still great Car
Thanks Dal. Perhaps this response is the clincher. I have one year of full AM warranty left on the V8V which gives me the time needed to save and work out the perfect car and spec. I simply need to try different cars with/out auto-manual, low centre console, 700W/B+O and of course full or 2/3 cylinder count 
Looks like my next trip to AM Bristol May be the start of a ruinous journey...
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