Vantage V12S performance upgrade

[Glendower]

AdamV12V said:

I can still say that for the relatively modest cost the Quicksilver straight through cat bypass pipes give a V12VS an epic sound upgrade!

Kermit has the QS bypass and the fuse removed all the time and now with 1300 miles on he is really starting to crack, pops and snarl like a beast. I've recently noticed that with AM Shift on the crackles and pops are even more enhanced!

Best £800 I've spent in a long time! I'm not knocking the AM official upgrade as I am sure it is amazing, but in terms of value for money...

So I presume this did NOT include replacing the manifold? I am calling QS tomorrow to see how many V12S customers they have installed their Manifold....

[CSK1]

Andys1000 said:

I did drive it and yes it does have a Titanuim exhaust a la GT12 and GT8

Yes but using your own exhaust tips. I was hoping for a GT8 style exhaust, ie. with the central exhaust pipes.
Lower part of the diffuser (which is painted) is changed for a carbon one with some blades but nothing as dramatic as on the GT8.
So it seems there's no evolution from the first iteration, is there even something as a second one?

[AdamV12V]

jonby said:

AdamV12V said:

Quarterly said:

Hi Adam, this is my page https://www.instagram.com/lord_duxford/

I was at Pangbourne yesterday with Andy and he's just posted an excellent Youtube video here. Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mK9LX5GrDk

Very nice sound, but I'd be interested to compare that to a V12VS with a cat bypass - I'm not sure mine sounds a whole lot different to that...

Anyway, I,m not that the power is the main point of this upgrade I'm sure, but does anybody know how the quoted output of 600BHP equates to the three levels of output from the V12VS?
i.e.:

• 565BHP pre MY17
• 563BHP MY17 without Sport Plus Pack
• 568BHP MY17 with Sport Plus Pack

It just seems odd to me that they quote a single 600BHP figure for a car that already has 3, albeit similar baseline outputs. I wonder if the Performance Pack includes the Sport Pack Plus upgrade - in which case at £18,000 its a far better prospect for those MY17 model owners who didn't spend the £6000 on the Sport Pack Plus, than those who did!

I understood it takes it to 595bhp, 600ps

Hmm, I've just read read the info on the main AM Page : http://www.astonmartin.com/en/accessories/v12-vant...

AM Website said:

Unlock the power potential with the V12 Vantage S Performance Pack from Aston Martin Accessories. The V12 S Performance Pack delivers a power upgrade of up to 30bhp*. Magnesium manifolds coupled with a full length titanium exhaust produce increased performance with a spectacular soundtrack. The all-new carbon fibre diffuser blade completes this pack by giving your V12 Vantage S an even sportier look.

Note it says "up to 30BHP", so by that one should deduce that the revised output is 593 maximum, thereby meaning the MY17 without SP+ cars get 30BHP, MY17 with SP+ cars get 25BHP, and pre MY17 cars get 27BHP.

592BHP however, (not 595BHP) actually equates to 600PS and perhaps not coincidentlally this is the output of the GT12 too, so I suspect this is the actual output of a V12VS with the Performance Pack, and it probably includes the SP+ upgrades too.

[AdamV12V]

Glendower said:

So I presume this did NOT include replacing the manifold? I am calling QS tomorrow to see how many V12S customers they have installed their Manifold....

Correct, just replacing the secondary cats with the straight through pipes. The OEM manifold and primary cats remain in place, thus its such a cheap and simple upgrade.

As you say QS do a replacement manifold too with no primary cats, price on their website is £5860 +VAT for the parts. It would indeed be interesting to hear how many people have actually fitted it.

Info here : https://quicksilverexhausts.store/collections/asto...

Take both QS items, add VAT and labour to fit and I'd guess you are looking at £8500 to £9000, which is about 50% of the cost of the official AM kit, but then there is the question of resaleability and warranty, neither of which should be an issue with the official AM Performance Package.

[jonby]

AdamV12V said:

jonby said:

AdamV12V said:

Quarterly said:

Hi Adam, this is my page https://www.instagram.com/lord_duxford/

I was at Pangbourne yesterday with Andy and he's just posted an excellent Youtube video here. Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mK9LX5GrDk

Very nice sound, but I'd be interested to compare that to a V12VS with a cat bypass - I'm not sure mine sounds a whole lot different to that...

Anyway, I,m not that the power is the main point of this upgrade I'm sure, but does anybody know how the quoted output of 600BHP equates to the three levels of output from the V12VS?
i.e.:

• 565BHP pre MY17
• 563BHP MY17 without Sport Plus Pack
• 568BHP MY17 with Sport Plus Pack

It just seems odd to me that they quote a single 600BHP figure for a car that already has 3, albeit similar baseline outputs. I wonder if the Performance Pack includes the Sport Pack Plus upgrade - in which case at £18,000 its a far better prospect for those MY17 model owners who didn't spend the £6000 on the Sport Pack Plus, than those who did!

I understood it takes it to 595bhp, 600ps

Hmm, I've just read read the info on the main AM Page : http://www.astonmartin.com/en/accessories/v12-vant...

AM Website said:

Unlock the power potential with the V12 Vantage S Performance Pack from Aston Martin Accessories. The V12 S Performance Pack delivers a power upgrade of up to 30bhp*. Magnesium manifolds coupled with a full length titanium exhaust produce increased performance with a spectacular soundtrack. The all-new carbon fibre diffuser blade completes this pack by giving your V12 Vantage S an even sportier look.

Note it says "up to 30BHP", so by that one should deduce that the revised output is 593 maximum, thereby meaning the MY17 without SP+ cars get 30BHP, MY17 with SP+ cars get 25BHP, and pre MY17 cars get 27BHP.

592BHP however, (not 595BHP) actually equates to 600PS and perhaps not coincidentlally this is the output of the GT12 too, so I suspect this is the actual output of a V12VS with the Performance Pack, and it probably includes the SP+ upgrades too.

GT12 was referred to initially as 600PS predicted, later referred to as 595bhp/603ps. They refer to vanquish S with the same 595bhp/603ps. But they separate refer to Vanquish S in other literature as 600ps. They are not particularly consistent....

Whilst their lack of consistency is annoying, don't suppose the 3 odd bhp/ps will make any difference :-)

As you say thought, that's probably the terminal figure regardless of start figure.

[AdamV12V]

Interestingly I've just sent Andy's clip to a fellow AM owner friend who has been out in my car very recently and asked him how he thought it sounded compared to the QS bypass on mine. There was no prompting either way by me, but in fairness he is aware of the cost of each...

His answer was "Bit hard to tell but don’t think it is any better than yours."

[jonby]

AdamV12V said:

Interestingly I've just sent Andy's clip to a fellow AM owner friend who has been out in my car very recently and asked him how he thought it sounded compared to the QS bypass on mine. There was no prompting either way by me, but in fairness he is aware of the cost of each...

His answer was "Bit hard to tell but don’t think it is any better than yours."

As you say, hard to tell

But until we establish whether the decat pipe is damped or not, it's not a comparison one can comment upon conclusively anyway

Andy: You've asked for feedback on your videos so I'll give it. I may not be your target audience (I'm guessing you are looking to become a car blogger ?) but for me, too little in the way of facts or even meaningful opinion and too much of 'this is great, this is loud, this is fast' (a tad harsh, but you get my point)

You obviously have a good point of reference to work from having driven & owned supercars, unlike some bloggers. However the facts were either non existent or inaccurate - it's not a 40 bhp upgrade, your description of what the upgrade consists of was vague and again, inaccurate and you've not once said how much louder than the standard V12VS this system is or, whether it feels freer flowing and/or more aggressive as a map. Looking at peak power figures, it may be that the rev limiter is raised with this upgrade, but again, no mention of it. You keep referring to 'GT8 style', IMO mistakenly. I could go on but I already probably sound like a grumpy old man. You did ask ! On the plus side, the picture quality was fine and you are coherent & audible - it was the verbal content I found lacking

[Phil74891]

AdamV12V said:

Interestingly I've just sent Andy's clip to a fellow AM owner friend who has been out in my car very recently and asked him how he thought it sounded compared to the QS bypass on mine. There was no prompting either way by me, but in fairness he is aware of the cost of each...

His answer was "Bit hard to tell but don’t think it is any better than yours."

I think I may go your QS secondary cat delete route Adam.

Was thinking about the AM kit, but GBP17k or whatever is just too much for what you get. Would I really notice an extra 30bhp? I doubt it very much. Does it look any better? No.

Getting the car serviced this week, will have a chat with them.

[madcal]

Holy thread resurrection!

Did any of you get the power upgrade? I have a 2018 V12VSM. I have heard that whilst the power gains are marginal at 30 bhp (5%) it actually gives you much more pull in the mid range. The car isn’t exactly slow but a little more in the middle would be nice.

I would likely not go with the exhaust upgrade I have the fuse 22 switcher thingy and that is enough for me for now (although I may do the secondary decat).

Anyone who has back to back experience before and after would appreciate hearing from you?

Thanks

[callevascm]

I went down the performance pack route with my 2018 V12VSR manual. I did it in two stages, first the decat, then the magnesium headers and remap. I decided not to have the titanium exhaust purely because I thought it was expensive and the decat produced enough sound for me. Certainly the power increase is negligible and I suspect is no where near the 595 bhp claimed. For me the big improvement is in the mid-range throttle response, as you have identified. Just for overtaking, the upgrade is worth it. I was also swayed, that by having the performance pack I don’t have to scratch the AMR itch. I am going next week to TDI to have the geo setup. I think the car is simply wonderful and my having sensible improvements I don’t get tempted to have a new car, so money well spent!

[CSK1]

I had the Performance Pack installed on my V12VSR last year.
The sound is epic, I feel like there's more mid-range punch.
I have fuse 15 permanently removed and it is loud, so much so it's probably too loud for long distance cruising (which I don't do all too often).
Not sure the Performance Pack is still available since production of the V12 Vantage S has ended.
The fact my car is a keeper and that it probably won't be available too much longer made me go for it and I don't regret it one bit.

[madcal]

Many thanks to both.

I don’t need an ear bleeding exhaust all of the time so I would not go titanium. I also do take it on long trips through France so it would become a bit wearing. If Fuse 15 is plugged in (valves closed) and you have the secondary decat is it still very loud? In an ideal world I would have the ability to waft along quietly with just a little burble when I am in town then let hell break loose when I am out in the countryside. Maybe I am getting old but I do not look admiringly at loud cars cruising through town in 20mph. All these artificial pops in modern cars have killed that for me. My RS6 is mortifying in sport mode at 25 mph as it will hold 2nd and if you lift off a little it spits and burps its way down the road.....

It’s a bit like having loud music on. When you are inside the car you think it sounds wonderful and want to share it with the world. In real-life no-one has ever looked good in a car with the windows down and loud music blearing out....

Works will still do the power upgrade; it is just quite expensive but I think worth it for the mid-range.

Finally on the geometry; I love the car but when flooring it in 3rd at 50mph on a straight road it does tend to squirm around a little. I could do that in the 488 and it just went off without any drama. I prefer a little more involvement so I am not unhappy but mine does feel like maybe a little adjustment may make it less playful. Coming into max power band at around 80-100 mph you do have to be on-your-game so to speak ;-)

[Jibberingloon]

There are cheaper alternatives to the Aston Performance Pack from DAE and Bamford that would give you the same sort of increase.

Or you could get a steal of a price on these!
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/133083636965?ssPageName...

[rosspamp]

I paid £15.275K fitted by AM (dealer in Sevenoaks) on my 2018 V12S manual which is not a daily driver and planned long term keeper. Overall love the upgrade especially the sound, improved responsiveness and fact that warranty isn’t invalidated and when sport not engaged it is louder but not too “boy’d up”. To me it gives the car additional “sense of occassion”. Previously I ran it along an F12 and the AM didn’t get a look in. Now running alongside a 600LT spyder and while both are very different the Aston always draws me to pick up the keys. Absolutely no regrets on the upgrade as gets the motor pretty much at the top “factory” spec and approved Aston system so warranty and dealer friendly. The downside is the cost. I dithered first some time before I took the plunge. Of course you might get similar decibels and HP for a lot less for if you have the funds I think it’s ok value. My car is skyfall silver with white accents and I prefer the carbon diffuser which comes with the kit than the white diffuser on my car. Not sure how many kits are still available I did mine in Jan 2019

[On`it]

Hi to keep this post going and any updates, as I am also considering upgrade options starting with the AMR @ £15,750. 30bhp

My alternative is the velocity power kit @ £7,020 fitted with ceramic coated headers https://www.velocityap.com/product/aston-martin-v1... there is talk about increased 50bhp and 40lb torque. Which seems to give more results for the costings and could look at adding the AMR inlet manifolds.

Any thoughts advice etc would be appreciated.

I already have a quicksilver secondary cat delete with valve control switch and interested in going further for sound and midrange performance. Also had a geo setup which transformed the car.
I also have an appetite if I go for the Velocity savings in cost could possibly go towards light weight bucket seats, matt carbon dash, wheel spacers, front splitter protector for example. 😉

[BlackTails]

Have a look at the Bamford Rose options. Their approach is a primary decat plus sports secondary cats. They regard gutting the primary cats as the better way to release more power and let the engine run more freely.

[mogg]

rosspamp said:

I paid £15.275K fitted by AM (dealer in Sevenoaks) on my 2018 V12S manual which is not a daily driver and planned long term keeper. Overall love the upgrade especially the sound, improved responsiveness and fact that warranty isn’t invalidated and when sport not engaged it is louder but not too “boy’d up”. To me it gives the car additional “sense of occassion”. Previously I ran it along an F12 and the AM didn’t get a look in. Now running alongside a 600LT spyder and while both are very different the Aston always draws me to pick up the keys. Absolutely no regrets on the upgrade as gets the motor pretty much at the top “factory” spec and approved Aston system so warranty and dealer friendly. The downside is the cost. I dithered first some time before I took the plunge. Of course you might get similar decibels and HP for a lot less for if you have the funds I think it’s ok value. My car is skyfall silver with white accents and I prefer the carbon diffuser which comes with the kit than the white diffuser on my car. Not sure how many kits are still available I did mine in Jan 2019

I have the same AM approved performance pack. Is it possible to find out how many V12VS's have the kit fitted. Would any AM service department know / be able to find out ?

[Upperworks]

Picked up my V12VSRM from Bristol today.

Felt like a cruiser after driving a 600LT for the last few months, so interesting to read the post of the chap running both a few up.

BR will be putting a performance kit on it! My warranty runs out in a few months so not worried about that side of things, and I've got the one taken off of my V12V, so it's a no brainer for me. Made a hell of a difference to the V12V, so looking forward to seeing the difference on the S.

[VULCANT]

I have the performance pack from factory and it’s worth every penny. Very loud but doesn’t drone and has a real crackle from the titanium exhaust.

[Calculator]

Wow, look at that!

Any more pics?