Another thoroughbred emerges from the Bamford Rose works...
Discussion
Just had my old 4.3 V8VR fettled by BR, with the tuned primaries/induction/cats and lightweight clutch.
The on-the-go driveability of the car is vastly improved - the engine spins much more freely and the increased torque low down is much more effective at shifting the car's bulk. It certainly makes the car feel much more agile than a lumbering GT.
The lightweight flywheel/clutch has made gearchanges much quicker and smoother, and can't be that far off a dual clutch system - it would be hard to tell the difference during everyday street use. Multiple downshifts are especially sweet, for instance when braking for a nice empty roundabout on an A-road.
Incidentally, when doing the idiotic thing of trying to set off from the lights having accidentally left the box in Neutral: it used to take an age to wait for the engine to die down and allow a change into first, but now it's able to sort itself out so much more quickly.
On the whole, it's been a really worthwhile exercise. The car's been rejuvenated into a proper sports car, quick, agile and fun: the engine and clutch mods certainly bring the 4.3 up to the 4.7 in terms of performance and driveability, possibly even approaching the Vantage S in the gearbox department.
I've had great service from Bamford Rose, from fitting around my somewhat full work schedule, to ironing out a few glitches which were down to corroded wiring.
Thanks a lot Mike.
Roll on April...
The on-the-go driveability of the car is vastly improved - the engine spins much more freely and the increased torque low down is much more effective at shifting the car's bulk. It certainly makes the car feel much more agile than a lumbering GT.
The lightweight flywheel/clutch has made gearchanges much quicker and smoother, and can't be that far off a dual clutch system - it would be hard to tell the difference during everyday street use. Multiple downshifts are especially sweet, for instance when braking for a nice empty roundabout on an A-road.
Incidentally, when doing the idiotic thing of trying to set off from the lights having accidentally left the box in Neutral: it used to take an age to wait for the engine to die down and allow a change into first, but now it's able to sort itself out so much more quickly.
On the whole, it's been a really worthwhile exercise. The car's been rejuvenated into a proper sports car, quick, agile and fun: the engine and clutch mods certainly bring the 4.3 up to the 4.7 in terms of performance and driveability, possibly even approaching the Vantage S in the gearbox department.
I've had great service from Bamford Rose, from fitting around my somewhat full work schedule, to ironing out a few glitches which were down to corroded wiring.
Thanks a lot Mike.
Roll on April...
willga said:
Just had my old 4.3 V8VR fettled by BR, with the tuned primaries/induction/cats and lightweight clutch.
The on-the-go driveability of the car is vastly improved - the engine spins much more freely and the increased torque low down is much more effective at shifting the car's bulk. It certainly makes the car feel much more agile than a lumbering GT.
The lightweight flywheel/clutch has made gearchanges much quicker and smoother, and can't be that far off a dual clutch system - it would be hard to tell the difference during everyday street use. Multiple downshifts are especially sweet, for instance when braking for a nice empty roundabout on an A-road.
Incidentally, when doing the idiotic thing of trying to set off from the lights having accidentally left the box in Neutral: it used to take an age to wait for the engine to die down and allow a change into first, but now it's able to sort itself out so much more quickly.
On the whole, it's been a really worthwhile exercise. The car's been rejuvenated into a proper sports car, quick, agile and fun: the engine and clutch mods certainly bring the 4.3 up to the 4.7 in terms of performance and driveability, possibly even approaching the Vantage S in the gearbox department.
I've had great service from Bamford Rose, from fitting around my somewhat full work schedule, to ironing out a few glitches which were down to corroded wiring.
Thanks a lot Mike.
Roll on April...
Nice one Gareth, I believe yours is a sport shift the same as mine. The lightweight flywheel/clutch isThe on-the-go driveability of the car is vastly improved - the engine spins much more freely and the increased torque low down is much more effective at shifting the car's bulk. It certainly makes the car feel much more agile than a lumbering GT.
The lightweight flywheel/clutch has made gearchanges much quicker and smoother, and can't be that far off a dual clutch system - it would be hard to tell the difference during everyday street use. Multiple downshifts are especially sweet, for instance when braking for a nice empty roundabout on an A-road.
Incidentally, when doing the idiotic thing of trying to set off from the lights having accidentally left the box in Neutral: it used to take an age to wait for the engine to die down and allow a change into first, but now it's able to sort itself out so much more quickly.
On the whole, it's been a really worthwhile exercise. The car's been rejuvenated into a proper sports car, quick, agile and fun: the engine and clutch mods certainly bring the 4.3 up to the 4.7 in terms of performance and driveability, possibly even approaching the Vantage S in the gearbox department.
I've had great service from Bamford Rose, from fitting around my somewhat full work schedule, to ironing out a few glitches which were down to corroded wiring.
Thanks a lot Mike.
Roll on April...
next on my to-do list with BR, however, Mike did indicate there's a fair bit of wear left on my clutch.
As you probably gather, my post on this forum regarding recent work done at BR was more light-hearted and tongue
in cheek (other than the big thank you to Mike and his team). It was mainly aimed at the reprobates I have met at
various "meets" on this forum. That said, I would be very interested in some feedback on how you get on with your
new clutch as I believe you are the "pathfinder" in this field!!!!
Finally, I have just noticed you put your name down for the JLC trip, have you booked your room in Beaune, and forwarded
your personal details to Simon Lamb? Anyway I look forward to meeting you at our stopover in Beaune, I am just putting
the last few details together.
Cheers, Peter.
Didn't think to post any photos as all the goodies are under the skin... I'll try and take a decent photo once I've chipped all the ice off it.
Thanks Peter. Yes, Simon's got my details - looking forward to meeting up in France, but if you have any questions about the clutch, don't hesitate to PM me. I haven't done too many miles yet, and it looks like it's going to be stymied by the weather, but should be properly run in by April.
Thanks Peter. Yes, Simon's got my details - looking forward to meeting up in France, but if you have any questions about the clutch, don't hesitate to PM me. I haven't done too many miles yet, and it looks like it's going to be stymied by the weather, but should be properly run in by April.
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