4.3L V8 Vantage Upgrades

[Hills321]

Hi all,

It has been some time since I have been online and posted anything on pistonheads, however I am keen to share my experiences at Bamford Rose.

Mike and his team installed a new twin plate clutch and their Phase 1 performance upgrade (200 cell cats, air box delete, remap, switchable exhaust), new lower wishbones on all 4 corners, bilstein suspension set up & geo, new radiator & air-con condenser.

The car has been absolutely transformed. Engine responsiveness and handling are night and day improvement. It really has turned the 4.3l into a drivers car. If anyone is contemplating any combination of these upgrades then it would come highly recommended from me!

[NickXX]

Excellent- I had the same engine upgrade (200 cell cats, airbox, remap and 3 way exhaust switch) done a couple of year ago, and agree that it transforms the car for relatively little outlay. It’s a no brainier on the 4.3.

I had the manifolds and twin-plate clutch/lightweight flywheel fitted last year, which again were a big step up.

Coincidentally I booked in for the v8s Bilstein upgrade today, which hopefully will be the final (big) missing piece!

[Hills321]

Ideally I would have gone for manifolds too, but Mike was booked nearly 2 months in advance for them! I was impatient!! I think they will be next years upgrade. Out of interest did you find the manifolds made the exhaust any louder?

I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the improvements from the bilsteins. Have you opted for switchable or standard?

[NickXX]

I think the manifolds did make it louder, but I went from non-baffled 200cell to baffled when I had the manifolds installed.

It was very loud under throttle before, and slightly less loud now. Both very well judged though (with the standard backbox).

I’m going for the non-switchable. I don’t think i’d make the most of the switchable, and I quite like the idea of the purer fixed Bilsteins.