Prodrive V8 Vantage
Discussion
We both tried the beastie in appalling conditions & settings weren't finalised, so can't really give a full review.
Without repeating what has been posted (as Pugsey says, you do a search) my summary would be....
Adjustable suspension: the firmer setting was great for real press on driving, improved the cars racer appeal but the softer setting was too firm when you didn't want to go for it! So a no from me!
The aerodynamic add ons: No major benefit unless going very fast, didn't look as good as the standard car, so a no from me!
Wheels: prefer the standard 19 inchers, thought these looked too aftermarket.. so no!
Engine/Exhuast upgrade: Loved the switchable exhaust, rather too loud sometimes, but no resonance, rips sides off houses as you go past! Extra grunt all at the top end, virtually zero benefit until around 4500-5000 revs, then a noticeable difference & higher rev limiter! Overall a bit expensive (although sales volumes are low vs development costs, so can understand why) IMO, but the one part that I would like to add...certainly increases the driver appeal of the AMV8.
Loved the Prodrive team, they really do seem a top well qualified bunch of guys, which helps as the modification's have been born via enthusiasts, who also build the racers.
No doubt F328 will be along in a minute with his opinion.
Without repeating what has been posted (as Pugsey says, you do a search) my summary would be....
Adjustable suspension: the firmer setting was great for real press on driving, improved the cars racer appeal but the softer setting was too firm when you didn't want to go for it! So a no from me!
The aerodynamic add ons: No major benefit unless going very fast, didn't look as good as the standard car, so a no from me!
Wheels: prefer the standard 19 inchers, thought these looked too aftermarket.. so no!
Engine/Exhuast upgrade: Loved the switchable exhaust, rather too loud sometimes, but no resonance, rips sides off houses as you go past! Extra grunt all at the top end, virtually zero benefit until around 4500-5000 revs, then a noticeable difference & higher rev limiter! Overall a bit expensive (although sales volumes are low vs development costs, so can understand why) IMO, but the one part that I would like to add...certainly increases the driver appeal of the AMV8.
Loved the Prodrive team, they really do seem a top well qualified bunch of guys, which helps as the modification's have been born via enthusiasts, who also build the racers.
No doubt F328 will be along in a minute with his opinion.
Kid Charlemagne said:
Thanks Grant. I think you have persuaded me it's not worth the money (for me)
KC
Post N400 you should have better options available directly from AM. I was actually told only yesterday by an AM dealer that there could be as much as 420bhp on offer in the form of a performance pack. This remains to be seen but an upgrade will be available in one form or another so Pro Drive won't be the only option available to you.KC
Steve
ProDrive said:
Prodrive's engine performance pack for the V8 Vantage includes a recalibrated ECU specifically mapped for UK fuel, and in particular, Shell V-Power 99.
The standard exhaust catalysts are replaced with free-flow units to reduce backpressure and the rev limit is increased by 300 rpm.
With the performance pack fitted engine output increases to 425 bhp (317 kW), while maximum torque rises to 440 Nm (325 lbft), making the car far more responsive throughout the entire rev range.
On the road these improvements reduce the 0-60 mph (97 kph) time by 0.4 secs, the 0-100 mph (161 kph) by 0.9 secs and the 0-130 mph (209 kph) by 2.4 secs*.
The performance pack also features a switchable exhaust setting which offers a choice of leaving the bypass valve permanently open to enjoy the sound of the V8 engine, running in normal mode or a run-quiet mode of just 83 db with the valve closed.
ProDrive AMV8 PerfPackThe standard exhaust catalysts are replaced with free-flow units to reduce backpressure and the rev limit is increased by 300 rpm.
With the performance pack fitted engine output increases to 425 bhp (317 kW), while maximum torque rises to 440 Nm (325 lbft), making the car far more responsive throughout the entire rev range.
On the road these improvements reduce the 0-60 mph (97 kph) time by 0.4 secs, the 0-100 mph (161 kph) by 0.9 secs and the 0-130 mph (209 kph) by 2.4 secs*.
The performance pack also features a switchable exhaust setting which offers a choice of leaving the bypass valve permanently open to enjoy the sound of the V8 engine, running in normal mode or a run-quiet mode of just 83 db with the valve closed.
- Calibrated tests carried out with Datron measuring system at Millbrook 13 June 2007 with driver, passenger and a three quarter full tank of fuel.
I think I will wait for a factory hot version or upgrade - you keep your warranty intact with AM and its more likely to make claimed power (manufacturers have to by law be within a certain percentage - aftermarket dont) ....i still dont believe that you can get 45bhp out of this engine with just a remap and exhaust....the Vantage race cars dont even make that, even with a lot more work on the engine
bogie said:
...i still dont believe that you can get 45bhp out of this engine with just a remap and exhaust....the Vantage race cars dont even make that, even with a lot more work on the engine
I'm even less convinced you can get 75bhp out of it in this way as I am absolutely certain the std car is not making the claimed output.Wonder if Prodrive would be prepared to guarantee/prove that you had 425bhp...
bogie said:
i still dont believe that you can get 45bhp out of this engine with just a remap and exhaust....the Vantage race cars dont even make that, even with a lot more work on the engine
It also has free flow 100/200cell cats which aid the bhp gain,although I agree 45 horses + is optimistic! A fellow AMV8-er did follow one back from a Pro-drive meet & said the difference in power between standard & modified was noticeable on the road! As always its crucial to actually drive the std and modified cars to decide if its worth it to you, and everyone will have a different opinion of the "worth" of any changes.
It important to note the your warranty is unaffected, although Prodrive will hold the engines warranty after the conversion (matching your remainng AML one in duration / conditions) and AML keep the vehicle warranty from the flywheel backwards.
Also the extra "power" claims in the Prodrive kit are due to the increase in maximum engine rpm, Astons N400 (and N24 to date) have a std soft cut rev limit at 7300rpm, which as the published power curve for even the N24 engine show is before peak power is reached. The low cell density catalysts and recalibrated fuelling and spark allow the Prodrive conversion to hold it's torque to 7600rpm which delivers the extra power.
so basically, go drive it, if you like it, buy it, if not, hang on for the factory offering
It important to note the your warranty is unaffected, although Prodrive will hold the engines warranty after the conversion (matching your remainng AML one in duration / conditions) and AML keep the vehicle warranty from the flywheel backwards.
Also the extra "power" claims in the Prodrive kit are due to the increase in maximum engine rpm, Astons N400 (and N24 to date) have a std soft cut rev limit at 7300rpm, which as the published power curve for even the N24 engine show is before peak power is reached. The low cell density catalysts and recalibrated fuelling and spark allow the Prodrive conversion to hold it's torque to 7600rpm which delivers the extra power.
so basically, go drive it, if you like it, buy it, if not, hang on for the factory offering
Kid Charlemagne said:
Just got the car back from warwick. Goes like the clappers and sounds (even more) awesome. Big grin.
Great customer service too. I also fitted some P Zero Corsa's (these things could be made by Wrigleys)which are hilarious fun, especially when cold.
Did you have the whole upgrade package installed?Great customer service too. I also fitted some P Zero Corsa's (these things could be made by Wrigleys)which are hilarious fun, especially when cold.
Kid Charlemagne said:
No, just the remap and exhaust. I put the Corsa's on myself.
Ah so you weakened 
!Kid...... how about a driving & initial impressions report?
Pugs & I have driven Prodrives own car, but its not the same as actually owning it & using it extensively, so interested in your thoughts & comment?!
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