Time to get serious !!! the next step to more power !!
Discussion
After a lot of deliberation and several conversations and meetings !
I have decided to take the big step and have entrusted the guys at Bamford Rose with my pride and joy "Jessica" to a rather exciting new stage in her/ life.
After owning fast Audi's and Bmw's and of course the obligatory couple of Tvr's I felt it was time to own an Aston. but.............. I have always felt that there wasn't enough mid range torque/power !!!
Now like all true pistonheads I started wondering and questioning where I could find the extra power and who could help me achieve this.
I have several driving trips planned this summer (as long as this wonderful "British" weather lasts !!) so getting underway has happened quite rapidly !!!
the power/torque increase which Bamford Rose offer made the decision quite simple for me.
I own a 2007 plate 4.3L and "jessica" will be converted to a 4.7L along with a Bamford Rose/quicksilver complete sports induction and exhaust system plus a lightweight flywheel and twinplate clutch !!!
This will mean 460bhp with 480nm torque. "yum yum !!!!" Show me the roads !!!!!
I am also having a few carbon pieces added !!! which consist of a front splitter and a rear boot lip !!!
the guys at Bamford Rose are also working in collaboration with the original interior designer "Sarah Maynard" so there will be a few bespoke jem's inside as well !!!
Now normally I am quite a cautious chap but have been blown away with Mike and the team at Bamford, their knowledge is second to none so has made me feel safe trusting them with my dream car.
For those wondering why I have named her "Jessica" it follows a bit of Aston history Apparently it dates back to the days of Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin, they started the tradition of naming all their cars and is something the factory does to the present day. Recent names include Rose (an English rose in Germany, the first N24 Race car to go to Nurburgring), Kermit (green as the frog 2nd race car to rose), woody, smurf, Katie, Elwood, black betty, Esmeralda
Anyway – the very first Aston Martin created by Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin (coal scuttle) was called ‘bunny’ during prototype development. So, modern twist on heritage, Just like ‘Bamford Rose’ we called the car ….. ‘Jessica’….
Too sickly ? I think it suits and as my dog is called Aston I had to call her something !!!
there are two photos before surgeory, I will be posting more as she goes under the knife !!! and will let you know my experience and progress.
I am counting down the days till she is back and I get to use her again.
![](http://thumbsnap.com/sc/GeZLK9T0.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="http://thumbsnap.com/k80Uhb64" Target="_blank">[img]http://thumbsnap.com/sc/k80Uhb64.jpg)
I have decided to take the big step and have entrusted the guys at Bamford Rose with my pride and joy "Jessica" to a rather exciting new stage in her/ life.
After owning fast Audi's and Bmw's and of course the obligatory couple of Tvr's I felt it was time to own an Aston. but.............. I have always felt that there wasn't enough mid range torque/power !!!
Now like all true pistonheads I started wondering and questioning where I could find the extra power and who could help me achieve this.
I have several driving trips planned this summer (as long as this wonderful "British" weather lasts !!) so getting underway has happened quite rapidly !!!
the power/torque increase which Bamford Rose offer made the decision quite simple for me.
I own a 2007 plate 4.3L and "jessica" will be converted to a 4.7L along with a Bamford Rose/quicksilver complete sports induction and exhaust system plus a lightweight flywheel and twinplate clutch !!!
This will mean 460bhp with 480nm torque. "yum yum !!!!" Show me the roads !!!!!
I am also having a few carbon pieces added !!! which consist of a front splitter and a rear boot lip !!!
the guys at Bamford Rose are also working in collaboration with the original interior designer "Sarah Maynard" so there will be a few bespoke jem's inside as well !!!
Now normally I am quite a cautious chap but have been blown away with Mike and the team at Bamford, their knowledge is second to none so has made me feel safe trusting them with my dream car.
For those wondering why I have named her "Jessica" it follows a bit of Aston history Apparently it dates back to the days of Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin, they started the tradition of naming all their cars and is something the factory does to the present day. Recent names include Rose (an English rose in Germany, the first N24 Race car to go to Nurburgring), Kermit (green as the frog 2nd race car to rose), woody, smurf, Katie, Elwood, black betty, Esmeralda
Anyway – the very first Aston Martin created by Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin (coal scuttle) was called ‘bunny’ during prototype development. So, modern twist on heritage, Just like ‘Bamford Rose’ we called the car ….. ‘Jessica’….
Too sickly ? I think it suits and as my dog is called Aston I had to call her something !!!
there are two photos before surgeory, I will be posting more as she goes under the knife !!! and will let you know my experience and progress.
I am counting down the days till she is back and I get to use her again.
I'd be very interested to hear what kind of thing you have planned for the interior... Something I am always looking to change on mine!
Did I see your car on the A3 a few weeks ago heading into Wandsworth? If so I was in a white 964 Targa that day, wishing I was in my green Aston as well!
Did I see your car on the A3 a few weeks ago heading into Wandsworth? If so I was in a white 964 Targa that day, wishing I was in my green Aston as well!
Registering my interest on this thread. A more pointed question for you with respect to your views on the power/power delivery.
I own a TVR T350 and am considering a Vantage going forward, but like you not convinced I am going to like a downsize in Bhp/ton. Can you put the difference you feel between your TVRs and Aston into words?
Thanks!
I own a TVR T350 and am considering a Vantage going forward, but like you not convinced I am going to like a downsize in Bhp/ton. Can you put the difference you feel between your TVRs and Aston into words?
Thanks!
TVR Vs Aston - many of us (most of us?) have come from TVR, I had a Tuscan 4.0 back in 2000, a very early one!
The TVR always felt much faster than it really was due to noise, lack of grip and iffy handling due to the power through that tubular chassis. It was always dramatic, at any speed. To drive it fast really made me sweat due to the concentration required and it didn't happen that often as a result, and only in perfect condtions on empty roads and dry days.
Aston is the opposite in many ways, it's still very dramatic as a thing of beauty and either the V8 or V12 make a noise unlike anything else. I can hear one a mile off! However when you nail it, it takes off in the direcction you want it to, when you brake it slows and stops, when you corner it doesn't do anything unexpected, it's a car you have a lot of confidence in. The DB9 makes a peerless GT, but a big sports car, the V8 Vantage makes a pretty decent GT and first class sports car. I think its the natural progression but I bet you'd miss some aspects of your TVR.
In some ways then, the TVR feels faster than it is, the Vantage feels slower. I bet the vantage would be quicker round a track in the hands of a mortal.
Both will get the same response, thumbs up all round and a good bunch of other owners. TVR are only owned by enthusiasts though, Astons often by people who just want a nice looking car that's not a 911. It doesn't really matter though.
I'm lucky I still have my Marcos V8 with the DB9, polar opposites of the same idea!
The TVR always felt much faster than it really was due to noise, lack of grip and iffy handling due to the power through that tubular chassis. It was always dramatic, at any speed. To drive it fast really made me sweat due to the concentration required and it didn't happen that often as a result, and only in perfect condtions on empty roads and dry days.
Aston is the opposite in many ways, it's still very dramatic as a thing of beauty and either the V8 or V12 make a noise unlike anything else. I can hear one a mile off! However when you nail it, it takes off in the direcction you want it to, when you brake it slows and stops, when you corner it doesn't do anything unexpected, it's a car you have a lot of confidence in. The DB9 makes a peerless GT, but a big sports car, the V8 Vantage makes a pretty decent GT and first class sports car. I think its the natural progression but I bet you'd miss some aspects of your TVR.
In some ways then, the TVR feels faster than it is, the Vantage feels slower. I bet the vantage would be quicker round a track in the hands of a mortal.
Both will get the same response, thumbs up all round and a good bunch of other owners. TVR are only owned by enthusiasts though, Astons often by people who just want a nice looking car that's not a 911. It doesn't really matter though.
I'm lucky I still have my Marcos V8 with the DB9, polar opposites of the same idea!
I totally agree, I had two Tvr's firstly a 4.5 chimera and then a Tamora, which felt as quick as anything I had/have driven but part due to the noise and part due to all the fore mentioned. My Vantage on the other hand feels a lot more composed but certainly not as rapid. I have always loved the feel of adrenaline surging through me and nothing gives you that fix like fast exceleration. Now for me I always felt that in my Tamora as much as I love my vantage this is the one thing that it falls short on. So I cant wait to get her back take her out and feel that rare quality that leaves your heart racing !!! I am going on a road trip with two friends one of which has a AC cobra (replica) but it does have a 5.7l v8 !!! and really shifts !!! and another with a mark two Lotus elise !! we are going to go to Goodwood on friday the 1st of july first thing then head of over to the Breacon Beacons then up to the peak district then back via the "evo triangle" I can hardly wait to see how "Jessica" copes against a very fast "straight line" AC and the cornering abilities of the lotus.
Quinny said:
the TVR can't compare with the Aston on refinement, and modern mechanics..
And the Aston can't compare to the TVR on brute force, and pig headed attitude
Quinny, that description does bring back some memories And the Aston can't compare to the TVR on brute force, and pig headed attitude
Always wanted a V8 Tiv, went in to buy a 500 Chimaera and ended up with a brand new Tuscan back then... Louise at Henley Heritage, it was the jodphurs, I swear...
I wonder if the V12 Vantage is Aston's TVR equivalent? Brutish power and single minded performance, it's getting there. Just at two or three times the cost!
I thought I would give an update on "Jessica’s" work. And WOW!!! I was picked up from Leamington spa train station at 9am by Mike and driven to Bamford rose where "Jessica" was presented to me. The guys talked me round all the work that had been done. then we got on to the fun stuff, When Mike worked for Aston Martin part of his job was to test all the cars so in his time their had obtained every driving test/qualification required to use test tracks, so a week ago Mike phoned to say that "Jessica" was ready for collection and would I like to go to Millbrook and get to drive Jessica around the different circuits!!!! After about 1/2 a second I said yes and that’s where I was yesterday!!!! What an experience firstly getting back into Jessica what an amazing transformation just mind blowing!!! I think she runs on anabolic steroids!!!
Mike took her out on the bowl first just to 1) show me how to handle the track and banking 2) show me how’s it’s done!!!!! 150mph and pulling hard!!!! We then went round the handling track, which was mind blowing to see just how well the grip!!! Then the hill climbing track followed by the long 2 mile straight!! When I got in to drive I was amazed at how civil she behaved pulling away in first was no different than before until.............. You got up over 1500 rpms then it was a totally different matter, we headed out onto the bowl where there was a McLaren mc12 in blue wrap testing, a few Toyotas in crazy disguise but otherwise nothing else apart from a full tank of Optimax and a heavy right foot!! I have to say it was so good having Mike there to reassure me as its very daunting on the bowl, the banking is really steep but she hunkers down and the grip is immense. Getting up over 130mph was just amazing on bowl and as you push harder things do blur!! A lot!!! After several laps I drove her over to the handling circuit where again mike gave me some tuition and I began to grow in confidence and lean a little harder on the throttle. Just amazing the difference is!! So much more torque you just fly out of corners and the pick up is instant. I have to say I enjoyed playing on there the most!! But we headed of to the hill climb course which is a totally different animal. Blind crests with tight corners oh and the lets see if she will fly crest as demonstrated by Tiff Needle in the v 12 vantage!!! And no my bottle wasn’t strong enough!!! "Jessica" was absolutely fantastic I really can’t say how impressive the changes are. Truly amazing.
I had as much time as I wanted to test and play. The drive home was a tad boring as the m11 was under speed restrictions the m25 was... well the m25!!! And the m3 was slower than an asthmatic ant with heavy shopping!! But all the same I didn’t stop smiling all the same!! Even if it took me three and quarter hours!!! I will put some photos on later with a more detailed break down of the work and parts, but for now thank you again to Bamford and rose ( well Mike and the guys) you have done exactly what I asked with a little more for good
Mike took her out on the bowl first just to 1) show me how to handle the track and banking 2) show me how’s it’s done!!!!! 150mph and pulling hard!!!! We then went round the handling track, which was mind blowing to see just how well the grip!!! Then the hill climbing track followed by the long 2 mile straight!! When I got in to drive I was amazed at how civil she behaved pulling away in first was no different than before until.............. You got up over 1500 rpms then it was a totally different matter, we headed out onto the bowl where there was a McLaren mc12 in blue wrap testing, a few Toyotas in crazy disguise but otherwise nothing else apart from a full tank of Optimax and a heavy right foot!! I have to say it was so good having Mike there to reassure me as its very daunting on the bowl, the banking is really steep but she hunkers down and the grip is immense. Getting up over 130mph was just amazing on bowl and as you push harder things do blur!! A lot!!! After several laps I drove her over to the handling circuit where again mike gave me some tuition and I began to grow in confidence and lean a little harder on the throttle. Just amazing the difference is!! So much more torque you just fly out of corners and the pick up is instant. I have to say I enjoyed playing on there the most!! But we headed of to the hill climb course which is a totally different animal. Blind crests with tight corners oh and the lets see if she will fly crest as demonstrated by Tiff Needle in the v 12 vantage!!! And no my bottle wasn’t strong enough!!! "Jessica" was absolutely fantastic I really can’t say how impressive the changes are. Truly amazing.
I had as much time as I wanted to test and play. The drive home was a tad boring as the m11 was under speed restrictions the m25 was... well the m25!!! And the m3 was slower than an asthmatic ant with heavy shopping!! But all the same I didn’t stop smiling all the same!! Even if it took me three and quarter hours!!! I will put some photos on later with a more detailed break down of the work and parts, but for now thank you again to Bamford and rose ( well Mike and the guys) you have done exactly what I asked with a little more for good
Hi Benjamin
Great piece. Been thinking about having this done to my 4.3 '06 Vantage for ages, would prefer to keep the car with its relatively low mileage, lack of flared sills and spec rather than exchanging for the 4.7. Any chance of a costing? maybe by private mail, would understand if you didn't want to impart with the info.
Regards
Steve
PS..................so jealous!
Great piece. Been thinking about having this done to my 4.3 '06 Vantage for ages, would prefer to keep the car with its relatively low mileage, lack of flared sills and spec rather than exchanging for the 4.7. Any chance of a costing? maybe by private mail, would understand if you didn't want to impart with the info.
Regards
Steve
PS..................so jealous!
The pictures are coming!!!
As regards to prices Bamford rose have worked on and supported many race gt4 vantages, including the reining GT4 champions!!! But "Jessica" was the first to have the full works for a road going car.
So I have been very fortunate in that they have given me a discount on parts as "Jessica" is in essence a show case for what they are capable of, from the engine upgrade, Clutch, Flywheel, exhausts, body parts and interior by Sarah Maynard.
For me it was still a major decision as this is still my absolute dream car. But I have found them to be very professional and have shown immeasurable knowledge that has given me the confidence to trust their abilities. I can’t speak highly enough but give them a call as I am sure you wont be disappointed.
As regards to prices Bamford rose have worked on and supported many race gt4 vantages, including the reining GT4 champions!!! But "Jessica" was the first to have the full works for a road going car.
So I have been very fortunate in that they have given me a discount on parts as "Jessica" is in essence a show case for what they are capable of, from the engine upgrade, Clutch, Flywheel, exhausts, body parts and interior by Sarah Maynard.
For me it was still a major decision as this is still my absolute dream car. But I have found them to be very professional and have shown immeasurable knowledge that has given me the confidence to trust their abilities. I can’t speak highly enough but give them a call as I am sure you wont be disappointed.
Definitely checking the bank account for this one. I have a 4.3l with extremely low miles (under 6000) and I have no desire to get rid of it anytime soon, but I have been wondering if there were any real options for increasing the power if I so desired. I purchased mine last year, and got an amazing deal which is the reason I was able to get it in the first place. I'm glad to see someone take the plung for the Bamford conversion. Hopefully Mike can get this options to us across the water in the US. 460hp is really a huge change. Are you having any issues with getting the power down? Looking forward to hearing more about Jessica!!! RC
Big time hats off for having the kahoonas to do this!
Did they use your original engine as the start point, or replace it with a used 4.7l? If they started with yours, I'd presume new pistons, crank, lots of head work etc to get those sort of numbers. Does it run a standard Aston ECU? Has to be 15k and well upwards for that lot surely...in fact if I were betting I'd be thinking 20k-25k at full rates.
Do they fully warranty their work?
Did they use your original engine as the start point, or replace it with a used 4.7l? If they started with yours, I'd presume new pistons, crank, lots of head work etc to get those sort of numbers. Does it run a standard Aston ECU? Has to be 15k and well upwards for that lot surely...in fact if I were betting I'd be thinking 20k-25k at full rates.
Do they fully warranty their work?
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