V8V transformed

[Gazza450]

Picked up my 2007 V8V from Martins Aston Services near Glasgow following some significant upgrades and future proofing works.
The original 17yr old dampers and springs were understandably past there best and have been replaced with AM Bilstein Sport Pack Dampers and Springs (kit included Sport Pack wheels)
The original clutch has been replaced with an AMR twin plate
New discs and Porterfield pads all round
Refurbed rear subframe, galvanised and powder coated
All topped off with a fresh set of Michelin PS4S tyres.
The overall effect has been transformational and first impressions are really positive.
Great work again from the guys at Martins Aston Services, always a pleasure dealing with them.

[NickXX]

Very similar upgrades to mine (also a 2007 onyx). I have the BR remap/cats and manifolds too which again are another step up.

[Import]

Well,it’s looking fantastic…I’m sure the upgrades are well worth it..just gotta drive it..lol

[Gazza450]

NickXX said:

Very similar upgrades to mine (also a 2007 onyx). I have the BR remap/cats and manifolds too which again are another step up.

Hi Nick, thanks for your response, I’m very pleased with the upgrades I’ve done so far and it has transformed the feel of the car but I was toying with the idea of doing the cats and remap as phase 2 at a later date. Did you have all your work done at once or was it done over time. If it was done in phases, did the remap/cats mods make a noticeable improvement in performance and what did you have done to the manifolds? Cheers G

[Dewi 2]

Gazza450 said:

Picked up my 2007 V8V from Martins Aston Services near Glasgow following some significant upgrades and future proofing works.
The original 17yr old dampers and springs were understandably past there best and have been replaced with AM Bilstein Sport Pack Dampers and Springs (kit included Sport Pack wheels)

Your car looks fantastic, Gareth.

Did you obtain the Sport Pack wheels recently?
I attempted to find a set some time ago, but gave up.

If you can provide any guidance about this aspect, it would be appreciated.
I understand those wheels were produced as painted, or diamond cut.
Painted would be my preference.

[Fitz666]

Really cannot fault their work or service, miles apart from the AD in Edinburgh

[NickXX]

Gazza450 said:

Hi Nick, thanks for your response, I’m very pleased with the upgrades I’ve done so far and it has transformed the feel of the car but I was toying with the idea of doing the cats and remap as phase 2 at a later date. Did you have all your work done at once or was it done over time. If it was done in phases, did the remap/cats mods make a noticeable improvement in performance and what did you have done to the manifolds? Cheers G

I did it in phases. I dipped my toe in the ocean with the ~£2k Bamford Rose remap and cats. I later did the manifolds and lightweight clutch at the same time. A final visit for the later Vantage S Bilsteins.

The best value for money was easily the remap and cats. The rest of the bits are expensive but make it feel like a very special (and fast) car.

[rovcallum]

Don’t forget to get the wheel alignment checked and adjusted. Best value for money ever.

[Gazza450]

Dewi 2 said:

Your car looks fantastic, Gareth.

Did you obtain the Sport Pack wheels recently?
I attempted to find a set some time ago, but gave up.

If you can provide any guidance about this aspect, it would be appreciated.
I understand those wheels were produced as painted, or diamond cut.
Painted would be my preference.

The wheels were supplied direct from Aston as an optional part of the Bilstein Sport Suspension Pack so they must be available. Mine are diamond cut and look fantastic but I’m aware that they are not the most durable finish. If they start to deteriorate I’ll get them powder coated but until then I think they look great and really lift the look of the car.

[Gazza450]

rovcallum said:

Don’t forget to get the wheel alignment checked and adjusted. Best value for money ever.

All done with a “fast road” set up as suggested by Peter at Martins Aston Services and it really does feel tied together now.

[Gazza450]

NickXX said:

I did it in phases. I dipped my toe in the ocean with the ~£2k Bamford Rose remap and cats. I later did the manifolds and lightweight clutch at the same time. A final visit for the later Vantage S Bilsteins.

The best value for money was easily the remap and cats. The rest of the bits are expensive but make it feel like a very special (and fast) car.

Might go for the remap and cats at a later date but until then I’m very happy with the work that’s just been done.

[Dewi 2]

Gazza450 said:

Might go for the remap and cats at a later date but until then I’m very happy with the work that’s just been done.

For your year car, there is no need to spend £2,000 replacing cats.

Your car only has one cat for each bank of cylinders.
Each of those cats contain a 400 cell and 900 cell matrix.
Without any change to the external appearance, have the 900 cell matrix removed; remap; and fit a 3-way exhaust valve switch.
More wonderful natural sound will be released, some extra horsepower obtained and the switch can fully close the exhaust valves when you require quiet travel.
MoT emissions figures are unchanged.

[Gazza450]

Dewi 2 said:

For your year car, there is no need to spend £2,000 replacing cats.

Your car only has one cat for each bank of cylinders.
Each of those cats contain a 400 cell and 900 cell matrix.
Without any change to the external appearance, have the 900 cell matrix removed; remap; and fit a 3-way exhaust valve switch.
More wonderful natural sound will be released, some extra horsepower obtained and the switch can fully close the exhaust valves when you require quiet travel.
MoT emissions figures are unchanged.

Thanks for the tip Dewi, I am a bit concerned that any change to the cats or exhaust will make it louder or boomier when cruising so I’ll do a bit more homework before making any decision. Thanks G

[BiggaJ]

Gazza450 said:

Thanks for the tip Dewi, I am a bit concerned that any change to the cats or exhaust will make it louder or boomier when cruising so I’ll do a bit more homework before making any decision. Thanks G

Having had 200 cell CATS put on mine a few years back with a slight remap, there has not been any increase to noise levels other than when at full throttle. Sitting at a cruise or just idling makes no difference.

[Gazza450]

BiggaJ said:

Having had 200 cell CATS put on mine a few years back with a slight remap, there has not been any increase to noise levels other than when at full throttle. Sitting at a cruise or just idling makes no difference.

Thanks Jon, all good feedback👍

[Dewi 2]

Gazza450 said:

Dewi 2 said:

For your year car, there is no need to spend £2,000 replacing cats.

Your car only has one cat for each bank of cylinders.
Each of those cats contain a 400 cell and 900 cell matrix.
Without any change to the external appearance, have the 900 cell matrix removed; remap; and fit a 3-way exhaust valve switch.
More wonderful natural sound will be released, some extra horsepower obtained and the switch can fully close the exhaust valves when you require quiet travel.
MoT emissions figures are unchanged.

Thanks for the tip Dewi, I am a bit concerned that any change to the cats or exhaust will make it louder or boomier when cruising so I’ll do a bit more homework before making any decision. Thanks G

My Vantage is a 2009 4.7, but in OEM spec. it had exactly the same exhaust system as yours, Gareth. No manifold cats..

I usually run with the exhaust valves always open, but for steady cruising speed I do normally close the valves.
With valves closed, the in-car sound is no different at all, from the OEM sound level.
Remember of course, that the OEM exhaust valves would be closed anyway at cruising revs.
When I switch whilst cruising, the only reason that I then hear a slight reduction in sound, is because the valves are changing from open (which at those revs. would then be non-OEM) to closed.