DB7 3.2 thoughts

[mike123]

Drove a DB7 3.2 manual the other day. I have driven a lot of other Astons including DB7 V12 and everyone has always told me that the DB7 6 cylinder version would disappoint after a V!2.
I was suprised that it actually felt quite slow and not very torquey compared with say an XK8 Jag and rather oddly the gear lever seemed to shake around like it had a life of its own when driving along - is this normal or as I suspect was something likely to be wrong with it.

Appreciate any thoughts.

[stats007]

The gear lever wobble is quite normal.

Some cars seem to fair better than others though by all accounts there is a fundamental issue with the design of the intercooler so you don't get as much power as you should. This can be remedied for £1k or for £2k you can have the pulley upgraded to give it ~400bhp. With no traction control (the Vantage does have) it can wheelspin in third...

[williamp]

Have a look here:

http://www.morego.co.uk/bbr-gti/aston.php

for an idea of what can be done and at what cost. The DB7 with the supercharger is a real performane bargain at the moment. But like all other stons, they are outshone by the Vantage version. Twas always thus...

[stats007]

They're the people that did my conversion. Price is £2k + VAT not £3k as the website says.

[williamp]

stats007 said:

They're the people that did my conversion. Price is £2k + VAT not £3k as the website says.

As someone who's had the conversion, can you shed some more light on it?

[stats007]

It's pretty simple providing you have the right equipment. The way the charge cooler is filled is changed, smaller pulley fitted to increase boost and the ECU fettled with.

The Works conversion involves the addition of a second radiator for the charge coolant which is really unnecessary provided the original design issue is rectified.

I also had some Mintex C-Tech pads fitted with a 5.1 brake fluid which really makes a difference.

[Danny Hoffman]

What ia the fundamental issue with the charge cooler?

[Simpo Two]

This is interesting, as I have a DB7 3.2 in my sights as a New Year resolution...

Minor thread crash: What is the most desirable version, Auto as it's a prestige car, or Manual as it's a sports car (well sort of)?

[stats007]

The auto isn't particularly good, so whilst the manual isn't perfect it's a better car for it.

[manek]

Danny Hoffman said:

What ia the fundamental issue with the charge cooler?

Danny - as it was explained to me, the original intercooler design doesn't doesn't do it's job of cooling the charge. The mod fixes this. How true this is, I don't know: I have only one person's word on it....

[stats007]

I know three people who have had it done and it clearly works - the pulley upgrade is another step up and really transforms the car.