Deposit down on my first Aston, what next?
Discussion
Hi all,
I've just put my deposit down on my first Aston, another TVR person coming over. Having started a thread awhile back asking whether to go for a Jag XKR or the Aston that ended up in a slanging match, the Aston won the day. It's a V8 vantage coupe and I'm hoping it will live up to my expectations, desperately excited.
I usually like to have a few mods made to my cars, not barry boy stuff but the official/respected packages properly tested and warrated. I suppose it's a personalisation thing. So my question is what do existing owners feel is the best combination to have. I'm considering either the dealer power upgrade and sports pack, or the Prodrive versions of the same. I was thinking maybe the Prodrive power upgrade and the dealer sportspack, to be done over the next year or so. Really don't like the wheels in the prodrive kit!
I know some will say save the cash and get a 4.7, but I like to do these things and may well move in that direction later and start that process again, when suitable options are available.
I've just put my deposit down on my first Aston, another TVR person coming over. Having started a thread awhile back asking whether to go for a Jag XKR or the Aston that ended up in a slanging match, the Aston won the day. It's a V8 vantage coupe and I'm hoping it will live up to my expectations, desperately excited.
I usually like to have a few mods made to my cars, not barry boy stuff but the official/respected packages properly tested and warrated. I suppose it's a personalisation thing. So my question is what do existing owners feel is the best combination to have. I'm considering either the dealer power upgrade and sports pack, or the Prodrive versions of the same. I was thinking maybe the Prodrive power upgrade and the dealer sportspack, to be done over the next year or so. Really don't like the wheels in the prodrive kit!
I know some will say save the cash and get a 4.7, but I like to do these things and may well move in that direction later and start that process again, when suitable options are available.
leave the bloody car alone and enjoy it.......adding bits and bobs costing thousands of pounds and very little performance or power advantage is daft (IMHO).......its a bit like when you were a boy and perhaps added some mirrors or tastles to your push bike.......its what little boys do
I would never, ever, touch a previously owned car that had been messed about with eg fitting a quick silver exhaust.....I belive it reduces the value when you come to sell it
The exceptions perhaps are a sports pack to a DB9 or a nice set of mats
Looking forward to the pics........enjoy .........enjoy......enjoy
I would never, ever, touch a previously owned car that had been messed about with eg fitting a quick silver exhaust.....I belive it reduces the value when you come to sell it
The exceptions perhaps are a sports pack to a DB9 or a nice set of mats
Looking forward to the pics........enjoy .........enjoy......enjoy
Erm, okay Michael. Not sure I was expecting to be called a little boy but each to their own I suppose. I'm not looking at mirrors or lights or exhausts, just the factory approved options to personalise my car. Not sure why a sports pack on a DB9 is acceptable but the same on a Vantage is not.
If the feeling is that it's good as it is then that in itself is an answer. Saw the SLINC posts but those mods seemed more of the true aftermarket variety. Does anyone have experience of the official routes?
If the feeling is that it's good as it is then that in itself is an answer. Saw the SLINC posts but those mods seemed more of the true aftermarket variety. Does anyone have experience of the official routes?
cathalm said:
Erm, okay Michael. Not sure I was expecting to be called a little boy but each to their own I suppose. I'm not looking at mirrors or lights or exhausts, just the factory approved options to personalise my car. Not sure why a sports pack on a DB9 is acceptable but the same on a Vantage is not.
If the feeling is that it's good as it is then that in itself is an answer. Saw the SLINC posts but those mods seemed more of the true aftermarket variety. Does anyone have experience of the official routes?
sports pack is great on the Vantage but makes a huge difference on a DB9.........mats are factory approved get those !!!!If the feeling is that it's good as it is then that in itself is an answer. Saw the SLINC posts but those mods seemed more of the true aftermarket variety. Does anyone have experience of the official routes?
Cathal,
Congratulations -- these are wonderful cars. Regarding your plans, I've heard heard mostly good things about both the AM 400hp upgrade and the Prodrive setup (both engine and suspension). Some say the factory power upgrade is noticeable, but perhaps not worth the money, others say it clearly is worth the cost. There is always the advantage of the AM upgrades being "official," but the Prodrive is almost official. From a personal perspective, I always thought that the standard 4.3 is a very well balanced, great handling car. However, my car is a 4.7 with the Sports Pack, and the Sports Pack is absolutely superb -- highly recommended.
I suggest you do a search on this forum and on the AMOC forum regarding your thoughts -- you'll find a lot of discussion.
Congratulations -- these are wonderful cars. Regarding your plans, I've heard heard mostly good things about both the AM 400hp upgrade and the Prodrive setup (both engine and suspension). Some say the factory power upgrade is noticeable, but perhaps not worth the money, others say it clearly is worth the cost. There is always the advantage of the AM upgrades being "official," but the Prodrive is almost official. From a personal perspective, I always thought that the standard 4.3 is a very well balanced, great handling car. However, my car is a 4.7 with the Sports Pack, and the Sports Pack is absolutely superb -- highly recommended.
I suggest you do a search on this forum and on the AMOC forum regarding your thoughts -- you'll find a lot of discussion.
cathalm said:
I know some will say save the cash and get a 4.7, but I like to do these things and may well move in that direction later and start that process again, when suitable options are available.
Get a 4.7 WITH Sports pack 
I'm sooooooo glad I did!
I spent £43k on "messing" with my last car
Only things I've done to the V8VR is clear rear lights, fuse 22, updated SatNav disc and removed the front no plate holder
If not get the 4.3, get the geometry checked and make sure the tyres are good.
Then get to know it for a bit
Then decide what you think needs changing
That way you will have a better basis for making objective rather than subjective improvements
If it ain't broke don't fix it!
Edited by mikey k on Wednesday 14th July 19:26
Mines a 4.7 V8VR I have done the usual like getting rid of the front number plate rear box and removing fuse 22.
Cosmetically I have changed the rear lights to clear and will be shortly getting Rick to change my skirts, fnarr fnarr. I know Liam (SLINC) and having listened to what he has had done I am aiming to get my geometry settings tested and if needed, sorted.Thats probably all I feel the need to do.
Good luck
Di
Cosmetically I have changed the rear lights to clear and will be shortly getting Rick to change my skirts, fnarr fnarr. I know Liam (SLINC) and having listened to what he has had done I am aiming to get my geometry settings tested and if needed, sorted.Thats probably all I feel the need to do.
Good luck
Di
Would suggest you don't simply pull fuse 22 - aside from the noise levels there are good technical reasons why the V8 Vantage shouldn't always run with all 8 valves open - instead get a bypass switch fitted by Aston Martin. Also, as mentioned, the sports pack is I think worth the extra cash, I certainly notice the difference between my first vantage and my current N400 with the pack. As to the look of the car, well, it's true it's a thing of utter beauty in it's untouched form and I thought I'd never warm to the side skirts, clear lights etc, however as the N400 has both I've come to realise such additions in my view don't necessarily improve the looks but they do give her a completely different stance on the road. fwiw, I don't think the clear lights suit every colour but obviously this is entirely subjective.
cotton53 said:
Would suggest you don't simply pull fuse 22 - aside from the noise levels there are good technical reasons why the V8 Vantage shouldn't always run with all 8 valves open - instead get a bypass switch fitted by Aston Martin. ...
The "technical" reason being you sit too high in your seat and need an inch taking out of your wallet?Murph7355 said:
The "technical" reason being you sit too high in your seat and need an inch taking out of your wallet?
Cathalm, to paraphrase AMOC users (in particular david brown's ghost, as you may know a very knowledgeable owner) have indicated that removing fuse 22 deactivates the exhaust valve which over time result in this valve becoming frozen with carbon deposits. Reinstalling the fuse won't rectify this. Installing a bypass simply bypasses the exhaust baffle, hence the extra noise. It's also been suggested that removing the fuse result in a loss of power below 4000 revs. I would take this sort of advice over throwaway comments any day of the week. oh, and Murph7355, this switch was fitted by Aston Martin on the steering column and cost £250.00 three years ago. Doubtless this would have increased cost-wise by now but compared to some of the options many of us have added to our cars this is hardly an inch out of anyone's wallet.
Thnaks everyone. It sounds like the sports pack is really the upgrade that most people value. I'll take a look at that later in the year I think. In terms of looks, I wasn't planning on doing anything. I think it looks fabulous as it is, Grigio Titanio with black and caspian inside, piano black facia. Alway liked the look of the clear rear lights but not sure if it would suit the colour of the car.
cathalm said:
Thnaks everyone. It sounds like the sports pack is really the upgrade that most people value. I'll take a look at that later in the year I think. In terms of looks, I wasn't planning on doing anything. I think it looks fabulous as it is, Grigio Titanio with black and caspian inside, piano black facia. Alway liked the look of the clear rear lights but not sure if it would suit the colour of the car.
Mines Grigio Titanio 
)I have the original red lights in the loft so if ever I get bored with the clear ones its just the labour charge to restore them. Unless things have changed recently, the clear only come with a grey surround which just happens to match Grigio very well in my opinion.
Di
Edited by lady topaz on Thursday 15th July 14:47
Its nowhere near as raw. There were times during my five years of Tuscan ownership that I thought they were trying to kill me.
I had great times in my TVR's but it did spend a lot of time back at the dealer for mainly niggly things.
The Tuscan was unpredictable but I survived and wouldnt have missed the experience for the world.
My Aston makes me smile every day. Just love it.
Di
PS Thats the girly response. I daresay someone will be along with a much more in depth power, handling etc etc technical comparison.
I had great times in my TVR's but it did spend a lot of time back at the dealer for mainly niggly things.
The Tuscan was unpredictable but I survived and wouldnt have missed the experience for the world.
My Aston makes me smile every day. Just love it.
Di
PS Thats the girly response. I daresay someone will be along with a much more in depth power, handling etc etc technical comparison.
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