V8V exhaust manifolds
Discussion
My Vantage is worth £25k - £30k on a really good day, so there’s no way I’m fitting £5k worth of Velocity AP manifolds, and I won’t be going back to BR anytime soon….
However, I’ve seen Top Gear manifolds at vaguely sensible prices (under £1600) and wondered if anyone has any experience.
My car is mechanically standard bar the suspension and a little bit better breathing would be handy. I’d probably fit 200-cell cats too, or maybe just get the 800-cell element removed from the OE cats
I searched and found an old (10 year +) thread which seemed to end in a bit of a bun-fight, but I understand that the Top Gear manifold was mentioned way back then
Any thoughts?
However, I’ve seen Top Gear manifolds at vaguely sensible prices (under £1600) and wondered if anyone has any experience.
My car is mechanically standard bar the suspension and a little bit better breathing would be handy. I’d probably fit 200-cell cats too, or maybe just get the 800-cell element removed from the OE cats
I searched and found an old (10 year +) thread which seemed to end in a bit of a bun-fight, but I understand that the Top Gear manifold was mentioned way back then
Any thoughts?
Definitely give some consideration to how loud you want it to be (or can tolerate). Especially with the cats, 200 cell is too loud to my ears.
I think, but might be wrong, that BR/VAP/TopGear, only make one variety of their manifolds for both the 4.3 and 4.7 engines. Post 2010(11?) 4.7 had different manifolds with a first cat in it, this I think means that the secondary cat is different to the cats in 4.3 and early 4.7. Meaning that if you change the manifold I would not assume that you current cat would still fit, so changing the manifold and using a modified stock cat may not be a compatible route. You may be forced to change the cat anyway (which is why I suggest giving some consideration to how loud you want it to be initially).
Like you I struggle with the expense of the VAP and BR exhaust manifolds but my friend has the BR ones on his 4.3 and it sounds fantastic, hard to describe the impact it has on the engine note but it is somehow a much nicer, more purposeful or tuned tone.
I've no experience with TopGear, other than a few friends have them on various Porsches and for all intents and purposes they seem to make decent products that seem to last. I'd be interested to hear from anyone who has them fitted.
I think, but might be wrong, that BR/VAP/TopGear, only make one variety of their manifolds for both the 4.3 and 4.7 engines. Post 2010(11?) 4.7 had different manifolds with a first cat in it, this I think means that the secondary cat is different to the cats in 4.3 and early 4.7. Meaning that if you change the manifold I would not assume that you current cat would still fit, so changing the manifold and using a modified stock cat may not be a compatible route. You may be forced to change the cat anyway (which is why I suggest giving some consideration to how loud you want it to be initially).
Like you I struggle with the expense of the VAP and BR exhaust manifolds but my friend has the BR ones on his 4.3 and it sounds fantastic, hard to describe the impact it has on the engine note but it is somehow a much nicer, more purposeful or tuned tone.
I've no experience with TopGear, other than a few friends have them on various Porsches and for all intents and purposes they seem to make decent products that seem to last. I'd be interested to hear from anyone who has them fitted.
Nigel_O said:
My Vantage is worth £25k - £30k on a really good day, so there’s no way I’m fitting £5k worth of Velocity AP manifolds, and I won’t be going back to BR anytime soon….
However, I’ve seen Top Gear manifolds at vaguely sensible prices (under £1600) and wondered if anyone has any experience.
My car is mechanically standard bar the suspension and a little bit better breathing would be handy. I’d probably fit 200-cell cats too, or maybe just get the 800-cell element removed from the OE cats
I searched and found an old (10 year +) thread which seemed to end in a bit of a bun-fight, but I understand that the Top Gear manifold was mentioned way back then
Any thoughts?
However, I’ve seen Top Gear manifolds at vaguely sensible prices (under £1600) and wondered if anyone has any experience.
My car is mechanically standard bar the suspension and a little bit better breathing would be handy. I’d probably fit 200-cell cats too, or maybe just get the 800-cell element removed from the OE cats
I searched and found an old (10 year +) thread which seemed to end in a bit of a bun-fight, but I understand that the Top Gear manifold was mentioned way back then
Any thoughts?
I don't know whether you want more 'orchestra', a little more power, or both.
I have posted the following several times, so just an abbreviated version in case this is new to you.
I think you have a 4.3, so you are fortunate that this cheap modification is available to you.
V8V 2005 to 2010.
These cars have just one pair of double cats. containing 900 and 400 cell matrices.
Remove the 900 cell matrix.
Think a dabble with the ECU is needed, to avoid warning light.
You will then have the most fantastic Aston Martin exhaust sound during acceleration and a few more bhp.
On steady throttle, the cabin noise is almost identical to before.
Fitting a 3-way switch enables valves closed.
My MoT emissions figures did not change.
2010 onwards - manifold cats were fitted, so achieving more 'orchestra' can be costly.
Hope that might be helpful.
I know you didn't have the best experience with BR sadly....
However I had mine given their "budget stage 2" treatment, which was:
Primary 800 cell bricks removed
N400 Airbox mod
Remap
3 way exhaust switch
It wasn't very expensive at all, but then he bundled that in with some engine work I had (tappet shims)
I enquired with a few other specialists who could all do the work. I've heard the VAP map is good, and I have no complaints with the BR one.... its noticeably more eager up the revs and higher limit etc. Feels "faster." The throttle is more responsive.
In no way would I wish for it to be louder
It sounds absolutely riotous.
I do reckon there is a bit of salesmanship with Mike's promotion of the quality of their manifolds.... I'm certain they're excellent but the Top gear ones look pretty good..... law of diminishing returns? I would like some manifolds but pretty happy with where my 4.3 is. If I was to go for manifolds, i'd go for the Top Gear ones based on the price personally.
However I had mine given their "budget stage 2" treatment, which was:
Primary 800 cell bricks removed
N400 Airbox mod
Remap
3 way exhaust switch
It wasn't very expensive at all, but then he bundled that in with some engine work I had (tappet shims)
I enquired with a few other specialists who could all do the work. I've heard the VAP map is good, and I have no complaints with the BR one.... its noticeably more eager up the revs and higher limit etc. Feels "faster." The throttle is more responsive.
In no way would I wish for it to be louder
It sounds absolutely riotous.
I do reckon there is a bit of salesmanship with Mike's promotion of the quality of their manifolds.... I'm certain they're excellent but the Top gear ones look pretty good..... law of diminishing returns? I would like some manifolds but pretty happy with where my 4.3 is. If I was to go for manifolds, i'd go for the Top Gear ones based on the price personally.
Edited by Krhuangbin on Monday 7th April 15:21
Edited by Krhuangbin on Monday 7th April 15:22
Also to add, mainly on Olv's comment about the engine tone....
One thing I'd LOVE to achieve is a more "racy" engine note. Something like an M3 CSL's induction noise. Not sure that can be done without serious intake work i.e twin throttle bodies and different air intake set up? I think your 4.3 has had the exact same work done as mine..... big improvement on your friends car with the manifolds?
One thing I'd LOVE to achieve is a more "racy" engine note. Something like an M3 CSL's induction noise. Not sure that can be done without serious intake work i.e twin throttle bodies and different air intake set up? I think your 4.3 has had the exact same work done as mine..... big improvement on your friends car with the manifolds?
I’ve no experience of TG manifolds but my cats will be fitted this week. They look ok, the welds aren’t the prettiest, I’m fussy, no holes or anything just not as nice as I’m used to and although they were cheap compared to the Velocity ones they seem ripped off from, they’re still very expensive for what they are. Fingers crossed for a good fit and the noise/response I’m looking for.
Krhuangbin said:
I know you didn't have the best experience with BR sadly....
However I had mine given their "budget stage 2" treatment, which was:
Primary 800 cell bricks removed
N400 Airbox mod
Remap
3 way exhaust switch
It wasn't very expensive at all, but then he bundled that in with some engine work I had (tappet shims)
However I had mine given their "budget stage 2" treatment, which was:
Primary 800 cell bricks removed
N400 Airbox mod
Remap
3 way exhaust switch
It wasn't very expensive at all, but then he bundled that in with some engine work I had (tappet shims)
Another advantage of the mod that is available to 2005 to 2010 owners, is no cutting or welding.
The cats are refitted and there is nothing at all non-original to see. Only your ears reveal under full acceleration.
A DIYer could do the mod., but I used the lazy way.
HHmmmm, I've seen some TG manifolds and they seem to me to use a swaged smaller diameter down stream slotted up upwards rather than the other way around iyswim, therefore would cause unwanted turbulence. I think the equal diameter welded approach would be more beneficial but also more expensive obviously. Just my slant. 
I fitted TG manifolds and cats to my 4.7 a few years ago. They were very good value but brace yourself for the remap cost from Velocity AP. I’m sure it helped but it wasn’t cheap.
I had the car dyno’d before and after just to get real numbers for my own curiosity. There is a thread on here somewhere.
https://youtu.be/kdmIVvEQjfw?feature=shared
I had the car dyno’d before and after just to get real numbers for my own curiosity. There is a thread on here somewhere.
https://youtu.be/kdmIVvEQjfw?feature=shared
Edited by rovcallum on Tuesday 8th April 10:40
I’ve got the BR manifolds and the 200 cell baffled cats on my 4.3. I previously had the 200 cell BR non-baffled cats and remap standard/manifolds.
The standard manifolds are double walled and restrictive. The BR ones have bigger diameter tubing and are equal length, so are less restrictive and give a distinctive sound. This does make them louder than standard manifolds, so is worth bearing in mind. The biggest gain from them is that they make the car feel very aggressive higher up the rev range (5,000rpm+ from bum-dyno) which for me has added a new dimension to the car.
A few things to consider are that not all manifolds are created equal (excuse the pun), so will be worth doing some due diligence on whether the new manifolds are actually less restrictive than the standard ones given that you’ll be paying £1,000+ for the parts alone. Secondly check that they do have heat shielding in the right places- the oem ones are double skinned- aftermarket ones won’t be, so will need heat shields.
Lastly, if you are spending money on new manifolds and cats, you’d ideally want it remapped to make the most of them, so it would be worth making sure you have someone who can do this for you.
The cost effective way to more performance (and in Aston money, it’s a big bang for your buck), the remap and sport cats / removed 900 cell makes a big difference for around £2,000 all in.
The standard manifolds are double walled and restrictive. The BR ones have bigger diameter tubing and are equal length, so are less restrictive and give a distinctive sound. This does make them louder than standard manifolds, so is worth bearing in mind. The biggest gain from them is that they make the car feel very aggressive higher up the rev range (5,000rpm+ from bum-dyno) which for me has added a new dimension to the car.
A few things to consider are that not all manifolds are created equal (excuse the pun), so will be worth doing some due diligence on whether the new manifolds are actually less restrictive than the standard ones given that you’ll be paying £1,000+ for the parts alone. Secondly check that they do have heat shielding in the right places- the oem ones are double skinned- aftermarket ones won’t be, so will need heat shields.
Lastly, if you are spending money on new manifolds and cats, you’d ideally want it remapped to make the most of them, so it would be worth making sure you have someone who can do this for you.
The cost effective way to more performance (and in Aston money, it’s a big bang for your buck), the remap and sport cats / removed 900 cell makes a big difference for around £2,000 all in.
Edited by NickXX on Tuesday 8th April 13:50
I've been doing some more digging...
The Top Gear manifolds are possibly not being manufactured by them. I've found five separate retailers offering exactly the same manifold with exactly the same descriptions. Although they all mention "TIG welded by hand by a specialised fabricator", none of them mention where that fabricator is based....
I suspect they are not UK based
The manifolds certainly look nice, but clearly, that counts for nothing. I'm a bit bemused as to why the primaries join into a 70mm collector, which then increases back out to 76mm for the flange to the cats. If that was done for a really good reason (like exhaust port scavenging), I'd expect to see it mentioned. I rather suspect its because they have 70mm collectors on the shelf.
Regardless, I think I'll pass. Unless I get really lucky with some secondhand units, I just can't see me spending £4k on manifolds, another £2k on 200-cell cats and then another £1k on a remap. If I was looking for some noticeable extra grunt, I'd be better just putting the £7k towards a 4.7
The Top Gear manifolds are possibly not being manufactured by them. I've found five separate retailers offering exactly the same manifold with exactly the same descriptions. Although they all mention "TIG welded by hand by a specialised fabricator", none of them mention where that fabricator is based....
I suspect they are not UK based
The manifolds certainly look nice, but clearly, that counts for nothing. I'm a bit bemused as to why the primaries join into a 70mm collector, which then increases back out to 76mm for the flange to the cats. If that was done for a really good reason (like exhaust port scavenging), I'd expect to see it mentioned. I rather suspect its because they have 70mm collectors on the shelf.
Regardless, I think I'll pass. Unless I get really lucky with some secondhand units, I just can't see me spending £4k on manifolds, another £2k on 200-cell cats and then another £1k on a remap. If I was looking for some noticeable extra grunt, I'd be better just putting the £7k towards a 4.7
Topgear are powerflow exhausts afaik, mine came off the shelf from a powerflow dealer and he had them added to his stock order.
6speedonline reported that they were the development team behind velocityap Vantage parts before they took production to America, I saw VAP state that topgear shouldn’t be using their images, which are identical and admit there was some connection
6speedonline reported that they were the development team behind velocityap Vantage parts before they took production to America, I saw VAP state that topgear shouldn’t be using their images, which are identical and admit there was some connection
Edited by XMark on Tuesday 8th April 20:34
NickXX said:
A few things to consider are that not all manifolds are created equal (excuse the pun), so will be worth doing some due diligence on whether the new manifolds are actually less restrictive than the standard ones given that you’ll be paying £1,000+ for the parts alone. Secondly check that they do have heat shielding in the right places- the oem ones are double skinned- aftermarket ones won’t be, so will need heat shields.
Edited by NickXX on Tuesday 8th April 13:50
Also, if it were me, I'd get them ceramic coated inside and out. Helps with heat retention and therefore exhaust speed and under bonnet temperature. I've done this before on other cars.rovcallum said:
Thank you Callum for posting your video.
Such an enjoyable sound. I am always driving, so never hear the full external sound.
You show your profession on the profile page. I hope everything is going well for you. I just hate politicians meddling in the North Sea oil industry. Clearly oil and gas is going to be needed for a long time (obviously sun and wind are not continuous generators), therefore better (environmentally) to use local sources. A naturally cyclical sector, so profitability varies considerably, but charging huge rates of tax simply drives explorers elsewhere. Corporation and other tax revenue is forfeited and British jobs go to employees in other countries.
rovcallum said:
I left the North Sea too. West Africa remains busy.
Ironically, I have two EVs on the driveway!
Ironically, I have two EVs on the driveway!
Yes, I get the irony, but as you will know, when anyone charges a 'zero emissions' battery car, about half the electricity used is being generated by burning one of your products (gas). Zero emissions !
I expect to be one of your loyal customers for a long time.
Last year I bought a daily car, which the DVLA strangely describe as, 'Hybrid Electric (Clean)'.
Makes me sound like an evangelist, but it is a 2 litre turbocharged petrol.
The 48 volts electric motor/generator, fits between the engine and 9 speed automatic transmission. I understand that the Aston Martin Valhalla has the same system. It acts as a starter; alternator and provides a boost of torque to fill in for turbo lag. It cannot move the car.
Fill with petrol, then if begining a motorway journey, the range shows as 750 miles, will achieve 55 mpg, weighs (loaded) about 2 tons.
At 70 mph on a level road, 2,500 rpm and only needs about 25 bhp to maintain that speed.
Petrol cars seem to have much better statistics these days. I don't do 700 mile journeys, but the benefit is never having to refill very often. My tablet battery frequently catches me out, by suddenly running out of battery power. I would be hopeless with an EV.
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