So I wanted to see if anyone else can attest/dispute the value and effect of each of the different mods as I tried to place close attention to the improvements/drawbacks as I had each done individually and with a lot of time in between to establish a reliable impression.

1. RSC Springs: $1200 installed

Pros: body roll on initial turn in significantly reduced, more agressive look with 1"+ drop, softer ride on straights, firmer on curves.

Cons: little pogo effect if road has moderate bumps or dips/quick changes; scrapes some driveways both commerical and residential.

Overall Impression: Good value; Worth every penny in performance and asthetics.


2. Quicksilver Sport (2nd loudest): $2500 installed

Pros: deep, mean, gutteral growl, not raspy and high pitched like some others, perfectly accentuates the existing exhaust note of Aston Martin. 20lbs weight reduction in the rear a plus and great build quality.

Cons: None; there is no cabin drone or vibration, nothing annoying and you can still have a conversation at highway speeds. Only downside would be that I am unable to add the 200cell cats now without serious consideration of end result being too loud. Have never modified my cars before and was seriously concerned about eroding the 'gentleman factor' by adding a custom exhaust but the sound level and quality has been nothing but spot on.

Overall Impression: Provided minor impression of power and responsiveness on the butt dynamometer but really it was all about leaving the windows open and listing to that sweet sound. Did not note any mileage improvements, etc. Got a great deal on mine but otherwise would have to think 2x about a $4K investment on this one compared to other options at hand.


3. ECU Reprogram: $1895 installed today!

Pros: Feels more responsive and linear in the power delivery. Hard to believe but the whole car feels lighter and more nimble. Previously felt like pushing an asmatic to sprint faster but now it feels more spirited. The 4,000 rpm mark seems to have moved down slightly about 1K. I need more time behind the wheel to run my usual route harder but these are the initial thoughts. I think it is hard to feel anything less than a 10% bump in hp just by driving so I'm thinking the 35hp claim may not be too far fetched. Its not drastic but it is noticable.

Cons: None yet, perhaps others can comment on mileage or reliability concerns long term

Overall Impression: Great bang for the buck investment. Hard to quantify value without before and after runs on the dyno but impression is definately of it being faster and smoother. If trying to make the best value decision for power, this over the exhaust would be suggested especially since you can install it yourself without a car lift. Heck, its 11pm, I think I'm going back out to test these impressions again.

 

Glad to hear you're enjoying it! Also worth remembering that it usually takes a few drive cycles for the car to 'learn' the new values. It will adapt faster if you can drive it in a whole bunch of different ways - full/part throttle, high/low rpms etc.

As far as the cats go... I'm sure we can figure something out for you exhaust-wise if you ever want to make the swap. Actually, that's one of the first questions I ask people when they are buying an exhaust from RSC, is 'do you plan on installing cats at a later date' for that exact reason.

 

Just curious, how did you get such an amazing deal on the QS exhaust?

Don't worry Stuart, I'm still leaning towards the RSC. In fact I plan to use my pro audio gear from my app InstantSupercar's recording sessions to do some exhaust audio clips so you can promote your mods without simply relying on Youtube vids.

 

Forgot #4: Interior/Exterior LED Lamp Replacement: $50

Pros: Makes the interior map lights, footwell lights and trunk lights match the brightness output and color tone of the gauges and more befitting of an Aston interior rather than the yellowish hue the factory lights used to put out. Also, changed the license plate lights to red to match the color of the tail lights and add an evil halo behind the car where the light spills over and down.

Cons: None. You can actually see inside the car and trunk now when you turn the lights on. Cheap, no brainer mod. Thanks to those who originally posted this idea.

 

My car became the show car for a tuner that was holding an event with Quicksilver so by no means typical. I dont know what market list price is with install but it would have been a more difficult decision at full price and no noticable hp gain. I still would have done it eventually because of that wonderful exhaust note but would have probably done some of the other bang for the buck mods first. That may be useful advice for some people just starting out making such changes from scratch like I did.

 

Next up: Spacers! Thanks for making this happen Stuart, been hoping for this to come together for over a year. Bit by the tuning bug; I dont know where this will stop but driving more than ever and average mpg is heading south quickly due to a lead foot.

 

Setoffives- thanks for the impression of the ecu tuning! I'm looking to have the same done to mine in a few months. When you say "The 4,000 rpm mark seems to have moved down slightly about 1K." are you meaning that feel and responsiveness is now around the 3000 rpm mark and the power comes in sooner? If that's the case, I will be more than happy to get my vantage reprogammed as well. I'm not too interested in the top-end as I won't get a chance to really enjoy that, nor would I consider changing the exhaust as I love the sound as is.

 

RCAMV8, that big surge around 4200 is still there but it is not as drastic as before as it seems like there is more usable response earlier and continues to build in a more linear fashion. The low end change is not drastic but a noteworthy and welcome improvement.

Other the other point, I used to feel the same way but you may change your mind once you try a custom exhaust!

 

Agreed, you can get rid of that "brap" sound.

 

Another few things I did too ...
1) RSC air filters and drilled the airbox - you know it breathes better
2) had a wider gas peddle made - much better for heal/toe efforts w/ 6 speed
3) had a set of front brake cooling scoops designed in lower pan - made a big difference in brake cooling on the track (RSC)
4) after mkt carpet mats (foot wells and hatch) - from Loyyd mats - now I do not worry about wifes 8" heels - not expensive compaired to AM prices
5) Clear bra in all kinds of places that AM did not cover as stock

 

how exactly do you access the license plate bulbs to upgrade to LED? My owners manual was stolen and haven't been able to easily figure this out. thanks

 

You will need a flat head screwdriver and try to wedge it in the corner where you will notice a small notch on one side of the plastic cover and pry it off. It just takes some finesse and effort to keep from cracking the light lens but it can be done.

 

thanks. Got them out. I think I needed the confidence that I was doing the right thing in order to be aggressive enough. they were quite hard to get out but I eventually got them. thanks!