For some absurd reason I was perusing DBSs last night and came across one that I really like. Spoke to the guy this morning and if we can tweak the numbers slightly I think I may actually do it. Anyone made this move, what differences do you notice on a day to day basis? I really don't have any complaints with my car. I've got the flappy paddles that I don't love, but now that I'm used to them I don't mind them either so a proper manual shift would be nice. It's a nice update in looks.

The other thing I'd need to do is check part numbers on the H&R springs to see if they're the same or if it's a different model for the DBS. Same for the spacers I've ordered but haven't received yet. Then the task of swapping my RSC exhaust out. I don't reallywanna go down this road...do I?

 

The DBS is a manual transmission? That's what I'd want if I were going to buy one.

 

Oh, I would. Why the hell not? Esp if it's a manual.

 

The one I'm looking at is, but I thought all the DBSs were?

 

No, most are sold as Touchtronic.

Why lower a DBS or put spacers on it? IMO it already has the perfect stance.

 

Because I don't like the amount of wheel gap for one, but my thoughts were more along the lines of if it's worth taking those parts off should I want them in the future to use or sell vs just trading it in as-is.

 

I believe the DBS comes with Front 8.5J Rear 11J. Definitely shouldn't need spacers at the rear.

 

Not sure how the adjustable shocks in the DBS would react to different springs. IIRC the H&R's are progressive rate, not sure whether OEM springs are as well. Also, DBS starts out lower than the DB9 so you may run in to driveability issues (clearance).

 

I was looking at DBS when I ran across my DB9...I don't think that the power difference warrants the price delta, main differences are in intake runners, back box, and engine tune. That said, this is comparing what I found in my DB9 which is a very uniquely optioned model with a unique twist to it. First off it's slate blue which is an optional color and very rare...it is a factory sports pak car, and it has the very rare manual 6 speed gearbox. The sports pak gives you the DBS steering rack and running gear, stiffer springs and bars and matched dampers for a lower stance and sports car handling with lightweight split 5 spoke wider 19" wheels and titanium lugs...the only thing you don't get are the carbon brakes...which you don't really need on a GT car. As an added bonus (which is the unique twist), my DB9 is an Aston Press car for the LA Autoshow so that was the icing on the cake. So when I compared my DB9 to the 3 DBS I was looking at I went with my DB9 for all the mentioned unique points that are specific to the car.

The lines on the DB9 are more smoother, and cleaner, they flow better with the shape of the car and many have said that the DB9 is a prittier car overall, the DBS is edgy, it's kitted and you get that feel sharpness and sort of afterthought feel to it. I love both the DB9 and DBS...I think that the DBS needs more to differentiate itself from the DB9, if it were to have say 600 bhp then I would say it warrants the price differential. Having found a DB9 with the sports pak, manual box, and other unique features I couldn't justify getting the DBS...I drove both my car and a DBS back to back and they feel very similar...the DBS is slightly louder and grunty and snarly but once I removed the #22 fuse in my DB9 I got some of that back...they are both fantstic GT cars...the DBS is more sporty but with the right options the DB9 can be sporty also...who know what will happen in the future I may consider the DBS again...simply for a change or I may consider addind an Italian stable mate

 

Yes, most DBS's are sport shift cars. Because that transmission is a bit primitive in comparison to more modern automated manuals, and because there are relatively few manual cars out there, I think the manual transmission ads value. In addition, I have been told that the sport shift transmission of the DBS can't put all of the car's power down.

 

Racer, AFAIK there are no sport shift DBS - they are all automatic transmission (Touchtronic 2) or 3 pedal manual.

 

Ah, maybe that's why I've heard criticisms.

 

^^^ correct. But it, at least when it was introduced, the DBS Touchtronic was unique in that the shifting response is tweaked when you switch to Sport mode for more aggressive up and downshifting.

 

DO IT!!!! I had a murdered out DB9 (HRE's, etc.) I thought the car was the one of the nicest AM's I've ever seen. The problem was that I like to drive..a lot. As good looking as the car was, it was just not that good for mountain twistys when my peers had 430's, M3's GT3's. Granted the car was tourer and not a prure sportscar, I ended up selling it. Recently I wanted to get another fast car and never considered an AM. After missing out to a higher bidder on a 599, I stopped by the AM dealer in NEwport Beach for the heck of it. They just got in a 09 blk dbs w/2k miles. After a test drive I bot it that day. Reason? As Clarkson from top gear says "it's just like a DB9, but better in every way." The thing is crazy fast, handles like no tomorrow, and with the fuse pulled sounds like an F1 car.

Oh yeah, after my 1st AM experience, I realized that these ares are done as is. Putting springs, wheels, or any other disco gear just ruins the experience and pisses in the case of tradition. Save the tuning for drifter crowd or if you really are going to track/race, but in that case the Vantage is a much better choice.