You're welcome, glad you like them and that it was right for you in the end!! Good feedback on the H&R's, car looks great on those wheels BTW.

 

I installed the H&R, and the drop is not nearly as low as on the RSC Vantage project car. My other thought was that the difference is more on the "before" side than the "after." I got around 17mm drop, and it looks right too my eye. (usual beauty vs. beholder disclaimer)

 

3/4 of an inch with no change in ride quality over the standard 2013 suspension.

 

personally, i've been very satisfied with my H&R springs. so for me, i wouldn't be in the market.

but i do think a spring with less of a drop than the H&R (which can be pretty scary in a lot of places if you're not paying attention) would have a good appeal to those that don't want to keep as close of an eye on the road surface.

technically, two specs: coupe and convertible. i'm 99% sure it's just to account for the weight difference. but they're the same end result, no difference in resulting rates or firmness or anything. EDIT: I just wanted to mention it in case someone saw two part numbers for the V8V and thought they were different types of springs.

 

I just ordered a set of H&R springs, so this might be good or bad timing for me. I can't at this time say weather I'd be in the market for something different

OTOH, I am in a good position to do a comparison, if needed. The car will be down for several mods, and I could do some back to back testing, with no preconceived notions

 

The progressive quality sounds great.
I don't care much about lowering but that wee bit that you don't really perceive would be great.

I'm surprised though that anyone even talks about springs (not to mention swaps them out) without talking about the damper. All I know about suspension (not very much) is from the mountain bike world. The only advantage to know about it from this angle is that, with such low weights, you notice differences. And what I know is that changing a spring and ignoring damping leads to a bad day on the trail.

Maybe there is a be all-end all book or thread I need to read to get up to speed on car suspension.

 

Car suspensions are designed to compromise with all road conditions. Some are just given firmer rides than others. I've swapped out springs without touching the dampers on a few cars with great results. I think the H&R springs are very well matched to the standard car, but I haven't driven an AM with different-than-stock dampers. For comparison, I've driven a few stock-suspension V8 Vantages, a V8VS, and a DBS, along with my V8V with H&R springs. The only thing I warn people about when recommending the H&R springs is that the car sits very low. It's manageable, but requires cognizance at all times. A spring with great ride quality and handling but a mild drop I think would appeal to quite a few AM owners.

Some cars can benefit greatly from swapping out the springs. The STi I used to have had a horribly mismatched stock spring/damper setup from the factory. I swapped out the springs and was extremely happy with the improvement in every aspect - ride comfort, bounciness, stance (very subtle drop), etc.

Btw, I learned that stuff, too

 

Ya'll must live in pretty flat places. I don't think I would get in or out of my driveway if lowered the car anymore than it is.

 

You have my attention on this...I did go with H&Rs with stock dampers and while initially pleased, over time it was obvious that I needed faster damping to keep up with the springs as the dampers were tired...and then the dampers failed completely (47K miles)...so today Sport Pack dampers are going on. I'm hoping this gives me the perfect combo...but...

Please do give me more info about the adjustable coilovers...I searched before becoming aware of this thread and found nothing...and I assume you have something for the DB9?

I would love to adjust height and damping between street and track...details please?

 

Yes interested!
3/4" drop, ~$700

If I am going to take everything apart... I'd be interested in a 'recommended' shock replacement at the same time. At a reasonable price.

 

I'd be interested in something like this also… Hope it pans out!

 

Hi Bob,

Adjustable coilovers are indeed available for the DB9: http://www.velocityap.com/Aston-Mart...b9coilover.htm

These R1 units have a combined bump/rebound adjustment, and full ride height adjustability. Bump/Rebound can be done pretty easily with the ****. Ride height you would probably have to adjust in advance of going to the track and then re-set after, because the perch is not immediately accessible unless you remove a wheel.

Great setup though, these are based off the R3 units which are run in GT4 24 hour races, have the same critical components like the top mount & joint. They don't engineer them down to street spec by using lesser quality components, rather they have combined adjustment for bump/rebound, not seperate, don't include Yaw adjustment, and don't have a remote fluid reservoir.

IMHO they are a great compromise for street & track use. Can be set up very soft on the road and give a really compliant ride.

 

I guess i am of the exception to this group - i do not like the H&R springs on my V8V convertible at all due to the pogoing effect. The car is very bouncy on undulating roads. I love the drop height but the springs makes for a very unpleasant driving experience. I'm cheap and don't want to pay to go back to stock but if there are better options, I am all for it.

 

A little background for you Rolex... I've dug deep on this topic and what Stuart posted looks to be the perfect solution for MUCH less than other options with more features...here's the rundown on options and costs...

Not Adjustable

New Aston Martin Sport Pack Dampers (Only) - $3,000 set (no springs)
H&R Lowering Springs (dual rate) - $400ish set
Used Aston Martin Sport Pack Dampers with springs - $1400ish set

Adjustable

Custom Bilstein fully adjustable height and damping with springs and reservoir - $7,000
Velocity AP Nitron fully adjustable with springs - adjustable camber, height, bump and damping no reservoir -$3400

Installation Cost - about $400 for any option (Independent Installer)
Alignment Cost - $100-200 - recommended after install (Independent)

This is exactly the kind of information I needed...so glad I found Velocity...Nitron definitely the best bang for your buck...

 

Do you have the factory-option sport pack on your car?

I was at my buddy's shop yesterday and he commented on the stance of my V8V - loves the look but was wondering about ride. I've got H&R springs and, like I said previously, they're great except that it drops the car quite a bit. He heard that some people have issues like you described with H&R springs, but it seems to only be people with the sports pack. I have the standard shocks on mine and zero ride quality issues, so if you have the sports pack, that might be why.

Stuart - Have you talked to Josh at ECS about that? If you've made any progress on a new spring offering, I can lend him my car to do some testing. Just, you know, hook a brotha up lol. We'd need to find someone local with the sports pack to do some side-by-side comparisons, though.