Only just got round to taking the pictures off my phone, but thought I would share them with you all.
Since getting my 4.3 I have always been slightly disappointed with the suspension and handling, especially after having a 996 GT3 as my last car and test driving a 4.7 sports pack car prior to buying mine. Mind you the main reason for choosing the Vantage was to get away from the compromised road handling of the GT3 and to have more comfort.(5 1/2 years of GT3 driving does that to you!) But now after several months of ownership I came to the conclusion that the chassis warrants a better more sporty spirited setup.

Anyway since putting the DBS wheels on the arch gap was a little bit 4x4'ish, so after a little research I bought some H&R springs to lower it by 0.75" and David Appleby Engineering sourced me some low mileage Sports Pack Bilsteins. (As the ride of the 4.7 sports pack car was night and day compared to the 4.3) So a trip to DAE and under a days work produced some fantastic results. As usual their service was exceptional, and they have just hired another fully trained Aston Martin Mechanic to join their ranks to help keep up with the demand.

Anyway the pictures show the results for the look, and I would have to say it has firmed up the ride so the car now handles the corners flatter and smoother, and the rear end feels so much more planted and less bobbly! I would certainly recommend it as an upgrade. I would like to also add it does not in anyway compromise the comfort of the car the low speed tracking on the little stuff is actually better than the old dampers.


Oh and while I was there I went and bought some Performance Friction pads as mine were looking a little low. The result of this has also changed the braking efficiency and stopping power dramatically over the standard pads. Another recommended upgrade to anyone who likes spirited driving


BEFORE





DURING







AFTER




My favourite picture

 

Nice. I'm too concerned about the ride quality and scuffing my front spoiler to go with that aggressive of a set-up but man does it look correct. Those wheels look especially clean on your Vantage. What else have you done or are planning to do to increase the performance of the car?

 

Looks great with the wheels.

 

That is a beautiful vehicle!

 

Looks great. DAE is a great setup, paid them a visit earlier this month. Fantastic facility and capabilities there.

 

Those DBS wheels look like they fit very nicely. How much do they weigh compared to the originals? Did you get a chance to weigh them?

 

Not sure on weight difference to be honest.....

Will check when I whip them off for a clean in a week or two.

 

Very nice!

 

Gorgeous ... nicely done.

 

springs will settle even a little more, stance looks on point now!

 

going to give it a week or 2 and drive another 100-200 miles then stick it on for a Geometry Alignment check .

But I am very happy with the results (Looks & Handling)

 

I am in the process of searching for new wheels. I really love this look.

Looking at the DBS wheel specs:

Front 20 8.5 42 5 x 114.3
Rear 20 11 54 5 x 114.3

The fronts are only +8mm extended to the outside vs 7 spoke
The rears are +27mm extended to the outside vs 7 spoke

Your front wheel looks pretty flush with only are you also running a spacer? Reason i ask is because i currently run the 7 spoke with 11mm spacers front and rear and the front looks more sunken in than yours.

Also, have you had a chance to weigh your wheels yet? I wonder if they are much heavier than the 7 spoke which are pretty light.

 

No spacers the wheels are just straight bolt on and fit nicely in the arch.


I will get some more pictures up now it has settled a bit since the initial install


Haven't had the wheels off since I put them on so no idea on weigh yet.


Also have a set of V12 Vantage wheels that I will trying out when the weather gets a little warmer.


But I do think they make the car look lovely best OE Aston Wheel Design

 

I have not yet seen a Vantage with DBS wheels...extremely impressed with how it looks, especially with H&R's. Great choice!

 

That sure is a great looking car. Would like to see a picture from the rear to see how the wheels line up with the body.