700hp LT4 swapped Aston Martin V8 Vantage project - Pt 1

[@PatrickPeterVlogs]

Make this a detailed series like you have done with the Murcielago lp640. Its good to see the engineering process that craig brings to the builds.

[@driftworks]

We'll see what we can do 👍

[@Vgk36]

Yes please !! Tom's of details!!

[@callefalk4457]

WTF???

[@bibby3134]

i feel craig is the only person who would v8 swap a v8

[@driftworks]

twice :D

[@MrRyanTrott]

I could listen to Craig pondering car-content all day.

[@driftworks]

👍

[@callefalk4457]

WTF???

[@cheesepizza87]

Craig is the man, ive a lot of faith in this build being mint

[@driftworks]

Yeah we all know he'll sort it.

[@tehgzizlauw1787]

Craig is a rocket scientist, nobody is crazy or skilled enough to do these kinds of swaps

[@driftworks]

No fear!

[@rab..]

Craig would ls swap the rocket

[@JG92]

Camera man sounds like he's a grass and has had his voice distorted for his protection 😂

[@driftworks]

Haha, we often discuss how we all sound an octave lower on video.

[@astonishing1964]

@@driftworks is he being videod by like 5 cameras at once then? lol

[@Z4coupeuk]

I thought the exact same thing 🤣🤣

[@michaelbiniakewitz2329]

Truth be told, Craig builds some of the sickest cars. I want to see his and Jay's builds head to head

[@supercarspecifics]

Your guys content is so refreshing and honest , no drama just pure automotive from your fellow toronto canada disabled vlogger and biggest fan maybe you should do gumball with the murci

[@driftworks]

Thanks! I don't think I could do it. I like sleep too much :D

[@raceworx]

Brilliant. Not usually bothered about V8 swaps but the fact this is abit different and Craig's work is so good this will be amazing to watch.

[@driftworks]

👍

[@rob175kks]

More Starkey!!!!! We are truly blessed.

[@driftworks]

Haha, blessed is not a word I'd use :D

[@kf4635]

So good listening to a master like Craig!!

[@driftworks]

👍

[@user-qq2mo1ek2r]

Being the owner of a 2009 4.3 V8 I totally agree with Craig's comments on the laziness of the 4.3 engine. I like it for round town but the car does love to rev.... Its not slow by any means but it does need more torque. GMR do a great supercharger upgrade with water injection which give 600hp and about 50% more torque. Something to consider before engine swapping but great to listen to Craig, he knows his stuff.

[@josephernest91]

Second best DynoTorque project after the v10M3. I can't wait to follow this build. Also: we need updates on the MERCY!

[@driftworks]

I'm going to see it today. I'll see if there's anything worth filming.

[@josephernest91]

@@driftworks You're the man!

[@georgef1176]

Craig is the man, I wish he could be my neighbor he would have an adopted son. I love seeing his work.

[@driftworks]

Haha :D

[@elitedavidhorne8494]

Cant wait to see this to the end. This guy does some amazing engine swaps. That Cayman was the best V8 swap in a Porsche I've seen.

[@driftworks]

Yeah, this should be a goodun!

[@colecole5314]

Imagine being that talented

[@driftworks]

It comes in handy :D

[@alistairhowie1534]

This is going to be an insane car. Looking forward to seeing the progress.

[@driftworks]

Thanks! New episode coming today! Make you're subscribed 👍

[@shalomMF1995]

Can not wait to see the finished project 👌 Craig's work is awesome

[@driftworks]

Thanks! Yeah it'll be a good one!

[@matthouse7573]

❤️ Craig! Absolute leg end and magician 🙌 his honesty is brilliant 😂

[@driftworks]

👍

[@meteormedia7021]

Damn thats such a good looking car.

[@driftworks]

Yeah they're very good looking things.

[@NoahBB]

Amazing, finally giving it the power it deserves! These are half the price of the V12 version so makes a lot of sense.

[@driftworks]

Thanks!

[@mrmoss149]

Should end up being well sorted. Beautiful body with the drivetrain it deserves. Brilliant.

[@driftworks]

That's the hope. Cheers :)

[@jamesmallison9604]

Do we have an update video on this project please? I absolutely love listening to craig discuss his engineering and plans. Keep the content coming!

[@driftworks]

I'm hoping to put one together very soon.

[@HEKTIC458]

Perfect, exactly what the Aston needed

[@driftworks]

Yep! It needed a Craig!

[@AshleyCaunt]

What a guy, mad plans as usual and I’m sure he will execute them to perfection 👌🏻

[@driftworks]

Thanks! Yeah I have no doubt it will be perfect.

[@dannoyes4493]

Brilliant! Simply put, the Americans make the best engines... light, extremely powerful, compact, whilst being utterly reliable - a great upgrade when installed in any chassis.

[@driftworks]

👍

[@sirspikey]

Very informative, learning tons of stuff listening to you guys

[@driftworks]

Thanks!

[@nickhudson1247]

Can’t wait to see this thing finished gonna be an absolute weapon!

[@driftworks]

Should be a ripper!

[@css172]

This is fast turning into the Craig Taylor Channel :) just kidding guys, keep up the good work.

[@driftworks]

Fully aware. He's good content though & isn't going to do it himself :D

[@Andystrat25]

I can’t wait for these videos, going to be epic.

[@driftworks]

👍

[@WhalleyRangeMassive]

WOould be interesting to know the overall prices of an LS swap......i was assuming we are looking at about £20k plus?

[@mikepeterson1791]

This man is doing God's work, and following in the footsteps of many great automotive legends, Carroll Shelby for one. More lovely British coupes with big American grunt please!

[@driftworks]

Craig Shelby. I like it!

[@sirforsa]

Starkey sounds like he inhales butane before talking.

[@driftworks]

Haha, maybe I'll edit his audio up an octave next time.

[@11_10s_racing]

craig is just a badass. SIde note I work for an aston dealer if you need any oem parts let me know

[@driftworks]

Thanks Ed, I'll pass that on to Craig.

[@SpencerF6]

Legend!! British engineering at it's maddest....and best!!

[@driftworks]

🇬🇧

[@anpredictable]

in general i dont like old people not hate just dont like them BUT Craig is the only person i would sit down w a beer n listen to him

[@driftworks]

Haha, that's a very random generalisation, but thanks I guess :D

[@craigtaylor5075]

Didn’t realise I was old ?? Ah well

[@driftworks]

It's time to admit it to yourself dude. 🤓

[@drewsteroriginals4564]

great video, very informative looking forward to checking out the build

[@tedpalmer1537]

Transaxles are not just for package; they help considerably with rear diff temperatures as the volume of oil is much higher than a stand alone rear diff and greater thermal inertia of the extra metal of gearbox and diff together.

[@driftworks]

👍

[@FeeeshEP3]

As many details as possible on this please! Love Craigs work and would like to pick his brains!

[@driftworks]

We'll see what we can do 👍

[@leoncharite6547]

Please follow this build as much as possible!

[@driftworks]

👍

[@KindredAutomotive]

This is amazing! I was thinking of converting my DB9 to manual and came to the same conclusion that using the corvette transaxle looks to be the best choice! Will you document the process as you do it? I figured adapting the torque tube and shaft for length would be the hardest part of the process but I think you’ll be the first to figure it out. Is the Vantage already manual?

[@sashamaymacca]

Kindred Automotive hi it’s already a manual , I’ve had the torque tube apart and had Martin machine the old bit of tube out of the gearbox end ready to shorten it then I can weld back together again , then I will shorten the prop inside .

[@driftworks]

👍

[@Franksey180]

Going to enjoy this one. Craig is the man!

[@driftworks]

He sure is!

[@TBendez]

What a great project! Really looking forward to following it!

[@driftworks]

Thanks!

[@Matty.Hill_87]

The monster clutch should work well in this, people run them in corvette drag cars and they take a beating

[@driftworks]

Yep, Cleetus is a great advert for them!

[@chickenfishhybrid44]

I love seeing Brits shoving American V8s into their cars! Awesome! And an Aston at that lol. I never really cared much about Astons but as I've got older i really appreciate the lines of them, Beautiful cars.

[@driftworks]

👍

[@davidthomas7424]

V12 bonnet and DBS spoiler would make it very sexy!! but wheel choice i think abit of homework will have to be done to get something that suits maybe apex bbs style staggered 19.95 19.11 in black or gunmetal or silver very nice wheels!! Good luck with the build and future endevours 👍🎅

[@driftworks]

Thanks David!

[@scousepie2]

Craig is the V8 Wizard...

[@WickedTRX]

Looking forward for really detailed episodes!

[@driftworks]

👍

[@gixxernut8021]

That’s going to be a awesome car ! Wish I had all the tools to do what you do! Great content! Maybe Santa will bring me a tig for Christmas lol

[@driftworks]

Thanks! Fingers crossed for you.

[@rossjuniper3610]

Excellent choice of car to put that engine in!!! 👍

[@driftworks]

Thanks Ross!

[@Blitz0065]

Two perfect things will soon be married to one another. My goodness I would LOVE to have this exact combo. #Goals

[@driftworks]

👍

[@deanlewis3514]

Craig can't wait to see what your do with the car

[@driftworks]

👍

[@Fll3VY]

what id give for that mans knowledge and skills.!!!

[@driftworks]

Get learning/doing. It only took him 50 years :D

[@Fll3VY]

@@driftworks not long to go, only another 38 years 😂💪🏼

[@commonsense7754]

That thing would be weapon with a Texas Speed 427 SBC! I'm sure it will be stupid enough with the LT engine discussed. Can't wait to see it ripping!

[@driftworks]

This is a pretty much standard GM engine though, it'll drive really nice. Craig's all about the daily driver life.

[@Vgk36]

Funny thing I had a 08 e90 alpine white M3 sold it bought and 08 vantage and I can confirm how DOG slow the throttle response was and the long gearing. It just killed the vide sold it at 10k miles. But damn did it feel special. Just not engaging enough to make you fall in love. Back to the old school I go. 03 330i now. Trying to find a LS swapped e36 coupe.

[@badstimpy]

You guys are the English version of Australia’s Skid Factory !!! Similar engineering wonders just a different class of cars !! Keep up the great content 🤘 also , why not use black braided wire shield / heat shrink braid ? Very neat / tight and protects and looks awesome ?

[@sats7819]

Craig is a genius.

[@driftworks]

Our own mad scientist!

[@karlstamper9243]

Good luck Craig with your Aston Martin project,....One classy car, but with rubbishy & wooly throttle response. - keep on posting sir!!!

[@driftworks]

👍

[@jamest5149]

Awesome... best conversation yet!

[@driftworks]

Conversation/Conversion it's going to be good.

[@elwaino]

The 6 speed box is the same as the Aston one-77, check out the power and torque figures on, it was running 777hp

[@sashamaymacca]

Emmanuel Wain it won’t take the torque that I want to run in it ,

[@driftworks]

👍

[@SamValenz-j9j]

Can you plz soon make a video series on bmw e92 lt4 swap project

[@jamesf2656]

Love Craig videos on this channel

[@driftworks]

Thanks 👍

[@Vgk36]

I had a 08 Vantage sporrshift .fuck it needed at least an extra 100 ponies. Can't wait to see this RIP!!!!!

[@driftworks]

👍

[@quest8795]

Craig, have you ever considered getting involved in some of the K20/24 swaps that are happening more often now? They're a more appealing engine to people who aren't so keen on v8s

[@driftworks]

Haha, Craig is a V8 guy. V8 guys & Honda guys don't often agree.

[@quest8795]

Lol, fair enough

[@grahambrien6106]

Looking forward to this project!

[@driftworks]

👍

[@Sipha-Si]

"Why would you want a thick floater" ahhhha Starkey 😂

[@driftworks]

😆

[@koutros100]

love your work craig. keep it up mate. You inspire me.

[@driftworks]

👍

[@deanearle7492]

looking forward to this one What would you do regarding ECU stand alone or making the factory one work

[@driftworks]

It'll run on the GM ECU + Emerald ECU handling the connection to the car I imagine. That's how it was done in the M3.

[@Thecanadiancarguy]

Nice project, keep the vids coming.

[@driftworks]

Thanks! Will do!

[@traeblackwell3824]

This build is going to be savyyyy

[@driftworks]

It should go well!

[@HGChannel2020]

are the people in UK big with american v8 swaps? hows that in terms of parts availability and mechanic knowledge about them?

[@driftworks]

We do a reasonable amount, but it's nothing like the U.S. Craig has done 50 swaps himself now I believe.. Some parts are stocked in the UK. Others we can get in 3 days from the U.S. most of the time.

[@FortyTwoAnswerToEverything]

I'm dreaming about finding a 98-00 Lexus LS400 and swapping out the Toyota V8 for an LS. Haven't seen anything on youtube yet

[@gen1c8rs88]

Mabye some information on the Ford truck next ?

[@driftworks]

We'll see what we can do :)

[@gen1c8rs88]

@@driftworks (V8)Sounds like a plan !😁

[@salvare0004]

Next year I plan to swap an L92 (Aluminium LS3 Truck engine) in to my GT86, luckily there's quite alot of info from the states on this but it would be really good to speak to someone in the UK with the experience that Craig has doing it. I know it's a bit cheeky to seek guidance from someone when you're not neccessarily planning to use their services but is Craig/Dynotorque contactable at all for the odd 1 or 2 emails? I plan to do to pretty much all the work myself with the exception of some off-the-shelf engine mounts and loom from the US but it would be good to ask a few questions in regards to gearboxes, fueling, sourcing LS parts in the UK, etc.

[@driftworks]

Craigs a very friendly helpful guy. But as he mentions in this vid, he's extremely busy & finding it very hard to find time to work on his own car as is. If you need parts though he does have quite a lot of used stuff lying around.

[@andypresland]

V cool thank you for sharing - interesting seeing one of his builds from the start! Was the previous BM sold without an engine or was it replaced with something else?

[@sashamaymacca]

Andy Presland it’s sold with a LS3 but now having forged internals and supercharger 😁

[@andypresland]

sashamaymacca v cool thank you for the reply!

[@driftworks]

👍

[@BIGGELATO]

if a V12 fits in that thing from factory, a 2JZ would also fit in there

[@ryans2085]

Definitely tried to make that RX-7 sound like Dom’s from Fast & Furious 1!!!!!!!!!

[@driftworks]

Not so much..

[@TheRetroRides]

... and now I'm on autotrader looking at Aston Martins.

[@driftworks]

Haha

[@notmyhandfeet]

Well impressed with craig👍

[@driftworks]

👍

[@thepartypotatopooper6354]

this is gonna be a sleeper project

[@driftworks]

Yep, it'll surprise a few people I'm sure.

[@TheXJRMAN]

Aston AJV8 spec compared to Jaguar AJ33 V8 Dry sump system Wet sump Cam profiles modified Bespoke exhaust manifolds Flat plane crank slightly higher compression ratio + forged. Oil pump, timing, waterpump all the same, basically modded for revs and a manual trans.

[@driftworks]

Thanks Sean! Interesting.

[@MrMonkeyworld9]

how would you go about adapting the length of the torque tube?

[@driftworks]

Cut & weld the outer. Leave it to the professionals for the drive shaft.

[@jarrusjenkins]

This should be an awesome.car when it's done...personally though I'd leave it look standard(ish). It's a beautiful car standard so I wouldn't change it much at all

[@driftworks]

It's not going extreme. Craig isn't into super slammed cars or anything.

[@stefanboyne1770]

Such a legend

[@driftworks]

👍

[@brianbob7514]

This is going to be great

[@driftworks]

👍

[@mattjones7090]

I fucking love Craig

[@driftworks]

He's the man!

[@gareththwaite5128]

I'm sure I seen this car in South wales the other week, minus the number plate?

[@driftworks]

It's possible. I think he only just put the plate on.

[@Jprincemassey]

Love the v8 Ashton Martin v8 over it v10 v12 engine or v6 Wish they had a v16 with 700bhp 13,000rpm rev range

[@bowlerwildcatGaming1991]

Has there been any progress on Phil's lambo and will they be a video on it soon?

[@driftworks]

Some, but it's not vlog worthy yet unfortunately.

[@bowlerwildcatGaming1991]

@@driftworks that's cool thanks for replying

[@icebreakertech]

Beautiful car with a powerfull engine, fantastic :D

[@driftworks]

Thanks!

[@christiandolan4421]

You should check out GMR they make a supercharger for this engine that'll give you the same power and torque your looking for.

[@driftworks]

Craig runs a business doing LS & LT conversions. He was only interested in the Aston as an engine conversion project. 👍🏻

[@keithskillz90210]

I WANT AN LT1 IN MY E92 & I LIVE IN AMERICA! WHERE DO I GO??

[@driftworks]

America!

[@StoicaVladIoan]

Yesss! Craig rocks

[@driftworks]

👍

[@edpjunior]

I always wonder how much of a nightmare it is to sort out the electronics/software/sensors on a build like this. Takes a lot of know-how to get it just right.

[@driftworks]

It will be a big part of it, but Craig has a great relationship with Emerald ECUs & there's not a lot they haven't been able to do together so far.

[@edpjunior]

Keep up the great work, fellas. Cheers!

[@NVMotorsportUK]

The only aston worth driving!!!

[@driftworks]

Possibly a little extreme. I think a Vulcan would probably be quite a riot.

[@ahmed91750]

Amazing idea 👌🏽

[@driftworks]

It's been on the back burner for a while. So glad he's doing it.

[@idiotsavant7276]

Did you ever check if the drive by wire system has torc management software? GM’s trucks use it and it basically guts the truck of power for “fuel economy” and “stability control”. In reality, GM is trying to get passed the reputation for blown transmissions and twisted drive shafts.

[@driftworks]

I pretty sure it didn't when it was in the M3. It was an absolute monster.

[@idiotsavant7276]

Driftworks I’m referring to the original motor, when I hear “lack of power” with a drive by wire v8 vehicles my first though is software. They may have had an issue with damaging the drive train without the software in the development and took the same route as GM. Why be on the hook to warranty drivetrain parts when you can prevent the drive from damaging it.

[@sashamaymacca]

_Idiot_ Savant I’m sure the Aston throttle was that slow to make the car idiot proof , but it’s way to long !! Just makes it feel weird , you get used to it but not ideal ,

[@StellarGale]

@@sashamaymacca that's really a shame because car seems to be a great thing

[@norafirestorm]

This is a killer project, but the video would be waaay better if the guy recording had some clue about this stuff!

[@driftworks]

Good ole Starkey is not the most technical of people. 🤓

[@norafirestorm]

@@driftworks hey, tech minded or not you've gained a subscriber!

[@driftworks]

Thanks! If you want techy, watch our Murcielago build videos.

[@gtahoer]

Seeing that clutch burn made a sad person...

[@driftworks]

Yeah it's not pleasant to watch. It wasn't pleasant to be in the passenger seat :D

[@astonishing1964]

Christ. How much for this conversion...? Tempting!

[@driftworks]

It's likely to be £25-35k I imagine. I guess we'll have to wait & see what the man himself says once he's completed his.