Fitment: DB4, DB5, DB6, DB6 MK2, DBS

Designed to improve performance and efficiency while reducing the inherent weaknesses of the original crankshaft design, our modern low inertia crank is one of our most requested enhancements. Expect to see an increase in torque (and as a consequence, power), as well as improved reliability and refinement at higher engine speeds.

The Aston Martin straight-6 engine of the 1960s will always be remembered as one of the finest grand-touring powerplants of its generation. Widely considered to be ‘over-engineered’ by engine designer Tadek Marek, some specific weaknesses do still exist. Cracks in the engine block, a by product of six decades of use, are made much worse by tortional vibration in the crankshaft. This can be greatly reduced by the fitment of a semi-counterbalanced crankshaft designed with modern engineering principles to be lighter weight, thereby offering lower rotational inertia and more manageable tortional vibration. 

The AW Low Inertia Crank has a range of improvements over both the original and modern replacement crankshafts:

• Being designed using modern CAD software and machined from billet steel rather than forged, our crank is approximately 2kg lighter than the original crank and features more advanced counterweight shapes.
• Our unconventional counterweight design offers a lighter overall weight while reducing unwanted vibrations.
• Rotational inertia is greatly reduced, resulting in more manageable tortional vibration.
• Our crank utilises the rear end oil seal design from the modern Aston Martin V12 engines, resulting in lower chances of oil leaks.
• The oil feed within the crankshaft, that supplies lubrication to the crankpins and main bearings, is of a modern low-pressure design resulting in more reliable oil distribution and a more efficient overall system.

Crucially, the crank pin and main bearing dimensions are unchanged allowing our crank to effectively slot straight into an original engine. Paired with the matching flywheel (also manufactured in-house) and a fluid damper to further control unwanted vibrations, our low inertia crank is integral to building a modern Aston Martin engine; that is, one that produces more torque and less vibration while vastly improving reliability.

To enquire about any of our enhancements and upgrades, or to discuss a bespoke solution for your car, contact our workshop team at astonworkshop@aston.co.uk or +44 (0) 1207 233 525.