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

For our Aston Martin projects, a common issue with heritage engine blocks is cracking from the bottom of the cylinder liner location through to the main bearing tunnel. Finding a reliable source of new, high-quality, 6-cylinder engine blocks has historically proved challenging. To rectify this, a project was instigated to investigate the feasibility of producing the blocks ourselves in keeping with our ‘In-House’ approach to Aston Martin restorations. Over a period of over three years our dream has come to fruition and we are now able to offer our blocks to our engine services customers. 

An initial feasibility study was undertaken, after which it was agreed to partner with a leading UK foundry to produce raw castings working from our designs based on original Aston Martin DB4, DB5, DB6 and DBS 6-cylinder engines. Following that, an 18-month development and testing programme finely adjusted every detail ranging from the processes and workflow through to the individual tools and programming needed to produce the highest quality product. The raw castings are then fully CNC machined here at Aston Workshop to the finest tolerances.

With unrivalled quality as a result of 35 years of Aston Martin specialist experience, our blocks are visual replacements of O/E engines and are seamlessly compatible with original componentry. 60 years of development in engineering practices have allowed Aston Workshop to manufacture engine blocks not susceptible to the faults found in the original design. For example, after thorough development we arrived at 4-bolt main bearing caps for the inner housings. The outer two bearing housings are 3D machined to replicate the visual appearance of the O/E caps, however the material (as for all the caps) has been changed from cast aluminium to high grade billet alloy, chosen for its high strength and rigidity within the application parameters. The increased strength allows for smoother, more free-revving engines. Our blocks also utilise a higher grade of aluminium alloy that combines corrosion resistance with improved performance while at high temperatures.

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.