Fitment: DB5, similar upgrades available for: DB4, DB6, DB6 Mk2, DBS

With the release of the DB5 in 1963, the previous ‘Vantage’ specification (Triple SU carburation being the major defining feature) became standard fitment to the Aston Martin model range. An increase to 4.0L capacity combined with the improved flow of air and fuel from the triple-carb setup allowed for an increase in quoted power to 282 bhp. There was still a desire however for an uprated engine specification, so in 1964 Aston Martin started to offer a new Vantage specification.

Inspired by the DB4GT, effectively the racing version of the DB4, the triple SU carburettors were swapped for three Weber 45 DCOE units. The compression ratio was again increased and a higher lift inlet cam was fitted, and with these modifications the new Vantage engine produced a quoted 314 bhp. Original DB5 Vantage engines are denoted by a /V engine number suffix.

Aston Workshop are able to carry out Vantage-specification upgrades to your DB5 engine. The /V engines use a standard block, therefore we are able to reuse your original block for the sake of originality. Often, original Aston Martin straight-6 blocks show heavy corrosion once stripped, as well as unacceptable cracks towards the main bearings; if that is the case, we can either repair your original block or supply a brand new in-house developed block that is visually identical to an original but with a number of internal improvements. More details on our in-house produced blocks can be found here.

To carry out an upgrade to Vantage-spec, we will first strip, clean and inspect your current engine. Your cylinder head will then be machined to achieve a perfect match to the block and an increased compression ratio. Fitment of triple Weber 45 DCOE carburettors requires some changes to the throttle linkage as well as various other changes within the engine bay. All of these modifications are carried out, before the engine is reassembled and tested on our dynamometer.

We can carry out the upgrade of your DB5 engine to Vantage (/V) specification either by having your car here at the workshop, or on a 'crate' basis where you ship the engine, we carry out the conversion and ship it back to you. Depending on your personal preference we can also fit Vantage badging to your car, while our modern gearbox options (click here for manual or automatic) transform the car even further.

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.