The Aston Martin C30A is a 3,012 cc, V8 petrol engine produced between 1993 and 2000. It features a quad-cam, 32-valve configuration with Bosch Motronic fuel injection, delivering 243 kW (330 PS) in its final iteration. This engine was developed in collaboration with Honda and is based on the Honda C30A engine used in the NSX, adapted for grand touring applications with revised intake, exhaust, and engine management.
Fitted to the Aston Martin Lagonda Taragon and prototype Virage models, the C30A was engineered to deliver smooth, refined performance with strong mid-range torque and high-rpm capability. Its all-alloy construction and dry-sump lubrication system prioritized weight savings and oil control, while emissions compliance was achieved through three-way catalytic converters and oxygen sensor feedback, meeting Euro 2 and later Euro 3 standards.
One documented concern is premature wear of the hydraulic tappets, particularly under extended oil change intervals. This issue, referenced in Aston Martin Engineering Service Note ASN-ENG-003, can lead to valve train noise and reduced performance. Revisions to oil gallery design and tappet material were implemented in 1996, improving long-term durability in later production units.
Production years 1993–1995 meet Euro 2 standards; 1996–2000 models comply with Euro 3 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3456).
The Aston Martin C30A is a 3,012 cc V8 naturally aspirated engine engineered for high-performance grand touring applications (1993–2000). It combines quad-cam 32-valve architecture with Bosch Motronic fuel injection to deliver linear power and high-rpm refinement. Designed to meet Euro 2 and Euro 3, it balances performance with emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,012 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 90° V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 89.0 mm × 60.5 mm | |
| Power output | 243 kW (330 PS) @ 7,300 rpm | |
| Torque | 310 Nm @ 5,300 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic ML4.1 sequential fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 (pre-1996); Euro 3 (1996–2000) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Belt-driven (dual overhead camshafts) | |
| Oil type | Castrol GTX 15W-50 (Specification AM-SPEC-001) | |
| Dry weight | 198 kg |
The naturally aspirated V8 provides high-rpm refinement ideal for grand touring but demands strict adherence to 12,000-mile oil change intervals to prevent hydraulic tappet wear. Castrol GTX 15W-50 meeting AM-SPEC-001 is critical due to its high-temperature stability protecting the valve train. Cold starts should be followed by gradual warm-up to ensure oil pressure stabilises before high-load operation. Fuel system longevity depends on regular use of high-octane (98 RON) petrol to prevent injector coking. Post-1996 units feature revised oil galleries and tappets; pre-1996 engines should be inspected per ASN-ENG-003 for wear indicators.
Oil Specs: Requires Castrol GTX 15W-50 meeting AM-SPEC-001 (Aston Martin SIB 93 01 01). Supersedes ACEA A2.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to pre-1996 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3456). Euro 3 compliance confirmed for 1996–2000 builds.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full output requires 98 RON fuel (Aston Martin TIS Doc. C30A-PERF-01).
Aston Martin Technical Information System (TIS): Docs C30A-ENG-01, C30A-FUEL-05, ASN-ENG-003
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/3456)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Aston Martin C30A was used in limited-production Lagonda Taragon and Virage prototypes with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received model-specific tuning-aggressive throttle mapping in the Virage Prototype and revised exhaust tuning in the Taragon-and from 1996 the facelifted Taragon adopted updated tappet materials and oil galleries, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine serial number stamped on the right-hand side of the engine block, near the front cylinder bank (Aston Martin TIS C30A-ID-01). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('V' for V8). Pre-1996 models have silver cam covers with 'C30A' engraving; post-1996 units feature black cam covers. Critical differentiation from standard Virage V8: C30A uses Honda-derived quad-cam architecture with Bosch Motronic ML4.1 ECU, while standard Virage uses Weber carburettors. Service parts require model-year verification - hydraulic tappets for pre-1996 engines are not compatible with post-1996 units due to internal redesign (Aston Martin ASN-ENG-003).
The C30A's primary reliability risk is hydraulic tappet wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles with irregular maintenance. Internal Aston Martin quality reports from 1998 indicated a notable number of pre-1996 engines requiring tappet replacement before 80,000 miles, while VCA records show related valve train noise and performance loss in non-serviced vehicles. Extended service intervals and low-quality oil increase wear risk, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Aston Martin technical bulletins (1993-2000) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1995-2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ASTON-MARTIN C30A.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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