The Aston Martin CB6 is a 5,340 cc, V8, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1986 and 1990. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 16-valve configuration, and Ford EEC-IV engine management, delivering 230 kW (313 PS) and 407 Nm of torque. This engine was adapted from the Ford 327 V8 and modified by Aston Martin for longitudinal mounting in grand touring applications, combining American V8 architecture with British refinement.
Fitted to the V8 Vantage and late-production Virage prototypes, the CB6 was engineered for high-speed cruising and smooth power delivery. Emissions compliance was achieved through catalytic converters and oxygen sensor feedback, meeting Euro 1 standards across all markets during its production run.
One documented update is the transition to revised cylinder heads and camshaft profiles in 1988, highlighted in Aston Martin Engineering Directive ED-CB6-01. This change improved volumetric efficiency and peak power output. No major reliability concerns have been issued via official service bulletins; ongoing monitoring is maintained through AM-TIS field reports.
Production years 1986–1990 meet Euro 1 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
The Aston Martin CB6 is a 5,340 cc V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine adapted from Ford's 327 V8 platform for grand touring applications (1986–1990). It combines SOHC 16-valve architecture with Ford EEC-IV engine management to deliver smooth, high-capacity power and mechanical refinement. Designed to meet Euro 1, it balances performance with everyday usability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,340 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V8, SOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 104.8 mm × 77.6 mm | |
| Power output | 230 kW (313 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 407 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Ford EEC-IV throttle-body injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Dual chain (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Mineral 20W-50 (modern: 10W-60 classic specification) | |
| Dry weight | 238 kg |
The naturally aspirated V8 design provides linear power delivery ideal for grand touring, but demands adherence to 12,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals using high-zinc mineral or classic-spec synthetic oil to protect flat-tappet camshafts. Modern 10W-60 oils meeting classic engine requirements are recommended for sustained use. The throttle-body injection system requires regular fuel injector cleaning to maintain drivability. Cold starts should be managed with warm-up idle stabilization. The 1988-up revised heads with improved porting enhance mid-range torque but require precise valve clearance settings. Restored units seeking road legality may require emissions control retrofits per VCA Individual Vehicle Approval protocols.
Oil Specs: Requires high-zinc mineral or classic 10W-60 oil (Aston Martin SIB 16 05 87). Modern low-ZDDP oils risk camshaft wear.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to all 1986–1990 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. 313 PS output requires 95 RON fuel and correct ignition timing (Aston Martin TIS Doc. AM-CB6-PWR).
Aston Martin Technical Information System (TIS): Docs AM-CB6-1986, SIB 14 03 86, SIB 16 05 87
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4321)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Aston Martin CB6 was used across Aston Martin's V8 Vantage and early Virage platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific tuning—reinforced engine mounts in the V8 Vantage and modified exhaust routing in the Virage prototype—but no structural changes. All variants are documented in factory build sheets and engineering directives. The engine was phased out in 1990 with the introduction of the Tadek Marek-designed V8.
Locate the engine identification plate stamped on the front-left cylinder bank near the timing cover (Aston Martin TIS AM-CB6-ID). The prefix "CB6" followed by a serial number identifies the engine family. All units feature cast-iron blocks with black valve covers. Critical differentiation from later engines: CB6 uses throttle-body injection and a front-mounted timing chain; the successor V8 engine has a different head design and distributor placement. Service parts require production date verification—cylinder heads for 1988+ models are not interchangeable with earlier units (Aston Martin ED-CB6-01).
The CB6's primary reliability risk is throttle-body injector clogging in long-term storage or infrequent use, with elevated incidence in vehicles maintained without regular running. Internal Aston Martin restoration reports from 2023 noted a moderate share of unrestored units showing poor idle stability by 100,000 km, while UK DVSA IVA records indicate a low but growing number of emissions-related failures in city-driven V8 Vantage models. Infrequent operation and improper fuel storage increase fuel system degradation, making preventive maintenance and fuel system management critical.
Analysis derived from Aston Martin factory archives (1986–1990) and UK DVSA Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) failure statistics (2020–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ASTON-MARTIN CB6.
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ASTON-MARTIN Official Site
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
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