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 Vanta…
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 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.
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.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The CB6 is a robust naturally aspirated V8 with strong mechanical design. No widespread reliability issues have been reported in well-maintained examples, though throttle-body systems may require tuning if used infrequently. Regular oil changes with high-zinc oil, use of 95 RON fuel, and adherence to 12,000 km service intervals ensure longevity. Restored units show excellent durability with proper running-in.
The most documented issues are throttle-body injector clogging, camshaft/tappet wear due to low-zinc oils, and oil leaks from the rear main seal. Coolant leaks from the head gasket have been noted in high-mileage or poorly maintained units. These are addressed in factory service information and owner club technical guides.
The CB6 powers the V8 Vantage (1986–1990) and early Virage prototypes (1988–1990). It was succeeded by the Tadek Marek V8 in 1990. No non-Aston Martin applications exist. Original units meet Euro 1 compliance.
Limited tuning potential exists via carburettor conversion, camshaft profiles, and exhaust modifications, typically yielding +20–30 kW. Due to its SOHC design, gains are modest compared to modern engines. Supporting mods like high-flow manifolds and ignition upgrades offer marginal benefits. Over-tuning risks valve train stress and is not recommended without internal reinforcement.
In the V8 Vantage, combined consumption is ~16.2 L/100km (17.4 mpg UK), with city driving reaching ~20.0 L/100km (14.1 mpg). Highway efficiency improves to ~12.8 L/100km (22.0 mpg). Real-world figures vary significantly with driving style. Expect 14–19 mpg (UK) under mixed conditions in a well-tuned example.
Yes. The CB6 is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, piston-to-valve contact will occur, resulting in severe internal damage. Regular inspection of the chain and tensioner per service schedule is essential to prevent catastrophic failure. The front-mounted chain requires periodic tension adjustment.
Aston Martin originally specified mineral 20W-50 oil. Modern use requires high-zinc 10W-60 oil meeting classic engine specifications to protect flat-tappet camshafts. Oil must be changed every 12,000 km or 12 months. Using low-ZDDP oil risks accelerated cam and tappet wear in this vintage engine.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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