Astons V8 is a Jaguar engine - or is it?

[mikey k]

I keep seeing this banded around so I thought I do a bit of digging!
So far I've discovered the following;

1) It was originally developed as Jaguar code - AJ37 for the Gaydon era Vantage, the project was owned & managed by Jag
2) AM changed the code to - AM5 to prevent confusion
3) It is derived from the Jaguar AJV8 Gen2 engine and was developed from a high performance higher revving R&D version of the 4.4 AJ26
4) The firing order is different to the other AJV8 engines, very few parts are interchangeable
5) The block, heads, crankshaft, con rods, pistons, camshafts, inlet and exhaust manifolds, lubrication system and engine management are all unique to AM
6) it has a "dry" sump to allow it to me mounted lower and further back for better weight distribution/handling
7) It is not a true dry sump system as Jaguar didn't have the required expertise
8) The block & head castings are jaguar
9) The 4.7 evolution was all done by Aston
10) The 5.0 AJ37 variant didn't meet EU5 & 6 emissions so Ford canned it
11) Jaguar went on to develop the AJV8 Gen3 at 5.0 for their needs coinciding with Ford selling AM


ETA - more detail from a reliable source

Edited by mikey k on Thursday 27th November 17:12

[mikey k]

BamfordMike said:

Impasse said:

Isn't this like insisting your engine is from a SEAT and nothing to do with Volkswagen? Why not just accept its origins? It doesn't take anything away from the unit knowing that it wasn't a clean sheet design. Ford are a good manufacturer, nothing to be ashamed of there and I'm pleased of their involvement in both of my cars.

for sure, all of what you say is too true.
Without jag experts in design and development the bespoke internal parts would not exist, and without fords purchasing powers or quality hoops they insist suppliers jump through the engine would not be built as good as it is. A great group effort which resulted in a great end product

I don't see any one denying any of the Jag or Ford heritage!