The Aston Martin V8 Vantage started life with a 4,300cc normally aspirated engine with connections to Jaguar's AJV8. However, not only was the capacity of this engine bespoke to Aston Martin, the quad-cam 32-valve heads were, along with the dry sump oil lubrication system, cylinder heads, crankshaft, con rods, pistons, ECU management and the entire exhaust system. This engine comes with a bore and stroke of 89mm x 86mm.
Early 4.3s need revs to make serious progress
From 4.3-litres Aston managed 385hp at 7,300rpm and 302lb ft of torque at 5,000rpm, which did lead to some complaining about a paucity of low-down torque. The flipside to this is the Aston's V8 is very happy to rev hard to deliver its best, though doing so while the engine is still not fully up to temperature can result in motor-wrecking damage and a large bill to put it right. When warmed through, it will deliver 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds and 175mph top speed.
Otherwise, the Aston's V8 motor is generally regarded as very strong and reliable. The alternator belt can squeal when the car is cold, but this can sorted by adjusting the tensioner or a revised pulley kit is also available.
When checking a potential purchase, make sure the plastic engine cover is securely mounted as it can work free and melt on the exhaust manifolds. Not as dangerous as it sounds, but worth looking out for.
Later 4.7s offer a welcome torque boost
You should also ask if the current owner has removed fuse 22, which is a popular tweak to free up more noise from the exhaust by keeping the valve in the exhaust open permanently rather than just at higher revs. More free-flowing exhaust systems can be ordered from Aston Martin through its Works programme or from Prodrive, but several PistonHeads V8 Vantage owners recommend the Bamford Rose exhaust system that delivers more power, noise and improved driving manners at all speeds. Add in an improved air intake and you can expect more performance and better fuel economy too.
In 2008, Aston reworked the front mid-mounted V8 engine with pressed cylinder liners rather the earlier 4.3's cast liners. This allowed the engine to be bored out and stroked to 91mm x 91mm for a capacity of 4,735cc and maximum power of 426hp at 7,300rpm and 347lb ft at 5,000rpm. In the V8 Vantage coupe, this means 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds and a 180mph top speed.
A Sports Pack was offered for the 4.3 engine at the same time that borrowed from the N400 limited edition to up power to 405hp. This pack includes revised induction system and remapped ECU that adds another 7lb ft to the torque and ups top speed to 177mph while reducing the 0-62mph time to 4.8 seconds.
More power, revised gearing and other mods for S
For the 4.7-litre engine, Aston also lightened the flywheel by 0.5kg to improve throttle response, though the heavy clutch pedal in manual gearbox versions remains. The six-speed manual transaxle gearbox has a heavy action, but it can be pushed through the gears quickly and the transmission is very strong and unlikely to give trouble. More of a problem is the clutch that can let go with no notice and is expensive to replace, so bank on spending around £2,500 at an Aston dealer if the clutch fails, though a specialist should be able to sort this for less. The SportShift six-speed automated manual is also tough but its changes are not as swift or smooth as the latest double-clutch 'boxes can offer. Aston replaced this gearbox in 2012 with a seven-speed SportShift II transmission that is much better.
The V8 Vantage S arrived at the beginning of 2011 with a 436hp version of the 4.7-litre V8, delivering a 190mph top speed and 0-62mph in 4.0 seconds with help from closer gear ratios and a lower final drive rear differential. As all of these models are still under warranty, there should be no issues.
You will come across cars with Prodrive equipment fitted. This was offered in four packs, covering engine, suspension, wheel and styling. For the engine, Prodrive increased power by 45hp courtesy of a new exhaust and ECU remap.
PHer's view:
"I clearly love the car as I had three, one of the first 4.3s, a 4.3 Roadster and a 4.7 Roadster. The 4.3 is, rightly in my opinion, criticised for being down on power (torque more correctly). It's great if you're 'on it' and enjoying using the revs and the superb gearbox, but the 4.7 is a much better all round drive and, for me, what the car should have been from day one."
Glyn Morris
