Aston Martin DB9 shell build - but do I put in..?
Discussion
Hi all,
I have acquired a perfect db9 shell. The complete car was owned by a friend of mine, the engine started knocking and it wasn’t addressed quickly. It then blew up. He then decided to part the car out. He sold everything mechanical, interior and electrical, he managed to recoup the cost the car was to him and even some profit. At which stage he offered me the shell, as he didn’t want to waste any further time selling parts.
So what I have is an immaculate DB9 shell which includes the main body, doors, boot, bumpers, wings, glass, grille, lights. But that’s it. When you look at it, it looks like a complete car until you look inside or under the bonnet…or of course the lack of wheels! And it still has its v5 and no accident damage.
I’m lucky enough to have a fully functional DB9, so I’m not yearning to rebuild it to original, nor is that financially logical now they’re dropping so low in value.
So I’d like to build it into something unique as it seems a shame to just leave it as a life sized model.
Any suggestions? I’d ideally like to buy a donor car and use a lot of its components. I’d thought about the Lexus GS 300. As they have the JZ engine in them, sadly an auto box. But thar can be sorted.
But any build ideas would be welcomed. My only wants are… manual, higher power than original (once modified). Perhaps the vision is a gentleman’s racing car!
I have acquired a perfect db9 shell. The complete car was owned by a friend of mine, the engine started knocking and it wasn’t addressed quickly. It then blew up. He then decided to part the car out. He sold everything mechanical, interior and electrical, he managed to recoup the cost the car was to him and even some profit. At which stage he offered me the shell, as he didn’t want to waste any further time selling parts.
So what I have is an immaculate DB9 shell which includes the main body, doors, boot, bumpers, wings, glass, grille, lights. But that’s it. When you look at it, it looks like a complete car until you look inside or under the bonnet…or of course the lack of wheels! And it still has its v5 and no accident damage.
I’m lucky enough to have a fully functional DB9, so I’m not yearning to rebuild it to original, nor is that financially logical now they’re dropping so low in value.
So I’d like to build it into something unique as it seems a shame to just leave it as a life sized model.
Any suggestions? I’d ideally like to buy a donor car and use a lot of its components. I’d thought about the Lexus GS 300. As they have the JZ engine in them, sadly an auto box. But thar can be sorted.
But any build ideas would be welcomed. My only wants are… manual, higher power than original (once modified). Perhaps the vision is a gentleman’s racing car!
Has to be an American V8 of some description; as much BHP as you want (budget permitting), crate engines a plenty, a huge body of knowledge on how to get things working.
ETA $35k plus ancillaries, taxes, duties, shipping will get you a 1,000bhp crate engine and Tremec manual gearbox brand new from Mopar. Possibly an extreme choice, mind
ETA $35k plus ancillaries, taxes, duties, shipping will get you a 1,000bhp crate engine and Tremec manual gearbox brand new from Mopar. Possibly an extreme choice, mind
Edited by donkmeister on Sunday 16th October 15:22
Sorry about your friend's dead engine, that's unfortunate. But as you say an interesting project.
Does it still have the Aston suspension, or is that gone too? Post some pics to help inspire some ideas.
I'm going to suggest you 'bring it up to date' conceptually with an AMG V8 of some kind - big power potential esp the forced-induction ones, charismatic engines and pretty plentiful and widely tuned.
Cummins swap it.
I actually like your JZ idea but take it to the next stage and make it a full DB9 drift build complete with big wing and top it off with a screamer pipe through the bonnet.
Whatever you do, make sure you take it to lots of Aston Martin Owners Club events.
I actually like your JZ idea but take it to the next stage and make it a full DB9 drift build complete with big wing and top it off with a screamer pipe through the bonnet.
Whatever you do, make sure you take it to lots of Aston Martin Owners Club events.
Edited by seefarr on Sunday 16th October 16:41
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