DB9 Oval Cylinder liner advice please

[mbishton]

Apologies if this has already been covered before but I can't find a definitive answer as to what year or VIN is "safe" to avoid the V12 oval cylinder issue.

I am looking to purchase a late 2007 DB9 Volante (having looked into a V8V Sportshift and been concerned about the longevity of the clutch) but have heard some horror stories about new blocks being required due to cylinder liners going oval at the top.

Any help/advice would be much appreciated!

Thank you

[paulrog1]

Generally the engines that start to tick are the cosworth built 2004 to mid 2005 until around September 2005 when the engines are then made in Germany in the ford plant.

I dont have the vin number when they changed over.

Mike from BR is the expert on this so ask him.

I've got a 2004 DB9 with the cosworth built engine and no ticking so its pot luck, but i do recommend looking at the radiator as it starts to bend and swell and although the engine doesn't seem to overheat the radiator can't be doing its job efficiency.

No one really knows why it effects some engines and not on others on the cosworth built engines.

Theres a great topic on this on here, have a read, his was a very early built car and could have been driven hard in the early days.

Some have said to put the new vanquish thermostat in as it makes the engine run 10 degrees cooler.

[mbishton]

Thanks very much - that helps.

I wonder if there is a known date when Cosworth supply stopped being fitted and Ford assembled engines took over...?

Is it too much of an assumption to make that a late 2007 registered DB9 would be "safe"?

Edited by mbishton on Friday 29th November 10:05

[Squaremeal]

I think this video has a bit of information on this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9rjHURwgwM&t=...

[mbishton]

Thats absolutely perfect - thank you very much!