Dilemma....Should I have the 4.2 conversion on my DB5????

[bmt216a]

Hello,

My DB5 engine is currently at Aston Engineering. I did tell them I wanted the 4.2 conversion but recently found that someone is producing 4ltr pistons for the straight six.

I do want to keep the car original but after chatting to various people i.e Richard Williams, they all recomended the 4.2.

I am not interested in what the car is worth with or without the change, but what I do want is the best for my car. Can anyone give me any advise?

Regards

Ian

[toohuge]

What a glorious position to be in! I am not that familiar with the alteration of engines with older Aston Martin's but Richard Williams do offer a brilliant service. Also, Richard Williams have invested a lot of time, money and experience into projects like this.

Having said that, i myself would be tempted to install standard parts to keep the car original, not for resale value but for knowing i was driving an original car.

I am sure you have but try a post on the Aston Martin Owners Club forum, someone should be able to help there.

[LongLiveTazio]

Must be to do with how you really feel about originality. I saw an Aston Workshop DB5 that had had the works done, but it just didn't look right with Alpine speakers on the parcel shelf - I couldn't justify that, personally. There's a line (and with each car it's different) between gently modernising some flaws and actually changing the character of the car. Up to you to decide what this constitutes, however. Some people aren't bothered mind, apparently AMG put lots of modern internals into 300SLs at customers' requests, even though they don't like doing it. Sacrilege IMO, but hey ho.

[hazzardv8]

i think you might get a better, more technical response on the AMOC website forum

[bmt216a]

Thanks for your thoughts. I am keeping it positive earth and still using points, not electronic ignition. People that I have spoken to do say the 4.2 gives that much more power, but at the end of the day if I wanted a quick Aston I would buy a Virage Vantage or the new DBS.

[toohuge]

bmt216a said:

but at the end of the day if I wanted a quick Aston I would buy a Virage Vantage or the new DBS.

It's clear you've got a good head on you!

[Penguinracer]

It could be argued that "period mods" carried out by an internationally renowned marque specialist will have no negative impact on the value of the vehicle but may improve its useability & the driving pleasure. If it was me I'd go for the 4.2 conversion. Remember that the parts available today are vastly superior to what was available to Aston in the mid 60's. This is not the same as putting an XJ-R engine & transmission in a Mark II. This is a sensitive & sympathetic enhancement using period tuning techniques but parts which incorporate modern metallurgy.

[Penguinracer]

I think of all Astons before the DB7 as being the automotive equivalent of a Savile Row Suit. Customisation & bespoke mods were often specified when these vehicles were new. Now you're just having your suit altered as middle age sets in!

[williamp]

Agree- I'd have the mod myself, as it makes the cars really fly (it is, in truth far more then a simply engine enlargement). And if you are worried about the value of the car, then dont be. The 4.2 will help the value, and if originality is your thing, you can always put sleeves in and take is back down to 4 litres. Go for it!