Hey guys! I need to install new coils on my DBS, and I wanted to know if anyone has feedback on Surefire Ignition (https://www.surefireonline.co.uk/ASTON-MARTIN-DBS-5-9-V12-IGNITION-COILPACK-SET-p/aston-martin-dbs-v12.html) or AliExpress coils https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2251832770087602.html?gatewayAdapt=4itemAdapt). I'm also replacing the spark plugs but I've sourced NGK SITR7A11G for much less than OEM so no worries there.

I've reviewed previous forum posts and YouTube videos and learned the following:
- Replacement coils include Champion BAEA388 and BERU ZS388 [0040100388]
- The above two are either not in-stock or are within a similar price + shipping to the OEM coils from Aston Martin Bits (https://www.astonmartinbits.com/models/3-DBS/parts/795):] £1081.44 (~$1252.55)
- There aren't any Ford/Jaguar parts that can be substituted in as far as I can tell.

However, Surefire Ignition coils are much cheaper: 12 coils costs £526 (~$610) w/ shipping to the US.
They can be had for even less on AliExpress: 12 coils costs $389.91 w/ shipping to the US.

I don't see any posts/reviews about either of these installed on Astons and wanted to reach out to see if anyone has feedback.

Thank you!

 

I hope it doesn’t get me banned or suspended. There is a great DIY group on FB and a post exactly on this subject for the cheaper coils. These are for the V8 but it may apply for the V12 ones also.
Edit: the group requires you to join so DM me if you want the link.

 

i've had Baixinde auto part store, coil packs from china (alliexpress) in my v8 vantage for over 3years and still running like a charm
DB9 3pin coils are $12 usd each right now think i paid $10 back then.

 

I'll be honest - and I truly recognize that this is based on nothing other than fear - the process of changing coils on an Aston V12 is such a big deal that I wouldn't even consider something other than the "real thing." Disassembly and reassembly were stressful but manageable for me, but I still remember what it felt like worrying if I'd gotten everything right after I'd buttoned it all back up again.
Can you imagine discovering that you have one defective coil after everything's back together...or finding that one has gone bad six months later?
While I don't like paying through the nose for my Aston parts either, I'm not going to take a chance with things like oil filters (where a bad spec can take out an engine) or spark plugs and coils (where the labor is so involved).

 

Couldn't agree more, I'm certain that V8 Vantage is easier.

 

before the vantage, i had a V12 DB7 replaced coils and plugs in it too, more involved for sure but but still only an afternoons work
i did replace with OEM but only because back then 10yrs ago there were no aftermarkets available.
i recently replaced some EVAP components on my mustang only to find out the new OEM purge soleniod was defective

 

OEM seems to be the best bet. Have seen the cheap ones fail.

 

I've said it on the FB DIY site, it's such a big job and the consequences of misfire can be dire, and for every person who says they've had a good run with CCC (cheap Chinese crap) there will be a lot more that haven't and are unlikely to get online and tell every one how they stuffed up, just my 2 cents

 

Each engine has it's unique challenges, but for my garage queens I always pop the hood and let them cool off after a drive. The electronics, plastic and rubber don't like the heat and the easiest way to have them last longer is by letting them cool off quicker. At least with the DB9 I don't have 5 hall effect sensors on the back of the block like the M5. Those really don't like the heat and they are really a PITA to swap out.

 

I'm not convinced OEM are any better than anything else out there...I developed the 'normal' misfire as soon as my V12V turned 30.5k miles. Not wanting to go through the process of removing intakes etc more than once, I went with OEM coils sourced from astonparts.com from the UK. Even with shipping, that was the cheapest option (in 2020). Imagine my dismay to find the coils in the Aston bags with "country of origin" as CN (China). Seems I could have gotten the $12 ones directly from China! (who knows, just kidding)

Looking at the pics below, you can see some discoloration on the side of the old coils where maybe some internal arcing was occurring.


New coil on left


check out the purple mark where the coil is from internal arcing?

 

I think this is the coil number (10 to be specific) which was written on it with a white permanent marker when new: heat overtime resulted in it becoming purple. My previous coils were all numbered as well similarly.

I have just obtained NTY branded coils with part number ECZ-FR-028 which are exact as OEM ones used. Also, a new set of NGK ITR6F13 4477's is in the pocket so will change out again soon (63k miles as we speak)

 

Actually not. The "10" is what I wrote on it with a fat Sharpie as I removed it from cyl #10. What I was referring to being purple was the spot below the 10, now with a red circle around it.

So, those ECZ-FR-028 coils are 2-pin or 3-pin? The German store (https://www.teilehaber.de/itm/zuends...c24674499.html) shows these as 2-pin in the pics. Will be interesting to see what, if any, durability differences there are to OEM ones, whoever the OEM actually is...