The Lancia Stratos HF 2.4L – Petrol is a 2,419 cc, 60-degree V6 naturally aspirated engine produced between 1973 and 1978. It features a dual overhead camshaft per cylinder bank with two valves per cylinder, delivering high-revving power for rally competition. The engine’s Ferrari Dino origins and mid-mounted installation were engineered for exceptional balance and motorsport dominance.
Fitted exclusively to the Lancia Stratos HF, the 2.4L variant was designed for World Rally Championship success and spirited road use. It offered a broad power band and mechanical howl, making it ideal for rapid gear changes and loose-surface traction. Emissions controls were minimal for the period, as the engine predates stringent Euro standards.
One documented engineering refinement was the introduction of Marelli electronic ignition in 1975, as noted in Lancia Service Bulletin L‑75‑03. This update aimed to improve spark reliability at high RPM and under extreme load. The change coincided with minor revisions to the camshaft profiles to optimize power delivery above 6,000 rpm.
This engine predates standardized EU emissions regulations. Production years 1973–1978 fall outside the scope of Euro 1–6 standards (EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007).
The Lancia Stratos HF 2.4L – Petrol is a 2,419 cc 60-degree V6 naturally aspirated engine engineered for rally and road homologation (1973-1978). It combines a dual DOHC valvetrain with triple Weber carburetors to deliver a high-revving, linear power curve. Designed before modern emissions standards, it prioritizes mechanical purity and competition performance over environmental compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,419 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V6 (60°), DOHC per bank, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 90.0 mm × 63.5 mm | |
| Power output | 190–275 PS (140–202 kW) | |
| Torque | 22.5–24.0 kgm @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Triple Weber 40 DCNF carburetors | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-regulation (No Euro standard) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 – 11.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC (dual chains) | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W-50 (Mineral) | |
| Dry weight | 160 kg |
The V6 configuration provides a compact, lightweight powerplant ideal for mid-engine balance but requires precise valve timing synchronization between the two cylinder banks. The triple carburetors demand expert tuning and are sensitive to altitude and fuel quality; use of high-octane petrol is mandatory. The dual timing chains should be inspected for wear and tension every 10,000 km. Cooling system integrity is vital due to the engine’s high-output nature.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral oil for optimal bearing and valve train protection (Lancia Owner's Manual, 1974).
Emissions: Pre-dates Euro standards. No formal emissions certification exists (EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output varies by state of tune and compression ratio (Lancia Factory Data Sheet, 1976).
Lancia Technical Workshop Manual (Sections 02, 03)
Lancia Parts Catalogue (Doc. PC-STR-73)
Lancia Service Bulletin (L‑75‑03)
EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Lancia Stratos HF 2.4L – Petrol was used exclusively in the Lancia Stratos HF platform with mid-mounted, transverse installation. This engine received no major platform-specific adaptations across its production run, though carburetor jetting and ignition timing varied between road and competition variants. All specifications are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine type code stamped on the flat boss on the rear face of the left cylinder bank. The full designation "Tipo 246" should be visible, confirming its Ferrari Dino 246 GT origins. Road cars typically have a black or silver cam cover, while competition engines may have polished or bare aluminum covers. Critical differentiation: All Stratos HF engines are 2.4L V6 units; earlier 1.8L and 2.0L prototypes are extremely rare and not part of regular production.
The Stratos HF 2.4L – Petrol's primary reliability risk is dual timing chain wear, with elevated incidence in high-RPM or poorly maintained examples. Lancia workshop data from the 1970s indicated timing-related failures were a common cause of major repairs in competition cars, while valve seat recession is prevalent in engines run on modern low-octane unleaded fuel without modification. Neglecting valve clearances and cooling system maintenance accelerates wear, making adherence to the original schedule critical.
Analysis derived from Lancia technical bulletins (1973-1978) and historical workshop manuals. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about LANCIA STRATOS-HF-2-4L.
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