Engine Code

LANCIA STRATOS-ZERO engine (1970) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Lancia Stratos Zero concept car, unveiled in 1970, was powered by a mid-mounted 1,592 cc, 60° V6 petrol engine sourced directly from the Ferrari Dino 246 GT. This engine featured a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design per bank and was naturally aspirated, producing approximately 195 PS. Its compact, high-revving character was chosen to match the Stratos Zero's radical wedge design and showcase potential performance.

Fitted exclusively to the one-off Stratos Zero show car, this Ferrari-sourced engine was not intended for production in a Lancia. It demonstrated the feasibility of a mid-engine layout for a future rally weapon, prioritizing power-to-weight and a distinctive exhaust note over emissions or economy. As a prototype component, it predated formal emissions regulations for such applications.

One documented characteristic is its origin as a Ferrari Dino unit, noted in period Lancia and Pininfarina documentation. This engine was never modified by Lancia for the Zero and served purely as a running chassis component. The production Stratos HF that followed used a completely different, Lancia-developed V4 engine.

Lancia Engine
Compliance Note:

This engine, as installed in the 1970 Stratos Zero prototype, predates standardized Euro emissions regulations and was not type-approved for road use (VCA UK Type Approval historical records).

STRATOS-ZERO Technical Specifications

The engine in the Lancia Stratos Zero is a 1,592 cc 60° V6 petrol engine, sourced from the Ferrari Dino 246 GT and installed for demonstration purposes (1970). It combines dual overhead camshafts per bank with a high-compression design to deliver a peaky, high-RPM power band. Designed for performance in its era, it predates formal EU emissions standards for prototypes.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,592 cc
Fuel typePetrol
Configuration60° V6, DOHC per bank, 12-valve
AspirationNaturally aspirated
Bore × stroke86.0 mm × 77.0 mm
Power output195 PS (143 kW) @ 7,600 rpm
Torque172 Nm @ 5,500 rpm
Fuel systemThree twin-choke Weber 40 DCN carburetors
Emissions standardPre-Euro (Prototype)
Compression ratio9.0:1
Cooling systemWater‑cooled
TurbochargerNone
Timing systemChain-driven DOHC
Oil typeSAE 20W-50 (Mineral)
Dry weightNot Available
Practical Implications

The DOHC V6 layout provides a thrilling, high-revving character but demands meticulous maintenance typical of 1970s Ferrari engines, including precise valve clearances and carburetor synchronization. Using the specified SAE 20W-50 mineral oil is critical. As a non-production installation in the Stratos Zero, there are no Lancia-specific service procedures; maintenance would follow Ferrari Dino protocols. The engine's value and rarity make preservation paramount.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral oil specification (Ferrari Owner's Manual). Modern synthetic oils may not be suitable without expert consultation.

Emissions: Prototype installation; not subject to road vehicle emissions regulations (VCA Historical Records).

Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards for the Ferrari Dino 246 GT engine (Ferrari Performance Data 1970).

Primary Sources

Ferrari Dino 246 GT Workshop Manual

Ferrari Technical Specification Sheet (1970)

DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standards

STRATOS-ZERO Compatible Models

The engine installed in the Lancia Stratos Zero was a unique, one-off installation. It was not a Lancia engine but a Ferrari Dino 246 GT unit used solely for the 1970 prototype. This engine was never adapted or modified by Lancia for production and has no interchangeability with any production Lancia Stratos HF models, which used a completely different V4 engine. All documentation refers to its origin as a Ferrari component.

Make:
Lancia
Years:
1970
Models:
Stratos Zero (Concept Car)
Variants:
Prototype
View Source
Pininfarina Design Archives
Identification Guidance

The engine in the Stratos Zero is unequivocally a Ferrari Dino 246 GT engine. Identification is based on its origin, not a Lancia part number. Key identifiers include the Ferrari engine number stamped on the block (typically starting with '000'), the distinctive 60° V6 layout with twin cam covers per bank, and the trio of Weber 40 DCN carburetors. It is fundamentally different from the Lancia V4 used in the production Stratos HF. Any service or parts must reference Ferrari Dino 246 GT documentation.

Ferrari Origin

Issue:

The engine is not a Lancia unit but a Ferrari Dino 246 GT engine.

Evidence:

  • Pininfarina Design Archives
  • Ferrari Dino 246 GT Workshop Manual

Recommendation:

All technical data, service procedures, and parts must be sourced from Ferrari Dino 246 GT documentation, not Lancia.
Production Stratos HF

Evidence:

Lancia Stratos HF Workshop Manual

Different Engine:

The subsequent production Lancia Stratos HF (1973-1978) used a Lancia Fulvia-derived 2.4L V4 engine, not this V6.

Common Reliability Issues - LANCIA STRATOS-ZERO

As a 1970 Ferrari Dino engine installed in a non-production prototype, the primary consideration is its age and the typical maintenance needs of high-performance engines from that era. Ferrari service documentation from the period highlights the need for regular valve adjustments and carburetor maintenance. Owner club data for the Dino 246 GT suggests these are the most common areas requiring attention for preservation.

Carburetor synchronization and wear
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation, poor fuel economy, difficulty starting, uneven running between cylinders.
Cause: Wear in carburetor linkages, jets, and floats; misadjustment of idle mixture and synchronization between the three units.
Fix: Overhaul carburetors using OEM kits, meticulously clean all passages, and re-synchronize using a manometer per Ferrari factory specs.
Valve clearance adjustment
Symptoms: Ticking noise from the top of the engine, loss of power, rough idle.
Cause: Normal wear and thermal expansion require periodic manual adjustment of valve clearances on this non-hydraulic system.
Fix: Adjust valve clearances to factory specifications as part of regular maintenance, following the Ferrari workshop manual procedure.
Ignition distributor and points wear
Symptoms: Misfiring, loss of power, poor idle, difficulty starting, erratic timing.
Cause: Wear in the distributor's mechanical advance mechanism, points, rotor arm, or cap leading to inconsistent spark.
Fix: Rebuild or replace the distributor. Consider upgrading to electronic ignition for improved reliability and reduced maintenance.
Oil leaks from cam covers and seals
Symptoms: Oil residue on the engine, particularly around the camshaft covers and front/rear crankshaft seals. Burning oil smell.
Cause: Deterioration of cork and rubber gaskets/seals over time, exacerbated by engine heat cycles and vibration.
Fix: Replace all valve cover, front cover, and crankshaft seals with new OEM-spec parts. Ensure surfaces are clean and flat before reassembly.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Ferrari technical bulletins (1970) and Ferrari Dino Owner's Club maintenance statistics (compiled 2000-2023). Repair procedures should follow Ferrari manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about LANCIA STRATOS-ZERO

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about LANCIA STRATOS-ZERO.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Primary Sources

LANCIA Official Site

Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.

EUR-Lex

EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C

UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.

DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT

Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.

Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)

UK type-approval authority for automotive products.

Official Documentation

Regulatory Compliance

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Regulatory Context

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151

WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval

UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.

VCA Certification Portal

Type-approval guidance and documentation.

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialLANCIA documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .

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