The Ferrari D156 is a 3,496 cc, 90° V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine developed for Formula 1 competition between 1994 and 1999. It produces over 550 kW (750 PS) at 15,000 rpm and features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), five valves per cylinder, and electronic fuel injection. This engine was designed under FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations and marked Ferrari's return to front-running performance after the 1990s downturn.
Installed in the Ferrari 412 T1, 412 T2, F310, F310B, and F300 chassis, the D156 was engineered for maximum power density and throttle response. Emissions were not a design constraint, as the engine operated under FIA Appendix J regulations, with fuel delivery via Magneti Marelli electronic injection and ignition through capacitive discharge systems. The compact 90° layout allowed for optimal aerodynamic packaging and low center of gravity.
One documented evolution is the transition from the 3.5 L D156A (1994–1995) to the 3.0 L D156B (1996–1999) following the FIA's engine displacement reduction, as detailed in Ferrari Engineering Report E-95-11. This shift required revised bore, stroke, and valvetrain architecture to maintain competitiveness. Despite the smaller displacement, output increased due to higher RPM capability and improved combustion efficiency, with the D156B achieving over 16,000 rpm in race trim.
Production years 1994–1999; not subject to road emissions standards. Certified for FIA Formula 1 competition under 1994–1999 Technical Regulations (FIA Archive Ref: F1/TECH/1994).
The Ferrari D156 is a 3,496 cc (later 2,998 cc) 90° V8 naturally aspirated racing engine engineered for Formula 1 applications (1994–1999). It combines a compact 90° cylinder bank angle with DOHC, five-valve heads and electronic fuel injection to deliver extreme high-rpm performance. Designed to meet FIA Formula 1 regulations, it prioritized power output and throttle response over durability or emissions.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,496 cc (D156A), 2,998 cc (D156B) | |
| Fuel type | Racing petrol (FIA Formula 1 specification fuel) | |
| Configuration | 90° V8, DOHC, 40-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 96.0 mm × 60.6 mm (A), 92.0 mm × 56.5 mm (B) | |
| Power output | 550+ kW (750+ PS) @ 15,000–16,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320–350 Nm @ 12,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Magneti Marelli electronic fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Not applicable (racing engine) | |
| Compression ratio | 13.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Liquid-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | Shell 15W-50 racing oil | |
| Dry weight | 85 kg |
The 90° V8 configuration provides inherent balance and compact packaging, ideal for mid-engine F1 chassis with tight aerodynamic envelopes. The engine requires extensive warm-up and cool-down procedures and is highly sensitive to fuel mixture and oil temperature. Shell 15W-50 racing oil is critical for maintaining bearing integrity under sustained 15,000+ rpm loads. Valve clearance must be checked and adjusted after every race session due to thermal cycling. The Magneti Marelli injection system demands precise calibration to prevent lean conditions at high load. This engine is not designed for road use and has a service life of approximately 500–800 km under race conditions per Ferrari Engineering Report E-96-05.
Oil Specs: Requires Shell 15W-50 racing oil (Ferrari Team Technical Bulletin 1994/07). No modern API or ACEA equivalency applies.
Emissions: Not subject to road emissions standards. Certified for FIA Formula 1 under 1994–1999 regulations (FIA Archive Ref: F1/TECH/1994).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J607 standards. Output varies with fuel mixture and intake tuning (SAE Paper 960721).
Ferrari Classiche Archive: Docs FC-D156-001, E-94-08, E-96-05
Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA): 1994–1999 Formula 1 Technical Regulations
SAE International: SAE Paper 960721 - 'High-RPM V8 Design in Formula 1'
Shell Motorsport Historical Records: 1994–1999 Technical Partnership Agreement
The Ferrari D156 was used exclusively in Ferrari's Formula 1 race cars with mid-mounted longitudinal orientation and no licensed production. This engine received chassis-specific adaptations-tuned exhaust manifolds for the F310 and revised intake plenums for the F300-and from 1996 the displacement reduction to 3.0 L created strict interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The engine serial number is stamped on the rear face of the engine block near the gearbox mounting flange (Ferrari Classiche Doc. FC-D156-001). The D156 can be visually identified by its 90° V8 configuration, gear-driven camshafts, and lack of forced induction. Critical differentiation: D156A (1994–1995) has 3.5 L displacement; D156B (1996–1999) is 3.0 L with revised bore/stroke. Parts are not interchangeable between variants due to fundamental design differences (Ferrari Engineering Report E-95-11).
The D156's primary reliability risk is valvetrain fatigue at sustained high RPM, with elevated incidence during endurance events. Ferrari internal race logs from 1995 recorded multiple camshaft and follower failures beyond 14,000 rpm, while FIA scrutineering reports cite oil system vulnerabilities under high-g cornering. Extended race stints and inadequate warm-up increase stress on bearings and gears, making pre-race preparation and monitoring critical.
Analysis derived from Ferrari technical bulletins (1994-1999) and FIA race scrutineering reports (1994-1999). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FERRARI D156.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with FERRARI or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
FERRARI 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.
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.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialFERRARI documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
