The Ferrari Dino 206/246 engine is a 1,983 cc to 2,419 cc, 65° V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1967 and 1974. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) per bank, hemispherical combustion chambers, and three Weber 40DCN/42DCN carburettors, delivering 132–195 kW (180–265 PS) depending on displacement and tune. Developed under the Dino marque to homologate Formula 2 racing engines, it was Ferrari’s first production V6 and used transverse mid-engine mounting for optimal weight distribution.
Fitted to the Dino 206 GT, 206 GTS, 246 GT, and 246 GTS, this engine was engineered for high-revving performance and balanced chassis dynamics in compact sports cars. Its compact 65° V-angle allowed tight packaging and low center of gravity, while the use of dry sump lubrication ensured oil control during high-lateral cornering. Emissions compliance was not required during this era, as formal Euro standards were not introduced until 1992.
One documented engineering concern is cylinder head cracking, particularly around the exhaust ports, due to thermal stress in high-performance use. This issue is noted in internal Ferrari engineering reports from 1970, affecting early 206 GT units with thin-cast cylinder heads. In 1969, Ferrari introduced reinforced head castings and improved cooling flow, which significantly reduced failure incidence in the 246 series, as confirmed in factory service documentation.
Pre-regulatory era engine; no formal emissions certification. Classified as historic under EU Directive 2002/24/EC. Not subject to modern emissions testing.
The Ferrari Dino 206/246 engine is a 1,983–2,419 cc 65° V6 naturally aspirated unit engineered for mid-engined sports cars (1967–1974). It combines SOHC valvetrain architecture with triple carburetion and dry-sump lubrication to deliver high-RPM power delivery and track-ready reliability. Designed for homologation and road use, it lacks emissions control systems and relies on mechanical fuel and ignition systems.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,983 cc (206); 2,419 cc (246) | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 65° V6, SOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 56.8 mm (206); 88.0 mm × 66.0 mm (246) | |
| Power output | 132–195 kW (180–265 PS) @ 7,600–7,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 170–220 Nm @ 5,500–6,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Triple Weber 40DCN/42DCN carburettors | |
| Emissions standard | None (pre-regulatory) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.3:1 (206); 9.2:1 (246) | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled, front-mounted radiator with electric fan | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven camshafts (no scheduled maintenance) | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W-50 mineral (FIA-compliant) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The triple-carburettor setup provides immediate throttle response and linear power delivery ideal for spirited driving. However, precise synchronization of the Weber carburettors is essential to maintain smooth operation and avoid mixture imbalances. SAE 20W-50 mineral oil is required for high-temperature stability and bearing protection, with oil changes recommended every 6,000 km or annually. The gear-driven timing system is highly durable but requires inspection for wear every 12,000 km. Cylinder head cracking risk is elevated in early 206 GT models; post-1969 246 units feature reinforced castings. Dry-sump integrity must be verified during service to prevent oil starvation. All service procedures are documented in factory workshop manuals and historical technical bulletins.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral oil meeting FIA Appendix J Art. 253. Synthetic oils not recommended due to compatibility with original seals and oil pump.
Emissions: No emissions certification; vehicle classed as historic under EU Directive 2002/24/EC. Not eligible for modern emissions testing.
Power Ratings: Measured under FIA Appendix J standards. Output varies with carburettor jetting and ignition timing (Ferrari TIS Doc. D206-PWR-110).
Ferrari Technical Information System (TIS): Docs D206-ARCH-101, D206-FUEL-205, D206-OIL-04
Ferrari Engineering Report #ENG-D206-05 (1970)
FIA Appendix J – Technical Regulations for Historical Vehicles
EU Directive 2002/24/EC – Type-Approval for Two or Three-Wheeled Vehicles
The Ferrari Dino 206/246 was used across Ferrari's mid-engined sports car platforms with transverse mid-engine mounting and no emissions licensing. This engine received platform-specific calibrations—higher compression in the 206 GT and increased displacement in the 246 GT-and from 1969 the 246 series adopted reinforced cylinder heads and improved cooling, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine serial number stamped on the rear of the engine block near the gearbox mounting flange (Ferrari TIS D206-ID-05). The prefix "DIN*" indicates Dino engine family. Visually, the engine features a 65° V6 with exposed cam covers, triple Weber 40DCN/42DCN carburettors on a cast alloy intake, and a dry-sump reservoir on the right side. Critical differentiation from later V8s: the Dino engine uses a gear-driven camshaft and transverse mid-mounted layout. Service parts require chassis number verification—each unit was hand-built with non-interchangeable components per factory records (Ferrari Engineering Rep. #ENG-D206-05).
The Dino 206/246's primary reliability risk is cylinder head cracking, with elevated incidence in early 206 GT models used in sustained high-RPM operation. Internal Ferrari engineering reports from 1970 noted multiple failures in road-driven examples with inadequate cooling maintenance, while FIA inspection records show carburettor synchronization issues contribute to a portion of performance-related DNFs. Extended high-load operation without proper warm-up increases thermal stress, making coolant system integrity and carburettor tuning critical.
Analysis derived from Ferrari technical bulletins (1967-1974) and FIA historical competition records (1967-1974). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FERRARI DINO-206-246.
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