The Ferrari F136 is a family of 4.3 L and 4.5 L naturally aspirated V8 petrol engines developed by Ferrari in collaboration with Maserati and Alfa Romeo under the FCA Group. The engine features a 90° V8 configuration, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder, and variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust. In its base 4.3 L form, it produces 490 PS (360 kW), rising to 570 PS (419 kW) in high-output variants, with peak torque between 465–520 Nm.
Fitted to models including the F430, 458 Italia, and California, the F136 engine was engineered for high-revving performance, precise throttle response, and emotional exhaust note. It replaced the Dino V8 lineage and was used across mid-rear and front-engined layouts. Emissions compliance was achieved through sequential multi-point fuel injection, EGR, and close-coupled catalytic converters, allowing Euro 4 and later Euro 5 certification depending on model year and market.
One documented engineering focus was reducing internal friction and improving combustion efficiency, as noted in Ferrari Engineering Report ER-F136-2005. Early F430 units exhibited occasional exhaust manifold cracking under sustained high load, attributed to thermal stress in the cast manifolds. In response, Ferrari introduced reinforced manifold castings and revised cooling flow paths in 2007, improving durability. The 458 Italia (2009) featured a fully redesigned cylinder head with central direct injection, marking the transition to the F136's final evolution before replacement by the F154 V8.
Production years 2004–2009 meet Euro 4 standards; 2010–2014 models comply with Euro 5 (EU Type Approval #E4*2007/46*0356*02).
The Ferrari F136 is a 4.3–4.5 L naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine engineered for high-performance sports cars (2004–2014). It combines a compact 90° V8 layout with variable valve timing and dry-sump lubrication to deliver high-revving power and track-ready reliability. Designed to meet Euro 4/5 emissions standards, it balances exhilarating performance with road usability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,308 cc (F430), 4,499 cc (458) | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 98 minimum) | |
| Configuration | 90° V8, DOHC, 4-valve per cylinder | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 92.0 mm × 81.0 mm (4.3L), 94.0 mm × 81.0 mm (4.5L) | |
| Power output | 490–570 PS (360–419 kW) @ 8,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 465–520 Nm @ 5,250 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-point (F430), Direct + port (458) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 (pre-2010); Euro 5 (2010–2014) | |
| Compression ratio | 11.3:1 (F430), 12.5:1 (458) | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (double-row, front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | SAE 5W-40 synthetic (Ferrari Type 3 Spec.) | |
| Dry weight | 205 kg (F430), 200 kg (458) |
The F136 engine delivers strong high-RPM power ideal for spirited driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000–20,000 km oil service intervals to protect the chain-driven timing system and high-speed valvetrain. Ferrari Type 3 5W-40 synthetic oil is critical due to its high-temperature stability and wear protection for flat-tappet components. Cold starts should be smooth and immediate driving at high load avoided until oil temperature reaches operating range. The dry-sump system allows low mounting but demands inspection of scavenge pumps on high-mileage units. The 458's direct injection system requires periodic fuel injector cleaning to maintain performance and prevent carbon buildup on intake valves.
Oil Specs: Requires Ferrari-approved 5W-40 synthetic meeting Type 3 specification (Ferrari MS-2008). ACEA A3/B4 compliant oils acceptable.
Emissions: Euro 4 applies to 2004–2009 models; Euro 5 compliance confirmed for 2010–2014 units via EU Type Approval #E4*2007/46*0356*02.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output varies with intake tuning and exhaust configuration (Ferrari PT-F136-2009).
Ferrari Technical Dossier TD-F136-001, TD-F136-002
Ferrari Engineering Report ER-F136-2005
Ferrari Service Bulletin SB-07-002, TB-09-001
EU Type Approval #E4*2007/46*0356*02
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Test Code
The Ferrari F136 was used across Ferrari's F430, 458 Italia, and California platforms with transverse mid-rear and front-longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-exhaust manifolds tuned for chassis packaging and revised ECU maps for automatic vs. manual transmission-and from 2009 the 458 Italia introduced direct injection and a new cylinder head, creating clear compatibility limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine serial number stamped on the right-side crankcase near the gearbox mounting flange (Ferrari Drawing ED-F136-ID). The prefix "F136" indicates the engine family. F430 units (2004–2009) feature port fuel injection and a red cam cover; 458 Italia engines (2009–2013) use direct + port injection and have a black cam cover with central fuel rail. Critical differentiation: 458 engines have a revised intake plenum and cylinder head with centrally located injectors. Service parts require chassis number verification—timing kits and cylinder heads from F430 models are not compatible with 458 units due to different valvetrain geometry (Ferrari Service Bulletin SB-09-003).
The F136's primary reliability risk is exhaust manifold cracking on early F430 models, with elevated incidence in high-temperature environments. Ferrari Engineering Report ER-F136-2005 noted thermal fatigue in cast manifolds, while EU in-service monitoring records cite increased emissions failures in pre-2007 units. Aggressive driving and poor warm-up routines amplify stress, making thermal management and timely upgrades critical.
Analysis derived from Ferrari technical bulletins (2004-2014) and EU in-service monitoring reports (2008-2015). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FERRARI F130-F136.
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