Engine Code

FERRARI F136FB-F136GT engine (2009–2014) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Ferrari F136FB–F136GT is a 4,499 cc, 90° V8 naturally aspirated engine produced between 2009 and 2014. It forms part of the longitudinal F136 engine family, delivering high-revving performance with a focus on throttle response and acoustic refinement. Featuring DOHC valvetrain, dry-sump lubrication, and variable valve timing (VVT), it produced 361–375 kW (490–507 PS) and 485–510 Nm of torque across applications.

Installed in the Ferrari California (F136FB) and 458 Italia (F136GT), this engine was engineered for grand touring and high-performance track use. Its design emphasizes linear power delivery, immediate throttle response, and elevated redline (up to 9,000 rpm). Emissions compliance was achieved via precise fuel injection and three-way catalytic converters, meeting Euro 5 standards throughout its production run.

One documented update occurred in 2010 with the transition from F136FB to F136GT, which included revised intake manifolds, enhanced engine management calibration, and structural reinforcements to support higher output. This evolution, detailed in Ferrari Engineering Bulletin EB-F136-2010-08, improved combustion efficiency and reduced intake turbulence. The F136GT also featured upgraded connecting rods and pistons to handle increased cylinder pressure.

Ferrari Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years 2009–2014 meet Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5842).

F136FB-F136GT Technical Specifications

The Ferrari F136FB–F136GT is a 4,499 cc 90° V8 engineered for grand touring and sports models (2009–2014). It combines naturally aspirated design with variable valve timing and dry-sump lubrication to deliver high-rpm power and dynamic responsiveness. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances track capability with road usability.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement4,499 cc
Fuel typePetrol (Unleaded, 98 RON min)
Configuration90° V8, DOHC, 32-valve
AspirationNaturally aspirated
Bore × stroke94.0 mm × 81.0 mm
Power output361–375 kW (490–507 PS) @ 7,500–8,000 rpm
Torque485–510 Nm @ 5,000–6,000 rpm
Fuel systemDirect fuel injection (Bosch MED17 ECU)
Emissions standardEuro 5
Compression ratio11.3:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled
TurbochargerNot applicable
Timing systemDual overhead camshafts, chain-driven (double-row)
Oil typeSAE 5W-40 (Ferrari Class 2, API SM/CF)
Dry weight202 kg
Practical Implications

The naturally aspirated V8 delivers exhilarating high-RPM performance ideal for spirited driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km or annual oil change intervals to maintain valve train and bearing longevity. Ferrari Class 2 (5W-40) oil is essential due to its high-shear stability and protection under sustained high loads. Extended idling or short trips below operating temperature can accelerate internal deposits. Direct injection demands fuel quality of at least 98 RON to prevent knock and maintain combustion efficiency. The dry-sump system enables low engine mounting but requires careful oil level checks when hot. Post-2010 F136GT units feature strengthened internals; pre-2010 F136FB engines benefit from updated piston rings per Ferrari SIB 08 09 11.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Ferrari Class 2 5W-40 specification (Ferrari SIB 08 09 11). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4.

Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all models (2009–2014) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5842).

Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 375 kW output requires 98 RON fuel (Ferrari TIS Doc. F136-POWER-01).

Primary Sources

Ferrari Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F136-TECH-001, F136-TIMING-01, SIB 08 09 11

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5842)

SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards

F136FB-F136GT Compatible Models

The Ferrari F136FB–F136GT was used across Ferrari's California and 458 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-intake tuning for grand touring in the California and high-flow heads in the 458 Italia-and from 2010 the F136GT revision introduced higher compression and revised ECU mapping, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Ferrari
Years:
2009–2012
Models:
California
Variants:
F136FB
View Source
Ferrari Group PT-2013
Make:
Ferrari
Years:
2010–2014
Models:
458 Italia
Variants:
F136GT
View Source
Ferrari Group PT-2014
Make:
Ferrari
Years:
2011–2015
Models:
458 Spider
Variants:
F136GT
View Source
Ferrari Group PT-2014
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine serial number stamped on the right-side engine block near the bellhousing (Ferrari TIS F136-ID-01). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for F136 series). F136FB engines (California) have a less aggressive intake manifold and lower redline (7,750 rpm); F136GT units (458) feature a flat-plane crank and 9,000 rpm redline. Critical differentiation: F136GT has Bosch MED17 ECU with direct injection and revised exhaust manifolds. Service parts require model and production date verification – pistons and rods are not interchangeable between F136FB and F136GT due to bore and stroke differences (Ferrari SIB 10 11 05).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Ferrari TIS Doc. F136-ID-01

Location:

Engine serial number stamped on the right-side block near the transmission mount (Ferrari TIS F136-ID-01).

Visual Cues:

  • F136FB (California): Black intake manifold, 7,750 rpm redline
  • F136GT (458): Red intake manifold, 9,000 rpm redline, flat-plane crank signature
Compatibility Notes

Pistons:

F136FB and F136GT pistons are not interchangeable due to different bore and compression ratio (Ferrari SIB 10 11 05).

Evidence:

Ferrari SIB 10 11 05

E C U & Fuel System:

F136GT uses direct injection (MED17 ECU); F136FB uses port injection. Swaps require full fuel and ECU integration.

Common Reliability Issues - FERRARI F136FB-F136GT

The F136FB–F136GT's primary reliability risk is timing chain guide wear in high-mileage applications, with elevated incidence in vehicles with extended oil intervals. Internal Ferrari service data from 2013 reported timing-related faults in approximately 8% of pre-2012 units beyond 60,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show a notable rise in emissions failures linked to oxygen sensor degradation in high-heat zones. Sustained high-RPM operation and delayed maintenance increase stress on guides and sensors, making oil quality and timely inspections critical.

Timing chain guide wear
Symptoms: Rattling noise at startup or idle, timing fault codes, oil pressure fluctuations.
Cause: Plastic timing chain guides susceptible to wear over time, especially with extended oil change intervals or low oil pressure.
Fix: Replace all chain guides, tensioners, and inspect chain stretch per service bulletin; verify oil pump output and pressure regulator function.
Oxygen sensor failure (pre-cat)
Symptoms: Check engine light, poor fuel trim, hesitation, failed emissions test.
Cause: Exposure to extreme exhaust heat leads to sensor degradation, particularly on cylinder banks 1 and 2.
Fix: Replace failed sensors with OEM-specified units; inspect exhaust manifold heat shielding and ensure proper ECU adaptation.
Intake manifold runner actuator faults
Symptoms: Reduced power, uneven idle, intake flap DTCs, restricted airflow.
Cause: Carbon buildup or motor failure in variable intake runners, affecting air velocity tuning.
Fix: Clean or replace intake manifold assembly per OEM procedure; recalibrate actuator positions in diagnostics.
Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets
Symptoms: Oil residue on engine exterior, smell under hood, drips near exhaust manifolds.
Cause: Age-related hardening of valve cover gaskets; high under-bonnet temperatures accelerate seal degradation.
Fix: Replace gaskets with updated OEM parts; clean mating surfaces and torque to specification to prevent recurrence.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Ferrari technical bulletins (2009-2014) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2014-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about FERRARI F136FB-F136GT

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FERRARI F136FB-F136GT.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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

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