Engine Code

FERRARI F154CA_F154CH engine (2013–present) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Ferrari F154CA–F154CH is a 3,855 cc, 90° twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine introduced in 2013 as part of Ferrari's new downsized, forced-induction strategy. It features a flat-plane crankshaft, direct fuel injection (EFI), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) per bank, delivering high specific output and motorsport-derived responsiveness. This architecture enables outputs from 441 kW (600 PS) to over 530 kW (720 PS) depending on application.

Deployed across Ferrari’s GT and sports series, including the F8 Tributo, GTC4Lusso T, and Portofino M, the F154 engine family was engineered for high-revving performance, linear throttle response, and everyday drivability in grand touring configurations. Emissions compliance is achieved via precise air-fuel control, secondary air injection, and close-coupled three-way catalysts, meeting Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards across model variants.

One documented technical evolution is the transition from F154B to F154C architecture in 2019, highlighted in Ferrari Engineering Bulletin EB-F154-002. This update introduced higher-pressure fuel injection (up to 350 bar), revised turbocharger housings, and enhanced crankcase ventilation to improve combustion efficiency and reliability under sustained high load. These changes support higher specific power while maintaining durability.

Ferrari Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2013–2015 meet Euro 5 standards; 2016–present models comply with Euro 6d-TEMP (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).

F154CA_F154CH Technical Specifications

The Ferrari F154CA–F154CH is a 3,855 cc 90° twin-turbocharged V8 engineered for high-performance GT and sports models (2013–present). It combines flat-plane crankshaft dynamics with high-pressure direct injection and compact twin-scroll turbochargers to deliver track-focused responsiveness and elevated power density. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards in latest variants, it balances extreme performance with improved fuel efficiency and drivability.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement3,855 cc
Fuel typePetrol (Unleaded, 98 RON minimum)
Configuration90° V8, DOHC, 32-valve, flat-plane crankshaft
AspirationTwin-turbocharged
Bore × stroke86.5 mm × 82.0 mm
Power output441–530 kW (600–720 PS)
Torque760–770 Nm @ 3,000–5,250 rpm
Fuel systemHigh-pressure direct injection (up to 350 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 5 (pre-2016); Euro 6d-TEMP (2016–present)
Compression ratio9.4:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled, dual-circuit
TurbochargerTwin IHI turbochargers with electronic wastegates
Timing systemDual chain (primary and secondary)
Oil typeFerrari Formula 0810 0W-40 (API SN/SP, ACEA C3)
Dry weight208 kg
Practical Implications

The flat-plane V8 with twin turbochargers delivers race-derived throttle response and high-RPM power, but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km or 2-year oil change intervals using Ferrari Formula 0810 0W-40 to maintain turbo bearing and timing chain longevity. High-temperature operation requires periodic inspection of intercooler efficiency and charge piping integrity. Fuel quality is critical—minimum 98 RON is required to prevent knock and protect high-pressure injectors. Post-2019 models with 350-bar injection show improved combustion stability; earlier units should avoid prolonged low-RPM operation to reduce carbon buildup. Catalyst monitoring is essential for emissions compliance, particularly in urban environments.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Ferrari Formula 0810 0W-40 (ACEA C3) specification (Ferrari SIB-MECH-015). Compatible with API SN/SP standards.

Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP certification applies to post-2016 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Pre-2016 variants meet Euro 5 standards.

Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 530 kW output requires full service history and calibration verification (Ferrari PT-2023).

Primary Sources

Ferrari Technical Information System (TIS): Docs P0720, P0722, P0725, EB-F154-002

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)

SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards

F154CA_F154CH Compatible Models

The Ferrari F154CA–F154CH was used across Ferrari's mid-rear platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared architecture with Maserati for high-performance applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-torque vectoring integration in the GTC4Lusso T and revised intake tuning in the Portofino M-and from 2019 the updated F8 Tributo adopted the F154CH variant with enhanced turbo response, creating interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Maserati's Levante GTS to leverage Ferrari's twin-turbo V8 design. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Ferrari
Years:
2015-2019
Models:
488 GTB
Variants:
F154CA
View Source
Ferrari Group PT-2023
Make:
Ferrari
Years:
2016-2019
Models:
488 Spider
Variants:
F154CA
View Source
Ferrari Group PT-2023
Make:
Ferrari
Years:
2017-2020
Models:
GTC4Lusso T
Variants:
F154CB
View Source
Ferrari TIS Doc. P0720
Make:
Ferrari
Years:
2019-2023
Models:
F8 Tributo
Variants:
F154CH
View Source
Ferrari Group PT-2023
Make:
Maserati
Years:
2019-2022
Models:
Levante GTS
Variants:
F154-based 3.8L V8
View Source
Maserati EPC #M-889
Make:
Ferrari
Years:
2021-present
Models:
Portofino M
Variants:
F154CH
View Source
Ferrari TIS Doc. P0722
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine serial number stamped on the right-side engine block near the transmission bellhousing (Ferrari TIS P0728). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('G' for F154 series). F154CA units have silver valve covers with red 'Ferrari' script; F154CH models feature black ceramic-coated manifolds and revised intake plenums. Critical differentiation from Maserati units: Ferrari variants use Bosch MED 17.7.3 ECU with proprietary calibration, while Maserati applications use modified firmware. Service parts require model-year verification—turbochargers for F8 Tributo (F154CH) are not compatible with earlier 488 models due to updated wastegate actuation (Ferrari SIB-TURBO-009).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Ferrari TIS Doc. P0728

Location:

Engine serial number stamped on the right-side block near the bellhousing (Ferrari TIS P0728).

Visual Cues:

  • F154CA: Silver valve covers, standard turbo housings
  • F154CH: Black ceramic-coated exhaust manifolds, revised intake
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

Ferrari SIB-TURBO-009

Turbocharger:

F8 Tributo (F154CH) turbochargers are not interchangeable with 488 GTB (F154CA) due to electronic wastegate and housing redesign per OEM documentation.

E C U Calibration:

Bosch MED 17.7.3 ECU requires model-specific calibration; cross-model installation without reprogramming will result in fault codes.
Oil System Maintenance

Issue:

Extended oil intervals or incorrect viscosity can lead to turbocharger bearing wear and reduced timing chain lubrication.

Evidence:

Ferrari SIB-MECH-015

Recommendation:

Adhere to 15,000 km or 2-year oil change intervals using Ferrari Formula 0810 0W-40. Inspect oil cooler flow and filter condition during service.

Common Reliability Issues - FERRARI F154CA_F154CH

The F154CA–F154CH's primary reliability risk is turbocharger wastegate actuator wear, with elevated incidence in mixed urban/highway use. Internal Ferrari service data from 2020 reported increased turbo-related DTCs in pre-2019 builds, while UK DVSA MOT records indicate a rising trend in emissions system faults for high-mileage examples. Short-trip driving and delayed oil changes exacerbate turbo and CCV stress, making fluid integrity and thermal management critical.

Turbocharger wastegate actuator failure
Symptoms: Loss of boost pressure, over-boost DTCs, uneven turbo spool, check engine light.
Cause: Mechanical wear in the electronic wastegate actuator linkage; early designs prone to binding under thermal cycling and carbon accumulation.
Fix: Replace actuator assembly with updated OEM part; recalibrate via diagnostic tool and inspect for boost leaks in charge piping.
Crankcase ventilation (CCV) clogging
Symptoms: Rough idle, oil consumption, vacuum leaks, elevated crankcase pressure, misfires.
Cause: Oil mist and combustion byproducts accumulate in the CCV system, restricting flow and causing pressure imbalances.
Fix: Clean or replace CCV assembly per service bulletin; inspect hoses and breather filters for blockage.
High-pressure fuel pump degradation
Symptoms: Hard starts, lean misfires, fuel pressure DTCs, reduced power under load.
Cause: Wear in the cam-driven high-pressure pump (350 bar) due to fuel quality or thermal stress.
Fix: Replace pump with latest-spec OEM unit; verify fuel rail pressure and injector calibration post-replacement.
Timing chain tensioner wear
Symptoms: Rattling at cold start, timing correlation faults, reduced oil pressure.
Cause: Chain tensioner piston wear in early F154CA units, exacerbated by delayed oil changes and high-temperature operation.
Fix: Install updated tensioner and guide rails per SIB-MECH-015; verify chain elongation and oil flow to upper guides.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Ferrari technical bulletins (2015-2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about FERRARI F154CA_F154CH

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FERRARI F154CA_F154CH.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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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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