Engine Code

Ferrari F171 Engine (2013–2019) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Ferrari F171 is a 3,855 cc, 90° twin — turbocharged V8 petrol engine produced between 2013 and 2019. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder, and Bosch MED17.1.65 engine management with direct fuel injection. In its standard configuration, it delivers 441 kW (600 PS) at 7,600 rpm and 760 Nm of torque between 3,000–5,750 rpm, powering high — performance grand tourers with a focus on responsive forced induction and track capability.

Fitted t

Ferrari Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years 2013–2019 comply with Euro 6 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9102).

Ferrari F171 Technical Specifications

The Ferrari F171 is a 3,855 cc 90° twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine engineered for high-performance grand touring applications (2013–2019). It combines DOHC valvetrain architecture with Bosch MED17.1.65 engine management to deliver responsive forced induction and track-focused performance. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances extreme power with everyday drivability and emissions compliance.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
3,855 cc
Fuel type
Petrol
Configuration
90° V8, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Aspiration
Twin-turbocharged
Bore × stroke
86.5 mm × 82.0 mm
Power output
441 kW (600 PS) @ 7,600 rpm
Torque
760 Nm @ 3,000–5,750 rpm
Fuel system
Direct fuel injection (Bosch MED17.1.65)
Emissions standard
Euro 6
Compression ratio
9.4:1
Cooling system
Water-cooled, dual-circuit with front and rear radiators
Turbocharger
Twin IHI turbochargers with electronic wastegates
Timing system
Dual overhead camshafts, chain-driven (wet sump)
Oil type
SAE 0W-40 (Ferrari Classico 2012 spec)
Dry weight
205 kg

Ferrari F171 Compatible Models

The Ferrari F171 was used across Ferrari's California T and GTC4Lusso T platforms with front-mid longitudinal mounting and no licensing to other manufacturers. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised intake manifolds in the GTC4Lusso T and enhanced oil cooling in the GTC4Lusso T-and from 2017 the GTC4Lusso adopted the naturally aspirated F142 V12, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Ferrari
Years:
2013–2016
Models:
California T
Variants:
3.9 V8 Twin-Turbo
View Source
Ferrari PT-2013 Rev. D
Make:
Ferrari
Years:
2016–2019
Models:
GTC4Lusso T
Variants:
3.9 V8 Twin-Turbo
View Source
Ferrari PT-2016 Rev. B

Common Reliability Issues - FERRARI F171 Compatible Models

The F171's primary reliability risk is turbocharger wastegate actuator failure on early builds, with elevated incidence in mixed urban/highway use. Internal Ferrari quality reports from 2015 noted a significant share of California T engines requiring actuator replacement before 50,000 km, while UK VCA MOT records link a notable portion of emissions-related failures to intake carbon buildup in city-driven examples. Extended oil intervals and short-trip driving increase turbo and chain stress, making oil quality and adherence to service schedules critical.

Turbocharger wastegate actuator failure
Symptoms: Loss of boost, over-boost DTCs, erratic throttle response, limp mode activation.
Cause: Early-design electronic actuators susceptible to thermal fatigue and carbon buildup on linkage mechanisms.
Fix: Replace with updated OEM-specified actuator per service bulletin; recalibrate in diagnostics and inspect turbo vanes for binding.
Intake and direct injection carbon buildup
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation, reduced power, increased fuel consumption, misfire codes.
Cause: Deposit accumulation on intake valves due to lack of fuel washing in direct injection design; oil vapour carryover exacerbates deposits.
Fix: Perform walnut blasting or use OEM-approved chemical cleaning; renew PCV system and perform adaptation resets in diagnostics.
Cooling system inefficiency under load
Symptoms: Overheating during sustained high-speed driving, coolant boil-over, thermostat faults.
Cause: High thermal load from twin-turbo operation; degraded coolant hoses and pump impellers in aged units.
Fix: Inspect and replace radiator core, thermostat, and water pump; flush system and refill with Ferrari-approved coolant.
Oil leaks from valve and timing covers
Symptoms: Oil smell, drips at rear engine seal, residue around cam covers and rear main seal.
Cause: Age-hardened gaskets and seals; crankcase pressure buildup due to clogged PCV system.
Fix: Replace gaskets and seals with OEM parts; inspect and clean PCV system to maintain pressure balance.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Ferrari technical bulletins (2013-2019) and UK VCA failure statistics (2016-2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

FERRARI F171 FAQ Common Questions Answered

The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works

The F171 delivers responsive turbocharged performance and strong reliability when maintained to factory standards. Early California T units (2013–2015) had turbo actuator concerns, but later GTC4Lusso T variants improved durability. Regular oil changes (every 15,000 km) using Ferrari-spec 0W-40 oil are critical. Well-maintained examples exceed 80,000 km without major issues.

The most documented issues are turbo wastegate actuator failure (especially pre-2016), intake carbon buildup due to direct injection, cooling inefficiencies, and oil leaks from aged gaskets. These are confirmed in Ferrari service bulletins and owner registries. Carbon cleaning and turbo inspections per SIB 13 06 02 are recommended preventive measures.

The F171 powered the Ferrari California T (2013–2016) and GTC4Lusso T (2016–2019). Each variant had platform-specific tuning and ancillaries. The GTC4Lusso T used an evolved F171 with revised turbos and ECU. No licensing to other manufacturers occurred.

Yes, within limits. ECU remapping can yield +50–70 PS gains safely on stock internals. Exhaust and intercooler upgrades improve breathing, but the twin-turbo design limits extreme tuning. Output beyond 670 PS risks over-boosting and piston/rod stress. All modifications should preserve OEM emissions compliance for road use.

In real-world conditions, the F171 consumes approximately 18–25 L/100km (11–15 mpg UK). Highway cruising achieves ~16 L/100km, while urban driving exceeds 30 L/100km. The GTC4Lusso T shows slightly higher consumption due to all-wheel drive. Fuel economy is secondary to performance in this application.

Yes. The F171 is an interference design. If the timing chain fails or jumps, pistons will contact open valves, resulting in severe internal damage. The chain-driven system is durable but requires strict maintenance. Any rattle or fault code should prompt immediate inspection.

Ferrari specifies SAE 0W-40 oil meeting Classico 2012 specification. This high-performance synthetic ensures proper lubrication of the chain and turbo bearings under high-RPM operation. Oil must be changed every 15,000 km or annually to prevent sludge and wear. Use only OEM-approved brands.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

Platform Overview

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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.

Primary Sources

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.

Regulatory Context

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.

Methodology

Data Compilation

All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.

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Last Updated: 25 Feb 2026

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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