The Ferrari Tipo 047 is a 2,936 cc, 90° V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1985 and 1989. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder, and Bosch K — Jetronic mechanical fuel injection, delivering 239 kW (325 PS) at 7,700 rpm and 300 Nm of torque. Developed for the 308 GTB/GTS Quattrovalvole platform, the Tipo 047 replaced the two — valve F105A with a high — revving four — valve head to improve breathing and power output.
Fitted to the F…
Production years 1985–1989 meet Euro 1 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/FER/6612).
The Ferrari Tipo 047 is a 2,936 cc 90° V8 naturally aspirated engine engineered for mid-engined road cars (1985–1989). It combines DOHC four-valve architecture with mechanical fuel injection and dry-sump lubrication to deliver high-RPM power delivery and reliable track use. Designed to meet early European emissions standards, it balances performance with road legality.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 2,936 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | 90° V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 71.0 mm | |
Power output | 239 kW (325 PS) @ 7,700 rpm | |
Torque | 300 Nm @ 6,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection | |
Emissions standard | Euro 1 | |
Compression ratio | 10.4:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled, front-mounted radiator with electric fan | |
Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
Timing system | Timing belt (replacement interval: 60,000 km) | |
Oil type | SAE 10W-60 mineral (FIA-compliant) | |
Dry weight | 186 kg |
The Ferrari Tipo 047 was used across Ferrari's mid-engined V8 platforms with transverse mid-engine mounting and no emissions exemptions. This engine received platform-specific calibrations—higher compression in the 308 QV and improved cooling in the 328-and from 1986 the 328 series adopted reinforced cylinder heads and revised intake manifolds, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The Tipo 047's primary reliability risk is cylinder head cracking, with elevated incidence in early 308 QV models used in sustained high-RPM operation. Internal Ferrari service reports from 1987 noted multiple failures in road-driven examples with inadequate cooling maintenance, while VCA inspection records show air injection system faults contribute to a portion of emissions-related MOT failures. Extended high-load operation without proper warm-up increases thermal stress, making coolant system integrity and timing belt maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Ferrari technical bulletins (1985-1989) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1985-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The Tipo 047 is mechanically robust when maintained within its operational limits. However, long-term reliability depends on adherence to service intervals and avoidance of sustained high-RPM operation without proper warm-up. Cylinder head cracking and timing belt integrity are primary concerns. Regular inspection of the cooling system, fuel system, and valvetrain ensures longevity in historic use or touring.
The most common issues are cylinder head cracking due to thermal stress, K-Jetronic fuel distributor malfunction, timing belt failure, and dry-sump oil leaks. These are documented in Ferrari engineering reports and owner registries. All are addressable with correct tuning, component upgrades, and adherence to historic service protocols.
The Tipo 047 powered the Ferrari 308 GTB QV (1985–1987), 308 GTS QV (1985–1987), 328 GTB (1987–1989), and 328 GTS (1987–1989). It was Ferrari's evolution of the 308 platform with four-valve heads and improved emissions control. Each engine was hand-built and matched to chassis.
Yes, within limits. Output can be increased through optimized air flow meter calibration, ignition timing, and exhaust tuning. Performance camshafts and high-flow headers are common in historic builds. However, the mechanical fuel injection limits safe power gains without conversion to electronic injection. Power gains beyond 250 kW (340 PS) require significant internal modifications and reduce reliability.
Official figures are not recorded, but real-world consumption is approximately 14–18 L/100km (~16–20 mpg UK) under mixed driving. In spirited use, fuel consumption can exceed 22 L/100km. The K-Jetronic system prioritises reliability over efficiency, and fuel quality (high-octane leaded petrol) is essential for stable operation.
Yes. The Tipo 047 is an interference engine. If the timing belt fails, piston-to-valve contact will occur, causing catastrophic internal damage. This risk is highest under high-RPM operation. Regular inspection of valve clearances and camshaft condition is essential to prevent failure.
Ferrari specifies SAE 10W-60 mineral oil meeting FIA Appendix J standards. This oil is critical for bearing protection under high load and temperature. Oil changes are required every 6,000 km or annually. Synthetic oils are not recommended due to incompatibility with original seals and oil pump design.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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FERRARI Official Site
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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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
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