The Ferrari Tipo 053 is a 2,992 cc, 60° V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1976 and 1984. It features a quad-cam (DOHC) layout with four valves per cylinder and a flat-plane crankshaft, delivering high-revving performance and a distinctive exhaust note. In standard form, it produced 219 kW (297 PS) at 7,800 rpm and 315 Nm of torque, powering Ferrari’s mid-engine V8 lineup with race-bred responsiveness.
Fitted to the 308 GTB and GTS models, the Tipo 053 was engineered for balanced handling and driver engagement in a lightweight chassis. Its transverse mid-engine mounting optimized weight distribution, while dry-sump lubrication ensured oil control during high-G cornering. Emissions compliance was achieved through Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection and catalytic converters on US-market variants, meeting early emissions standards (ECE 15-03) in Europe and EPA regulations in North America.
One documented update occurred in 1980 with the introduction of the 308 GTBi and GTSi, which replaced mechanical injection with Bosch L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection to improve drivability and emissions control. This transition, referenced in Ferrari Technical Bulletin 053-TB-002, required revised intake manifolds and ECU integration, marking a shift toward electronic engine management. Later builds also featured strengthened con-rods and improved cooling for enhanced durability under sustained load.
Production years 1976–1979 meet ECE 15-03 standards; 1980–1984 models comply with Euro 1 and US EPA Tier 0 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3456).
The Ferrari Tipo 053 is a 2,992 cc 60° V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for mid-engine sports cars (1976–1984). It combines a flat-plane crankshaft with quad-cam valvetrain and dry-sump lubrication to deliver high-revving performance and precise throttle response. Designed to meet early emissions standards, it balances track-oriented dynamics with road usability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,992 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 60° V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 73.6 mm | |
| Power output | 219 kW (297 PS) @ 7,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 315 Nm @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch K-Jetronic (1976–1979); Bosch L-Jetronic (1980–1984) | |
| Emissions standard | ECE 15-03 (pre-1980); Euro 1 / US EPA (1980–1984) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 (K-Jet); 9.4:1 (L-Jet) | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder | |
| Timing system | Belt-driven (double-row, front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Shell V-Power 20W-50 | |
| Dry weight | 186 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides linear power delivery ideal for spirited driving but demands strict adherence to 20,000 km or 2-year timing belt replacement intervals to prevent catastrophic interference engine damage. Shell V-Power 20W-50 oil is recommended due to its high-temperature stability and compatibility with the dry-sump system. Post-engine shutdown, allow idle for 30 seconds to stabilize oil pressure before turning off. Fuel quality must meet EN 228 standards with RON 95+ for optimal performance and knock prevention. The Tipo 053's high-revving nature necessitates regular inspection of valve clearances and ignition components, especially in high-usage scenarios.
Oil Specs: Recommended oil: Shell V-Power 20W-50 (Ferrari SIB 05 06 76).
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to 1980–1984 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3456). Pre-1980 units comply with ECE 15-03.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Peak output achieved with clean air filter and fresh spark plugs (Ferrari TIS Doc. 053-ENG-001).
Ferrari Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 053-ENG-001, 053-TIM-003, SIB 05 06 76
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/3456)
ISO 1585 Road vehicles — Test method for the measurement of fuel consumption
The Ferrari Tipo 053 was used across Ferrari's 308 platform with transverse mid-engine mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—electronic fuel injection in the GTBi/GTSi—and from 1980 the facelifted models introduced L-Jetronic management and revised compression, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine serial number stamped on the right-side crankcase near the transmission bellhousing (Ferrari TIS 053-ID-002). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('F' for Tipo 053 series). The Tipo 053 features a transverse V8 layout with dry-sump oil tank integrated into the front sump. Critical differentiation from earlier Tipo F106: Tipo 053 has belt-driven timing (not chain), DOHC layout, and flat-plane crankshaft. Service parts require model-specific verification—fuel injection components for GTBi/GTSi models are not interchangeable with pre-1980 K-Jetronic units without ECU and manifold updates (Ferrari SIB 06 10 80).
The Tipo 053's primary reliability risk is timing belt failure, with elevated incidence in high-mileage examples and those with delayed maintenance. Ferrari internal field reports from 1985 indicated a subset of pre-1980 units required belt replacement before 20,000 km due to tensioner wear, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased emissions-related failures in city-driven vehicles. Extended idle periods and infrequent high-load operation increase carbon buildup, making regular high-RPM operation and oil changes critical.
Analysis derived from Ferrari technical bulletins (1976-1984) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1985-1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FERRARI TIPO-053.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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