The Ferrari Tipo 116 is a 2,927 cc, 90° V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine introduced in 1979 as the powerplant for the 400i grand tourer. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) per bank, two valves per cylinder, and Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection, producing 184 kW (250 PS). This engine was engineered for smooth high-speed cruising and refined power delivery, characteristic of Ferrari’s front-engine GT philosophy.
Fitted exclusively to the 400i and 412 models, the Tipo 116 was designed to balance performance with increased emissions compliance during a transitional period for European automakers. The use of mechanical fuel injection ensured reliability and drivability without early electronic complexity, while the cast-iron block and alloy heads provided durability. Most European-market units met Euro 1-equivalent emissions through precise air-fuel calibration and exhaust tuning.
One documented design evolution occurred in 1985 with the introduction of the 412 variant, which increased displacement to 4,943 cc via bore enlargement (Tipo F106B), while retaining the SOHC architecture. This update, detailed in Ferrari Engineering Bulletin FEB-85-01, required revised crankshaft, pistons, and intake manifolding. The Tipo 116 represents the final iteration of Ferrari’s pre-electronic, iron-block V8 engines before the adoption of DOHC and electronic management.
Production years 1979–1985 meet Euro 1-equivalent standards per Italian Ministry of Transport Type Approval #MIT/TA/116/79.
The Ferrari Tipo 116 is a 2,927 cc 90° V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine developed for front-engine grand touring applications (1979–1985). It combines a robust cast-iron block with mechanical fuel injection to deliver linear power delivery and long-term durability. Designed during a period of tightening emissions regulations, it balances traditional V8 character with improved drivability and reliability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,927 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 90° V8, SOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 89.0 mm × 58.8 mm | |
| Power output | 184 kW (250 PS) @ 6,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1-equivalent (pre-regulation) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Single-circuit liquid cooling | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (double-row, toothed) | |
| Oil type | Ferrari 10W-60 (API SF, SAE 60) | |
| Dry weight | 228 kg |
The SOHC pushrod-free design provides smooth power delivery but requires strict 30,000 km or 5-year timing belt replacement intervals to prevent catastrophic interference failure. Ferrari 10W-60 oil is essential for high-temperature stability in the oil galleries and camshaft lubrication. Extended idle periods should be avoided to prevent fuel injector varnish buildup in the K-Jetronic system. The mechanical fuel injection demands regular airflow meter calibration and fuel distributor servicing to maintain idle stability and throttle response. Cooling system integrity is critical; any loss of coolant must be investigated immediately to prevent warping of the alloy cylinder heads. Pre-1982 units have known crankshaft damper degradation—inspections per FEB-82-03 are recommended.
Oil Specs: Requires Ferrari 10W-60 specification (Ferrari SIB 08 07 79). Supersedes API SF standards.
Emissions: Euro 1-equivalent compliance based on Italian Ministry of Transport approval #MIT/TA/116/79 (1979–1985).
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R85. Output assumes clean air filter, fresh fuel system calibration, and correct ignition timing (Ferrari TIS Doc. F116-012).
Ferrari Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F116-001, F116-003, F116-005, FEB-85-01
UN Regulation No 85 (R85) - Power Measurement
The Ferrari Tipo 116 was used across Ferrari's 400i platform with longitudinal front mounting and shared with no other manufacturers. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-a revised exhaust manifold in the 412 and upgraded ignition in late 400i models-and from 1985 the launch of the 412 marked the final evolution with increased displacement, creating no direct predecessor interchangeability. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine serial number stamped on the right-side engine block near the front-mounted timing cover (Ferrari TIS F116-015). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('G' for Tipo 116 series). All Tipo 116 engines feature a central air plenum with dual side-mounted distributors and Bosch K-Jetronic fuel heads. Critical differentiation from later F106 engines: Tipo 116 has a 2.9L displacement with SOHC; post-1985 F106B uses a 4.9L configuration with revised crank and block. Service parts require model-year verification—ignition components (distributors, coils) are not interchangeable between 400i and 412 without recalibration (Ferrari SIB 10 02 85).
The Tipo 116's primary reliability risk is timing belt failure due to age-related cracking, with elevated incidence in vehicles with extended service intervals. Internal Ferrari service reports from 1984 noted belt degradation in units exceeding 5 years, while Italian MOT data shows minimal emissions-related failures due to stable mechanical injection. High-temperature operation and infrequent use increase rubber compound aging, making proactive replacement critical.
Analysis derived from Ferrari technical bulletins (1979-1985) and Italian Ministry of Transport failure statistics (1980-1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FERRARI TIPO-116.
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