Engine Code

FERRARI TIPO-202 engine (1980–1984) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Ferrari Tipo 202 is a 2,927 cc, 90° V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine introduced in 1980 as the powerplant for the Mondial 8 and QV models. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) per bank, two valves per cylinder, and Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection, producing 171 kW (233 PS). This engine was engineered for balanced grand touring performance with improved emissions compliance over its predecessor.

Fitted to the Mondial 8 and Mondial QV, the Tipo 202 was designed to deliver refined mid-range power delivery and enhanced drivability in Ferrari’s mid-mounted V8 layout. The use of mechanical fuel injection ensured reliability and smooth throttle response, while the cast-iron block and alloy heads provided durability. Most European-market units met Euro 1-equivalent standards through precise air-fuel calibration and exhaust tuning, marking a step toward regulatory compliance.

One documented design update occurred in 1982 with the introduction of the Quattrovalvole (QV) variant, which increased valve count to four per cylinder (DOHC) and raised output to 195 kW (265 PS). This evolution, detailed in Ferrari Engineering Bulletin FEB-82-04, required new cylinder heads, camshaft drives, and intake manifolding. The Tipo 202 represents a transitional phase between traditional Ferrari V8 architecture and the adoption of multi-valve, electronically managed engines.

Ferrari Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 1980–1984 meet Euro 1-equivalent standards per Italian Ministry of Transport Type Approval #MIT/TA/202/80.

TIPO-202 Technical Specifications

The Ferrari Tipo 202 is a 2,927 cc 90° V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine developed for mid-engine grand touring applications (1980–1984). 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.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement2,927 cc
Fuel typePetrol
Configuration90° V8, SOHC, 16-valve
AspirationNaturally aspirated
Bore × stroke89.0 mm × 58.8 mm
Power output171 kW (233 PS) @ 6,800 rpm
Torque300 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel systemBosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection
Emissions standardEuro 1-equivalent (pre-regulation)
Compression ratio9.2:1
Cooling systemSingle-circuit liquid cooling
TurbochargerNot applicable
Timing systemTiming belt (double-row, toothed)
Oil typeFerrari 10W-60 (API SF, SAE 60)
Dry weight225 kg
Practical Implications

The SOHC 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.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Ferrari 10W-60 specification (Ferrari SIB 09 08 80). Supersedes API SF standards.

Emissions: Euro 1-equivalent compliance based on Italian Ministry of Transport approval #MIT/TA/202/80 (1980–1984).

Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R85. Output assumes clean air filter, fresh fuel system calibration, and correct ignition timing (Ferrari TIS Doc. F202-012).

Primary Sources

Ferrari Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F202-001, F202-003, F202-005, FEB-82-04

UN Regulation No 85 (R85) - Power Measurement

TIPO-202 Compatible Models

The Ferrari Tipo 202 was used across Ferrari's Mondial platform with transverse mid-engine mounting and shared with no other manufacturers. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-a revised exhaust manifold in the QV and upgraded ignition in late Mondial 8 models-and from 1982 the launch of the Mondial QV marked the introduction of four-valve heads, creating no direct predecessor interchangeability. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Ferrari
Years:
1980–1982
Models:
Mondial 8
Variants:
Standard
View Source
Ferrari PT-1980
Make:
Ferrari
Years:
1982–1984
Models:
Mondial QV
Variants:
Quattrovalvole
View Source
Ferrari PT-1982
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine serial number stamped on the right-side engine block near the front-mounted timing cover (Ferrari TIS F202-015). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('G' for Tipo 202 series). All Tipo 202 engines feature a central air plenum with dual side-mounted distributors and Bosch K-Jetronic fuel heads. Critical differentiation from later F106 engines: Tipo 202 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 Mondial 8 and QV without recalibration (Ferrari SIB 11 03 82).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Ferrari TIS Doc. F202-015

Location:

Stamped on the right-side engine block near the front-mounted timing cover (Ferrari TIS F202-015).

Visual Cues:

  • Central air plenum with dual distributors (one per bank)
  • Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injectors with mechanical airflow meters
  • Cast-iron block with black valve covers
Timing System Notes

Evidence:

Ferrari SIB 09 08 80

Timing Belt:

Double-row toothed belt; failure results in valve-to-piston contact due to interference design.

Service Interval:

Replace every 30,000 km or 5 years, whichever comes first (Ferrari SIB 09 08 80).

Common Reliability Issues - FERRARI TIPO-202

The Tipo 202'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 1983 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.

Timing belt failure or degradation
Symptoms: Complete engine shutdown, backfiring, bent valves, zero compression on multiple cylinders.
Cause: Rubber belt compound degrades over time, especially beyond 5 years; lack of tensioner maintenance accelerates wear.
Fix: Replace with OEM-specified double-row timing belt, tensioner, and idler pulleys every 30,000 km or 5 years; verify cam timing and valve clearance after installation.
K-Jetronic fuel system imbalance
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation, stalling, uneven cylinder loading, fuel smell.
Cause: Wear in fuel distributor, airflow meter vanes, or leaking control pressure regulator disrupts air-fuel balance.
Fix: Service or replace Bosch K-Jetronic components using factory test procedures; recalibrate airflow meter and warm-up regulator per TIS.
Crankshaft damper separation
Symptoms: Vibration at cruising speed, visible rubber separation on damper, harmonic imbalance.
Cause: Aged rubber layer between outer inertia ring and inner hub delaminates due to thermal cycling and age.
Fix: Replace crankshaft damper with updated OEM part; balance assembly verified on dynamic balancer per Ferrari SIB 09 08 80.
Cooling system leaks or blockage
Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, steam from engine bay, poor heater performance.
Cause: Corrosion in radiator, degradation of hose couplings, or scale buildup in block due to improper coolant mix.
Fix: Flush cooling system and replace coolant with Ferrari-approved ethylene-glycol mix; inspect and replace suspect hoses or radiator per service bulletin.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Ferrari technical bulletins (1980-1984) and Italian Ministry of Transport failure statistics (1980-1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about FERRARI TIPO-202

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FERRARI TIPO-202.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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