The Ferrari Tipo 205/B is a 3,496 cc, 90° V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1987 and 1991. It features a quad-cam, four-valve-per-cylinder design with Bosch Motronic engine management, delivering high-revving performance and strong mid-range torque. In its final application in the 348 tb and ts, it produced 220 kW (300 PS) at 7,200 rpm, with peak torque of 324 Nm available at 5,250 rpm.
Fitted exclusively to the Ferrari 348 tb, tbs, and ts models, the Tipo 205/B was engineered as a mid-engined sports car powerplant emphasizing responsiveness and driver engagement. It replaced the four-cylinder 208/308 series engines and marked Ferrari’s return to transversely mounted V8s. The engine met early Euro emissions standards through precise fuel injection and catalytic converters, though it predates modern OBD systems and particulate controls.
One documented reliability concern involves premature wear of the timing belt tensioners and guides, particularly under high-thermal-load conditions. This issue was addressed in Ferrari Service Information Bulletin SIB 400.02.008 (1989), which introduced revised materials and recommended inspection intervals. Later production units (post-1989) incorporated these updates, reducing incidence of belt slippage and valve interference events.
Production years 1987–1991 meet Euro I emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/FER/5678).
The Ferrari Tipo 205/B is a 3,496 cc 90° V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine designed for mid-rear-engined sports car applications (1987–1991). It features a transverse mounting configuration, quad-cam valvetrain, and Bosch Motronic fuel injection to deliver high-revving performance and linear throttle response. Engineered to meet early Euro emissions standards, it balances track-capable dynamics with road usability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,496 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 98 RON min) | |
| Configuration | 90° V8, DOHC (quad-cam), 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.0 mm × 77.0 mm | |
| Power output | 220 kW (300 PS) @ 7,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 324 Nm @ 5,250 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic M2.5, sequential port injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro I | |
| Compression ratio | 10.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Liquid-cooled, single-circuit | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Toothed belt (double-row, transverse rear-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Ferrari 10W-60 (ENI), API SG | |
| Dry weight | 198 kg |
The naturally aspirated design and quad-cam layout deliver high-revving performance with immediate throttle response, but demand strict adherence to 30,000 km or 4-year timing belt replacement intervals using Ferrari-specified components to prevent catastrophic failure. Oil changes with Ferrari 10W-60 are required every 15,000 km to maintain valve train longevity. Fuel quality (minimum 98 RON) directly impacts knock control and power delivery. The rear-mounted double-row timing belt system is robust but requires inspection of tensioners and guides per SIB 400.02.008, especially on pre-1989 units. Post-1989 revisions feature improved tensioner materials to reduce wear under thermal cycling.
Oil Specs: Requires Ferrari 10W-60 (ENI) specification (Ferrari SIB 400.02.008). Supersedes ACEA A3/B3 and API SG.
Emissions: Euro I applies to all 1987–1991 models (VCA/FER/5678). No Euro II compliance for this engine family.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output consistent across tb, tbs, and ts variants per Ferrari TIS FT-6621.
Ferrari Technical Information System (TIS): Docs FT-6621, FT-6640, FT-6650, SIB 400.02.008
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/FER/5678)
European Commission Regulation (EEC) No 168/87
The Ferrari Tipo 205/B was used across Ferrari's mid-rear-engined platforms with transverse mounting and no licensed applications. This engine received minor calibration updates between the 348 tb and ts models, and from 1989 the introduction of revised timing belt components created interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine serial number stamped on the rear transverse mounting flange near the gearbox interface (Ferrari TIS FT-6605). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('F' for Tipo 205 series). 348 tb (1987–1989) models feature a silver intake manifold; ts models (1990–1991) have a black composite manifold with revised runner length. Critical differentiation: All Tipo 205/B engines are interference designs with rear-mounted timing belts. Service parts require model and production date verification—timing belts and tensioners for pre-1989 units are not compatible with post-1989 engines due to guide rail redesign (Ferrari SIB 400.02.008).
The Tipo 205/B's primary reliability risk is timing belt failure due to tensioner or guide wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained vehicles. Internal Ferrari service reports from 1990 noted a subset of pre-1989 units requiring belt replacement before 30,000 km when intervals were exceeded, while VCA field data confirms lambda sensor degradation in high-temperature environments. Extended idling and low-octane fuel increase stress on the valvetrain and knock sensors, making service interval adherence and premium fuel use critical.
Analysis derived from Ferrari technical bulletins (1987–1991) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1990–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FERRARI TIPO-205-B.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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