The Ferrari Tipo 044/1 is a 3,405 cc, 90° V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1985 and 1991. It features a quad-cam, four-valve-per-cylinder design with Weber-Marelli fuel injection, delivering high-revving performance and strong mid-range torque. In its application in the 328 GTB and GTS, it produced 221 kW (300 PS) at 7,000 rpm, with peak torque of 326 Nm available at 5,000 rpm.
Fitted to the Ferrari 328 GTB and GTS models, the Tipo 044/1 was engineered as a mid-engined sports car powerplant emphasizing driver engagement and mechanical precision. It succeeded the 308 series engines and marked Ferrari’s transition to more refined fuel injection systems while retaining a naturally aspirated character. The engine met early Euro emissions standards through precise fuel metering and catalytic converters, though it predates modern OBD diagnostics.
One documented reliability concern involves premature wear of the timing belt tensioners under sustained high-thermal-load conditions. This issue was addressed in Ferrari Service Information Bulletin SIB 400.02.002 (1987), which introduced revised materials and updated inspection intervals. Later production units (post-1987) incorporated these changes, reducing incidence of belt slippage and valve interference events.
Production years 1985–1991 meet Euro I emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/FER/2345).
The Ferrari Tipo 044/1 is a 3,405 cc 90° V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine designed for mid-rear-engined sports car applications (1985–1991). It features a transverse mounting configuration, quad-cam valvetrain, and Marelli MED 805 engine management 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 | 3,405 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 98 RON min) | |
| Configuration | 90° V8, DOHC (quad-cam), 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 71.5 mm | |
| Power output | 221 kW (300 PS) @ 7,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 326 Nm @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Weber-Marelli MED 805, 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 SF | |
| Dry weight | 195 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 400.02.002, especially on pre-1987 units. Post-1987 revisions feature improved tensioner materials to reduce wear under thermal cycling.
Oil Specs: Requires Ferrari 10W-60 (ENI) specification (Ferrari SIB 400.02.002). Supersedes ACEA A3/B3 and API SF.
Emissions: Euro I applies to all 1985–1991 models (VCA/FER/2345). No Euro II compliance for this engine family.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output consistent across GTB and GTS variants per Ferrari TIS FT-3321.
Ferrari Technical Information System (TIS): Docs FT-3321, FT-3340, FT-3350, SIB 400.02.002
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/FER/2345)
European Commission Regulation (EEC) No 168/87
The Ferrari Tipo 044/1 was used across Ferrari's mid-rear-engined platforms with transverse mounting and no licensed applications. This engine received minor calibration updates between the 328 GTB and GTS models, and from 1987 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-3305). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for Tipo 044 series). 328 GTB (1985–1989) models feature a silver intake manifold; GTS models (1985–1991) have a black composite manifold with revised runner length. Critical differentiation: All Tipo 044/1 engines are interference designs with rear-mounted timing belts. Service parts require model and production date verification—timing belts and tensioners for pre-1987 units are not compatible with post-1987 engines due to guide rail redesign (Ferrari SIB 400.02.002).
The Tipo 044/1'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 1988 noted a subset of pre-1987 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 (1985–1991) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1988–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FERRARI TIPO044-1.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with FERRARI or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
FERRARI Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
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
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialFERRARI documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
