Engine Engine Ferrari California 4.3 V8 460hp F136IB 264697

Ferrari F136 IB remains a significant piece of automotive engineering, representing the first generation of the Ferrari California (2009–2012). This 4.3L V8 was a milestone for Maranello, being the first road-going Ferrari V8 to feature Direct Injection and a Flat-Plane Crankshaft paired with a dual-clutch transmission.

1. Technical Identification

• Engine Code: F136 IB

• Configuration: 90° V8, Naturally Aspirated

• Displacement: 4,297 cc

• Power Output: 460 hp (338 kW) @ 7,750 rpm

• Torque: 485 Nm (358 lb-ft) @ 5,000 rpm

• Serial/Assembly Number: 264697

  • Note: In Ferrari terms, this assembly number helps identify the specific production batch and ensures parts compatibility (valvetrain, sensors, etc.) for that exact build era.

2. 2026 Market Valuation (Estimated USD)

As these engines age into “modern classic” status, their value has stabilized. A complete, running engine is a prized find for a major restoration or a Ferrari-based project.

3. The 2026 “Health Check” List

If you are purchasing or installing this specific F136 IB unit, pay close attention to these critical areas:

• Variators & Solenoids: The Variable Valve Timing (VVT) variators are a known weak point. Listen for a “diesel-like” rattling at idle. By 2026, most specialists recommend updating to the latest solenoid revisions.

• Motor Mounts: The F136 IB sits low in the California chassis. Worn mounts can cause the engine to sit unevenly, leading to exhaust manifold cracking or vibrations through the DCT.

• Direct Injection Carbon Buildup: As Ferrari’s first DI engine, the F136 IB is prone to carbon buildup on the intake valves. If the engine is out of the car, a walnut shell blasting of the intake ports is highly recommended.

• Accessory Drive: Check the high-pressure fuel pumps and the alternator. On a Ferrari, these are “engine-out” or “engine-partially-out” jobs; replacing them while the engine is on a stand is a massive labor saver.

4. Installation & Compatibility

• The DCT Connection: The F136 IB is specifically balanced to work with the Getrag 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission. If you are swapping this into a vehicle that previously had a different F136 variant (like an F430 or Maserati), the flywheel and ECU mapping are significantly different.

• ECU Pairing: This engine uses the Bosch Motronic MED9.6.1. In 2026, you will need a DEIS or Leonardo diagnostic tool to “marry” a replacement engine to the car’s existing immobilizer and cluster system.

5. 2026 Performance Tip

While 460 hp was impressive in 2009, many owners in 2026 choose to install High-Flow Manifolds (Headers). The factory California headers are prone to internal failure (heat shield collapse), which can send debris into the engine. Switching to aftermarket stainless headers not only adds 20–30 hp but also protects the en