🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ferrari

Model:

F40

Market:

USA

Generation:

First Generation

Chassis Code:

F120

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Iconic supercar, the pinnacle of Ferrari's road-going performance in its era. Designed to celebrate Ferrari's 40th anniversary and homologate the car for Group B rallying (though it never competed). Positioned as one of the fastest, most raw, and uncompromising production cars ever built.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against homologation specials like the Porsche 959 and the Lotus Esprit Turbo S. The F40 stood out for its extreme focus on performance, minimalist design, and analog driving experience, eschewing modern electronic aids in favor of driver engagement and brute force.

Key Features:

Tubular Steel Frame with Composite Body Panels, Mid-Engine Rear-Wheel Drive Layout, Twin-Turbocharged V8 Engine, Aggressive Aerodynamic Styling (Prominent Rear Wing, NACA Ducts), No Power Steering, No ABS, No Catalytic Converters (for early models), Lightweight Construction, Driver-Focused Cockpit

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Engine, Fuel System, Ignition, Cooling, Lubrication, Clutch, Transmission, Driveshafts, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Bodywork, Chassis, Trim, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Maintenance Procedures, Technical Specifications

Page Count:

Approximately 500+

Manual Type:

Service & Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

V8 Twin-Turbocharged Engine (Twin IHI RH65 Turbochargers, Weber-Marelli IAW Fuel Injection), Getrag 5-Speed Manual Transaxle, Limited Slip Differential, Independent Front and Rear Suspension (Double Wishbones, Koni Adjustable Dampers), Rack and Pinion Steering, Four-Wheel Disc Brakes (Ventilated and Cross-Drilled Discs), Electrical System (Ignition, Lighting, Instrumentation, ECUs), Fuel Delivery and Storage, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Body and Chassis Construction, Interior Trim and Upholstery

Procedures Included:

Scheduled Maintenance, Engine Overhaul and Rebuild, Turbocharger Rebuilding, Fuel Injection System Diagnostics and Calibration, Ignition Timing Adjustment, Clutch Replacement, Transmission Disassembly and Reassembly, Suspension Component Replacement and Alignment, Brake System Overhaul, Electrical Component Testing and Replacement, Body Panel Alignment and Repair, Interior Component Installation and Removal, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Interpretation, Troubleshooting Flowcharts for Common Issues

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes and inspections to complete engine, transmission, and chassis rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications for factory-level servicing.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

High-Resolution PDF, Searchable Text, Bookmarked Sections

Print Quality:

Printable at high quality, preserving all diagrams and text legibility.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

Ferrari Tipo F120 A / F120 B

Displacement:

2936 cc (2.9 Liters)

Configuration:

90-degree V8

Bore X Stroke:

82 mm x 71 mm

Compression Ratio:

7.8:1

Horsepower Hp:

471 hp @ 7,000 rpm (USA Spec)

Torque Lb-Ft:

426 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm (USA Spec)

Fuel System:

Weber-Marelli IAW (Integrated Electronic Engine Management) Fuel Injection with Twin IHI RH65 Turbochargers and Intercoolers

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium)

Oil Capacity Qts:

10.0 qts (9.5 L) with Filter

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

SAE 15W-50 (Refer to manual for specific ambient temperature ranges)

Cooling System:

Liquid Cooled, Twin Radiators

Coolant Capacity Qts:

Approximately 15.0 qts (14.2 L)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Electronic Ignition (Weber-Marelli IAW)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Getrag 5-Speed Manual Transaxle

Drive Layout:

Mid-Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive

Differential:

Limited Slip Differential (LSD)

Gear Ratios:

Refer to manual for specific gear ratios (e.g., 1st: 2.507, 2nd: 1.650, 3rd: 1.200, 4th: 0.916, 5th: 0.750)

Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-4/GL-5 Hypoid Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 (Consult manual for exact specifications and brands)

Transmission Fluid Capacity L:

Approximately 3.5 L

📐 Dimensions

Length Mm:

4370 mm (172.0 in)

Width Mm:

1970 mm (77.6 in)

Height Mm:

1130 mm (44.5 in)

Wheelbase Mm:

2450 mm (96.5 in)

Front Track Mm:

1502 mm (59.1 in)

Rear Track Mm:

1576 mm (62.0 in)

Curb Weight Kg:

1370 kg (3020 lbs)

Weight Distribution:

Approx. 43% Front / 57% Rear

Fuel Tank Capacity L:

120 L (31.7 US gal)

Front Wheel Size:

17 x 8J

Rear Wheel Size:

17 x 13J

Front Tire Size:

245/45 ZR17

Rear Tire Size:

335/35 ZR17

Bolt Pattern:

5x108

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Not Applicable (No formal crash testing performed due to homologation and low production volume, designed for track performance)

Active Features:

None (No ABS, No Traction Control, No Stability Control)

Passive Features:

3-Point Seatbelts, Composite Safety Cell (Integral to body structure), Fuel Tank Location and Design for Impact Protection

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic Analog Gauges (Speedometer, Tachometer, Boost Gauge, Oil Pressure, Water Temperature, Fuel Level), Original Becker Radio (Optional)

🔧 Maintenance

Major Service Interval:

Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or Annually. Timing Belt replacement every 30,000 km (18,600 miles) or 3-5 years is critical. Refer to manual for detailed schedule.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 High-Temperature Brake Fluid (Consult manual for specific grades and brands)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol Based Antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Clutch Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Brake Fluid (Shared system with brakes on some configurations; verify with manual)

Known Issues:

Diaphragm failure in Weber-Marelli fuel injectors, turbocharger oil seal leaks, aging fuel lines and hoses, clutch slave cylinder leaks, vacuum hose deterioration, differential pin wear, ECU capacitor leakage. Early US models without catalytic converters are prone to valve seat recession if run on standard unleaded fuel without additives.

Parts Catalog Coverage:

While this is a service manual, it contains exploded diagrams and part numbers critical for ordering replacement components.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Founded by Enzo Ferrari, built on a legacy of racing and exotic sports car production. The F40 represents the ultimate expression of Enzo's vision for a pure, unadulterated driving machine.

Model Evolution:

Developed as a successor to the Ferrari 288 GTO. Initially intended as a homologation special for Group B rallying, it evolved into a road-legal supercar. Later iterations (e.g., F40 LM, F40 GT) were purpose-built race cars.

Production Years:

1987-1992

Units Produced:

Approximately 1,315 units worldwide (including ~56 examples for the US market)

Manufacturing Location:

Maranello, Italy

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

Widely regarded as one of the greatest supercars of all time, consistently ranked among the top cars in automotive history by numerous publications.

Performance Ratings:

0-60 mph: Approx. 3.8 seconds; Top Speed: Approx. 201 mph (324 km/h) for US spec.

Certifications:

Homologated for Group B rallying and IMSA GTO racing.