Description
About This Engine
The Ferrari F154 is the 3.9L twin turbocharged flat plane crank V8 that powered the Ferrari 488 GTB, 488 Spider, 488 Pista, F8 Tributo, F8 Spider, Roma, Portofino, Portofino M, and SF90 Stradale (in modified form), plus the Maserati Quattroporte Trofeo, Ghibli Trofeo, and Levante Trofeo. Introduced in 2013 in the California T as the first Ferrari turbocharged V8 since the F40, the F154 architecture marked a fundamental shift away from the naturally aspirated era 458 V8 toward forced induction.
The F154 is built around an aluminum block, forged steel flat plane crankshaft, forged steel connecting rods, forged aluminum pistons, DOHC heads with 4 valves per cylinder, direct fuel injection, and twin parallel IHI turbochargers (one per bank). Dry sump lubrication is shared with the racing program. The flat plane crankshaft delivers the signature Ferrari V8 exhaust note and a redline ranging from 8,000 RPM (488) to 8,500 RPM (488 Pista, F8 Tributo).
Output across the F154 family ranges from 562 horsepower in the Roma to 720 horsepower in the 488 Pista and F8 Tributo. The Maserati variants use a detuned F154 CB calibration producing 580 horsepower. A documented used OEM F154 with verified compression, variant code, and turbocharger status is the right replacement for collectors and exotic specialists rebuilding 488, F8, Roma, Portofino, or Maserati Trofeo applications.
Signs You Need a Replacement Engine
- Cylinder misfire under load, often coil pack or injector failure
- Turbocharger whine or shaft play indicating bearing wear
- Loss of boost or wastegate failure
- Excessive oil consumption beyond exotic spec (>1 qt per 1,000 mi)
- Cracked or warped exhaust manifolds (rare on F154)
- Carbon buildup misfire on early 488 GTB units
- Spun bearing from track day abuse with insufficient cooling
- Coolant in oil indicating head gasket failure (very rare)
Known Things to Know Before You Buy
- Variant code matters: F154 CB, BB, CD, CG, CF have different output, calibration, and intake. We confirm code before shipping.
- Maserati Trofeo F154 CB is detuned from Ferrari spec. Cannot easily be re flashed to 488/F8 output without internal upgrades.
- 488 GTB carbon buildup: Early 488 units (2016 to 2017) developed mild intake valve carbon. Later units have improved. Walnut blast service is standard.
- IHI turbos are reliable but expensive to replace. We inspect both turbos for shaft play and wastegate function.
- Dry sump lubrication: F154 uses dry sump. The oil tank is a separate component. Confirm tank and lines availability for swap projects.
- Service records matter: Ferrari and Maserati F154 engines benefit from documented dealer service history. We provide whatever donor history is available.
- F154 is NOT the same as the F140 (V12 in 599, F12) or the F136 (V8 in F430, 458). Different architectures.
F154 Variants by Application
Verified output across the F154 family:
| Code | Application | Years | HP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F154 CB | Maserati Quattroporte / Ghibli / Levante Trofeo | 2013 to present | 580 hp | Detuned for Maserati GT calibration. |
| F154 CB | Ferrari California T | 2014 to 2017 | 552 hp | First production F154. |
| F154 BB | Ferrari 488 GTB / GTS / Spider | 2015 to 2019 | 661 hp | 8,000 RPM redline. 488 standard. |
| F154 CD | Ferrari 488 Pista / F8 Tributo / Spider | 2018 to 2024 | 711 to 720 hp | Highest factory output. |
| F154 CG | Ferrari Roma / Roma Spider / Portofino M | 2019 to present | 612 to 620 hp | GT calibration. 8-speed DCT. |
| F154 CF | Ferrari SF90 Stradale (combustion) | 2019 to present | 769 hp | Hybrid powertrain. 986 hp combined. |
| The F154 CD (488 Pista / F8 Tributo) is the highest output factory F154 at 720 horsepower. The F154 CB (Maserati Trofeo) is the most accessible variant for replacement projects. Call (240) 301-0095 to discuss variant code availability. |
|---|
What Is Included, What Is Not Included
| INCLUDED, Long Block | Block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, cylinder heads, valve train, dry sump pan, valve covers, both turbochargers as configured. |
|---|---|
| NOT INCLUDED | Intake manifold (variant specific), fuel rails and direct injectors, ignition coils, accessory drive, ECU, harness, dual clutch transmission, dry sump oil tank and lines, intercoolers and plumbing. |
| Short Block Option | Call (240) 301-0095 if you need a short block only. |
| Core Note | No core charge. You are not required to return your old engine. |
Vehicle Compatibility, Direct Fit
Direct factory applications, Ferrari:
| Ferrari California T | 2014 to 2017 (F154 CB, 552 hp) |
|---|---|
| Ferrari 488 GTB | 2015 to 2019 (F154 BB, 661 hp) |
| Ferrari 488 Spider | 2015 to 2019 (F154 BB, 661 hp) |
| Ferrari 488 Pista | 2018 to 2019 (F154 CD, 711 hp) |
| Ferrari F8 Tributo | 2019 to 2024 (F154 CD, 720 hp) |
| Ferrari F8 Spider | 2019 to 2024 (F154 CD, 720 hp) |
| Ferrari Roma | 2020 to present (F154 CG, 612 hp) |
| Ferrari Portofino | 2018 to 2020 (F154 CG, 591 hp) |
| Ferrari Portofino M | 2020 to 2023 (F154 CG, 612 hp) |
| Ferrari SF90 Stradale / Spider | 2019 to present (F154 CF, hybrid) |
| Maserati Quattroporte Trofeo | 2018 to present (F154 CB, 580 hp) |
| Maserati Ghibli Trofeo | 2021 to present (F154 CB, 580 hp) |
| Maserati Levante Trofeo | 2019 to present (F154 CB, 580 hp) |
Transmission compatibility (factory): Ferrari 7-speed dual clutch on 488 family. 8-speed dual clutch on F8, Roma, Portofino M. Maserati Trofeo variants use ZF 8HP automatic. The F154 was never offered with a manual transmission.
Not sure if the variant code matches your application? Call (240) 301-0095 with your year, model, and intended use. We confirm F154 variant code, donor history, and turbocharger status before every order ships.
Common Names and Search Terms
| F154 | Most common technical search |
|---|---|
| Ferrari 488 engine | Vehicle search |
| F8 Tributo engine | Vehicle search |
| Roma engine | Vehicle search |
| Portofino engine | Vehicle search |
| California T engine | Vehicle search |
| Maserati Trofeo engine | Maserati buyer |
| Ferrari 3.9 V8 | Liter format |
| Ferrari twin turbo V8 | Architecture search |
| Flat plane Ferrari V8 | Crank type search |
Used OEM vs Rebuilt vs Built F154
A documented used OEM F154 with verified compression, variant code, and turbocharger condition is the primary path for Ferrari and Maserati exotic specialists rebuilding wrecked or failed cars. Pricing is roughly one quarter of a Ferrari Classiche reman. Our F154s are compression tested across all 8 cylinders, variant code confirmed, and donor history disclosed where available.
A Ferrari Classiche or specialty exotic reman F154 typically runs $45,000 to $80,000 depending on variant. Reman includes new turbos, complete rebuild to factory specification, and Ferrari warranty backing in some cases. This is the right path for high value collector restorations.
A built F154 from a high performance shop targeting boosted output runs $80,000 plus. Built makes sense for hill climb cars, dedicated track builds, or high horsepower 488 / F8 modifications.
Condition and Inspection Process
- Compression test across all 8 cylinders, pressure per cylinder recorded
- Visual inspection of block for cracks and oil leaks
- F154 variant code confirmed via casting and ECU calibration
- Both IHI turbochargers inspected: shaft play, wastegate, oil leak
- Dry sump pan inspection and tank scavenge lines confirmed
- Cylinder head inspection for cracks
- Donor vehicle and verified mileage where available
- Service history documented when accessible from prior owner
- Spark plug condition documented across all 8 cylinders
Mileage on F154 engines is documented from donor vehicle records. Many F154 donors come from low mileage exotic cars. Where mileage cannot be verified, we disclose this clearly before shipping. Service records when available are forwarded to the buyer.
Buyer Tips, What to Know Before You Order
- Confirm variant code first. F154 CB, BB, CD, CG, CF have different output and calibration. The wrong variant will not perform correctly in your application.
- Maserati F154 CB cannot easily become a Ferrari 488 BB without internal hardware changes. Plan accordingly.
- Both turbos must be in good condition. New IHI turbos for the F154 cost $8,000 to $15,000 each. Inspect carefully before purchase.
- Plan for new spark plugs (8 of them), all coil packs, and a complete fluid change at install regardless of unit condition.
- Direct injection cleaning: Plan for walnut blasting at install on 488 GTB units (2016 to 2017). Later units less prone to buildup.
- Dry sump system requires specific oil and tank position. Confirm donor includes dry sump components or budget for separate sourcing.
- Service records significantly increase value. Always ask for documented Ferrari or Maserati dealer service history.
Why Buy From Vaz Auto Solutions
- F154 variant code confirmed before you pay (CB, BB, CD, CG, CF)
- Both IHI turbochargers inspected for shaft play and wastegate function
- Donor vehicle and mileage disclosed where available
- All 8 cylinders compression tested, results shared before order is confirmed
- Dry sump pan and scavenge configuration documented
- Service records forwarded when available from prior owner
- Fitment verified for your specific 488, F8, Roma, Portofino, Maserati Trofeo, or California T
- No core charge, keep your old engine
- Free crated freight delivery to all 50 states
- 15 day replacement warranty on internal engine defects
- Call (240) 301-0095, talk to someone who actually understands the F154 variant family and the Maserati vs Ferrari calibration differences
Chuck Daniels (verified owner) –
Hot damn! This F154 from Vaz Auto Solutions is a beast! Strapped it into my project car and nearly got whiplash from the acceleration. It’s got more growl than a grizzly and enough punch to make your grandma curse. Sure, it drinks gas like a frat boy at homecoming, but with power like this, who’s counting MPGs?
Dr. Alan Prescott (verified owner) –
I’ve had the pleasure of analyzing the Ferrari F154 engine from Vaz Auto Solutions, and I must say, it’s a marvel of modern engineering. The power-to-weight ratio is exceptional, and the throttle response is nothing short of exhilarating. While it may not be the most fuel-efficient option on the market, its performance characteristics are truly remarkable. A fine choice for those who appreciate automotive excellence.
Vincent A., Miami FL –
Bought an F154 BB from Vaz to replace mine after a coolant leak destroyed the original. Vaz confirmed F154 BB variant, 488 GTB calibration, and pulled it from a 2018 488 with verified low mileage. Both turbos inspected, no shaft play, wastegates clean. Compression strong across all 8. Engine arrived crated, undamaged. My specialist installed it cleanly. Car runs as it should.
Tessa W., Newport Beach CA –
Sourced an F154 CB from Vaz for my Levante Trofeo. Vaz confirmed Maserati calibration code, IHI turbo health, and disclosed full service history from the donor. Half star off because crated shipping took the full 10 days, but everything arrived perfect. Maserati specialist installed without issue. Truck is back to its 580 horsepower self.