Ferrari GTE 2+2 is Restored With LT-1 Power
Some may consider it sacrilege to swap a Chevy V8 into a Ferrari, but it actually really works.
This 1962 Ferrari GTE has a LT1 Motor
Looking at this Ferrari GTE, there's nothing to suggest it has a Chevy LT1 motor. Outlined in yellow, a navy blue stripe runs the length of the car as part of a custom paint scheme. But that's the extent of the changes to the car's appearance. Exterior-wise, the car looks like it did when it rolled off the assembly line in Maranello.
Photos: Bring A Trailer
GM LT1 Power
The GM LT1 is a Generation II V8. Displacement is 350 cubic inches or 5.7 liters and it's mated to a five-speed Tremec manual transmission. The engine's horsepower and torque ratings are not available. But if it's in range of a later year C4 Corvette, we're talking 300 horsepower. That's a nice bump from the 250 GTE's original engine, a 3.0 liter V12 putting out 237 horsepower.
Seating for Four and Quad Tipped Exhaust
The GTE was Ferrari's first true 2+2. Before that, there were several one-off four-seaters. To accommodate four people, the 250's chassis was lengthened and the engine moved forward. While a larger displacement engine, the small-block V8 is more compact than the Ferrari V12. From the rear, this GTE looks stock. It retains the stock profile down to the quad-tipped dual exhaust.
Classic Borrani Wire Wheels
Most vintage Ferraris had Borrani "knock-off" wire wheels because that's what Ferrari's race cars used. The wire wheels were lighter than steel wheels and reduced unsprung weight. The wheel could quickly be removed by removing the spinner on the wheel hub. A wood or leather mallet was used to hit or knock off the spinner, which gave the wheels their nickname. Ferrari switched to allow wheels in the late 1960s, but the wire Borranis have a classic, timeless look.
A Classic Interior with Modern Amenities
Inside black leather covers the seats as well as the door panels, dash, and custom center console. The shifter and emergency brake were modified for the drivetrain changes. The wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel looks classic but has tilt and telescope functions. The dashboard was also modified to include new gauges and a stereo. Unlike the original GTE, this car has air-conditioning, using a setup from Vintage Air.
No Reason Given for the V8 Swap
The Ferrari GTE was for sale on Bring A Trailer. It has a clean Tennessee title, but no reason was given for the V8 swap. It's possible the previous owner bought the car without an engine, or the engine couldn't be restored. In any case, the V8 shouldn't affect the performance of this Ferrari. If anything, it should be slightly improved. The only real difference is the sound. Instead of the higher-pitched, seamless wail of the V12, the car probably has the rumble of a V8.
Don't Hate on the V8
It may be a sacrilege to drop a Chevy V8 in a Ferrari. But consider this: A number of Ferrari engineers quit in 1961. Known as "the Great Walkout" these people were responsible for the Ferrari 250 and Ferrari's racing program. Several of them went on to form their own companies including Iso and Bizzarrini. Both Iso and Bizzarrini built beautiful Italian road cars. And when it came time to select an engine, they chose the Chevy V8.
>>Join the conversation about this LT1-swapped Ferrari GTE 2+2 right here in LS1Tech Forum!
For help with the service of your car, check out the how-to section of LS1Tech.com