
F133A is the engine model used in the Ferrari 575M, with a maximum horsepower of 515 hp, a maximum power output of 379 KW, a maximum power speed of 7250 rpm, and a peak torque of 588 N.m. The engine of the Ferrari 575M is produced at the factory located south of Modena, Italy. For daily maintenance of the Ferrari 575M's engine, the following methods can be used: Use lubricating oil of appropriate quality grade. For gasoline engines, SD--SF grade gasoline engine oil should be selected based on the additional equipment of the intake and exhaust systems and usage conditions; for diesel engines, CB--CD grade diesel engine oil should be selected according to mechanical load, with the selection standard not lower than the manufacturer's specified requirements. Regularly change the oil and oil filter. The quality of any grade of lubricating oil will change during use. After a certain mileage, its performance deteriorates, which can cause various problems for the engine. To avoid malfunctions, the oil should be changed regularly based on usage conditions, and the oil level should be kept moderate. When oil passes through the fine pores of the filter, solid particles and viscous substances in the oil accumulate in the filter. If the filter becomes clogged and the oil cannot pass through the filter element, the filter element may burst or the safety valve may open, allowing oil to bypass through the bypass valve, bringing contaminants back to the lubrication areas, accelerating engine wear and increasing internal contamination. Regularly clean the crankcase. During engine operation, high-pressure unburned gases, acids, moisture, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides from the combustion chamber enter the crankcase through the gap between the piston rings and cylinder walls, mixing with metal powder from component wear to form sludge. When the amount is small, it remains suspended in the oil; when the amount is large, it precipitates from the oil, clogging the filter and oil passages, making engine lubrication difficult and causing wear. Regularly use a radiator cleaner to clean the radiator. Removing rust and scale not only ensures the engine operates normally but also extends the overall lifespan of the radiator and engine.

I've driven my friend's 575M, which is powered by the engine code-named F133E, a 5.7-liter V12 naturally aspirated engine developed in-house by Ferrari. This beast can deliver a maximum of 515 horsepower, and the exhaust note under acceleration is like a symphony, effortlessly revving up to 7000 rpm. It features improved intake and ECU programming over its predecessor, the 550 Maranello, resulting in more linear acceleration and smooth performance even in city traffic jams. As a classic GT sports car, this engine pairs perfectly with the manual transmission, making every downshift and throttle blip addictive. Unfortunately, it's now discontinued, and well-maintained 575Ms in the used car market are still appreciating in value.

I've worked on quite a few classic Ferraris, and I'm very familiar with the 575M's engine. It uses the F133E model, a naturally aspirated V12 configuration. This engine is built tough but tends to develop minor issues over time, like high-pressure fuel pump leaks or throttle body carbon buildup. During repairs, it's crucial to use genuine parts - changing the spark plugs alone requires dismantling half the engine bay. I remember adjusting valve clearances for a client, and the idle became as smooth as new afterward. With proper maintenance, it can easily clock 200,000 km, though the fuel consumption is notably high - expect at least 18L/100km in city driving.

As a proud owner of the 575M, what I love most is its V12 heart. The engine's specific model is the Ferrari F133E, and the deep roar at every ignition gives me goosebumps. The 5.7-liter displacement delivers exceptionally smooth acceleration, with power readily available for overtaking. Its performance on long-distance drives is most impressive, cruising effortlessly at just 2000 rpm, unlike some supercars that require constant vigilance. Mine hasn't needed major repairs in ten years, just regular full synthetic oil changes. The only downside is the loud cold starts, which inevitably wake up the neighbors in the garage during winter.

When studying the history of Ferrari engines, I discovered that the F133E used in the 575M was actually a groundbreaking design. It retained the cylinder block structure of the 550 Maranello but increased the bore and stroke, raising the compression ratio to 11:1. This V12 marked the pinnacle of naturally aspirated engines, later replaced by the turbocharged 599. I compared real car data—its dry sump design resulted in an ultra-low center of gravity, making it exceptionally stable during cornering. Today, collectors are eyeing the condition of this engine, and unmodified, original 575Ms can fetch double their price at auctions.


