Was the 348 a good engine?

In short, the 3.4-liter V8 at the heart of the Ferrari 348 is celebrated for character and high-revving performance, but it isn’t universally regarded as a reliability benchmark by modern standards. It rewards enthusiasts with a distinctive sound and engaging throttle feel, while demanding vigilant, specialist maintenance to avoid common aging-care pitfalls.

What made the 348 engine stand out

Character and performance

The 348’s 3.4-liter V8 delivered a spirited, high-revving driving experience with a raspy exhaust note that Ferrari enthusiasts still recall. It paired with a lightweight chassis to create an engaging, driver-focused package that felt responsive at higher speeds and in corners.

• Rev-happy nature with strong top-end performance for its era


• Distinctive Ferrari character and sound that enthusiasts prize


• Lightweight V8 design that helped the car feel nimble on the road

These traits underscore the engine’s emotional appeal: it was as much about the driving experience as raw numbers.

Maintenance and reliability considerations

Service needs and costs

Maintenance and service history play a central role in how the 348 engine is perceived today. The engine relies on careful, timed maintenance and skilled labor, which can translate into higher ownership costs and greater risk of issues if service history is incomplete.

• Timing belt-driven DOHC V8 requires disciplined service intervals


• Clutch, hydraulic systems, and electronics can pose aging-related challenges


• Cooling and oil-sealing issues are commonly cited concerns as the cars age

In short, the engine’s driving excitement comes with a caveat: owners need to stay current with maintenance and use specialists familiar with Ferrari V8s of the era.

How it compares with later Ferrari V8s

When stacked against later Ferraris, such as the 355’s evolved V8, the 348's engine is harsher, louder, and more demanding in routine care. It represents a transitional moment in Ferrari’s engineering, bridging classic charisma with the more refined electronics and packaging that followed. For some buyers, the character and history outweigh the downsides; for others, the modern-era reliability and refinement are decisive factors.

Summary

The 348’s 3.4 L V8 is a memorable, character-rich engine that delivered engaging performance and a distinctive soundtrack. It remains highly desirable to enthusiasts who value driving involvement and era-specific charm, provided they are prepared for higher maintenance costs and the potential reliability quirks that come with aging, specialist-serviced Ferraris. For those prioritizing reliability and low daily-use maintenance, later Ferrari engines typically offer a more straightforward ownership experience.

Bottom line: the 348 engine is good for what it is—a passionate, high-revving powerplant that embodies Ferrari’s late-1980s/early-1990s manual-care ethos. It’s excellent for an enthusiast-driven experience, less so for someone seeking modern-day ease of ownership.

Was the Chevy 348 a good engine?

Yes, the block was very well engineered for its intended use - hard core, low vehicle speed / high engine rpm grunt work. With 1.94-inch and 1.65-inch diameter intake and exhaust valves, its breathing capability was labeled "excellent". Yes, the 348 was originally conceived for Chevy trucks. That was good!

What is the most reliable GM V8 engine?

The most reliable GM V8 engine depends on the era, but modern options often cited are the 6.6L L8T, due to its robust, simpler design, and the 5.3L V8 for its long-standing reputation in work trucks. For performance and durability, the older LS7 is frequently praised. Classic options include Cadillac's 472 and 500 cubic inch engines, known for their durability. 
Modern engines

• 6.6L L8T V8: Often considered the most reliable current GM V8, this engine prioritizes durability over efficiency with a large displacement, cast iron block, pushrod design, and lack of cylinder deactivation. It is built to be a long-lasting workhorse, especially for towing. 
• 5.3L V8: This engine has a long history of reliability, especially in work truck models. It is a popular and generally durable choice, although some versions have had issues related to cylinder deactivation (AFM/DFM), notes this YouTube video. 
• 6.2L L87 V8: While powerful, this engine has had some significant recall issues, particularly with lifters and oiling problems, although some modifications have been made to newer versions. It is generally considered reliable, but with some known risks that can be mitigated by proper maintenance, notes this Reddit thread and this Facebook post. 

Classic and performance engines

• LS7: This hand-built, all-aluminum 7.0L V8 engine was known for its durability and high-performance parts, including a forged crankshaft and titanium connecting rods. It is a legendary engine with a reputation for withstanding more power with aftermarket upgrades. 
• Cadillac 472/500: Introduced in the late 1960s and early 1970s, these engines are known for being smooth, reliable, and durable due to their long-lasting cylinder walls made with nickel. The carbureted versions are often preferred over the later fuel-injected models. 

Which engine is right for you?

• For a new, durable, and simple workhorse engine, the 6.6L L8T is likely the best choice. 
• For a modern truck engine with a strong track record, the 5.3L V8 is a solid option, especially in base trim trucks. 
• If you are looking for a performance engine or a classic V8, the LS7 or Cadillac 472/500 are excellent choices. 
• For the highest power in a modern 1500 series truck, the 6.2L L87 is an option, but it comes with a higher risk of issues and higher cost. 

What's the difference between a 348 and a 409 Chevy engine?

A stock 348 has a bore of 4.125 inches and a 409 has the bigger bore of 4.3125 inches. The other half was the stroke change from 348s to 409s that went from 3.25 to 3.50 inches for a net gain of a quarter inch. Together, the new bore and stroke gained those 61 cubic inches.

How much horsepower did the 348 have?

The Ferrari 348's horsepower varies by model year, with early versions (1989-1993) producing 296 hp and later models (1993-1995) increasing to 312-316 hp. The horsepower increase was due to a 3.4-liter V8 engine that received revisions for the later models. 
This video provides an overview of the Ferrari 348's engine and its improvements over the years: 1mTheSmokingTireYouTube · Jan 25, 2021

• 296 hp: 1989–1993 models: (300 PS) 
• 312–316 hp: 1993–1995 models: 
  • The 1994 and 1995 models, including the Spider and GTS, saw an increase to 316 hp, while some sources cite 312 hp for the 1993 model year and specific versions like the Serie Speciale.