To celebrate their 40th anniversary, Ferrari created the F40 in 1987. In stock form, the Twin Turbo V8 produced 478 BHP in stock form. However, there were packages that allowed the engine power to be boosted to up to 700 BHP. The car had very bare bones construction similar to the Ferrari GTO racecar and only weighed 2420 lbs. This was lighter than the Porsche 959 which was it’s direct competitor. Given such an impressive foundation by Ferrari, it was an easy task for Michelloto ( a small motorsports company in Padova, Italy ), to turn 19 of them (1987-1994) into track racers as requested by Ferrari.
Few things like an adjustable rear wing, new rear diffusers, and a front carbon fiber splitter were added right away. The pop up headlights were deleted for flush mounted 2 beam headlights that were covered in Perspex. Additional NACA ducts were given for greater aerodynamics and cooling. The interior was stripped, and a digital dash replaced the analog OEM Ferrari clusters.
The engine saw the power go from 478 to over 720 horsepower (900 horsepower and higher boost for qualifying runs) thanks to new LM turbos, bigger intercoolers, upped compression, a new engine management system, and more free flowing exhausts. I am sure that this was just the tip of the iceberg. The F40 LM raced for it’s first time in Laguna Seca driven be Jean Alesi in the IMSA GT championship. Running restrictors on the intakes, and in a tough field, it still finished 3rd. Ferrari raced a few of them in europe but never had a first place victory, only podium finishes. Many F40 LMs would have a new lease on life thanks to the BPR Championship races. Many of the LMs would be turned into 3.5 or 3.6L F40 GTEs with around 660 hp. They scored many victories against more superior cars like the McLaren F1 GTR. In 1996, the F40 LM was raced again at Le-Mans and finished 6th in class, with a 12th place finish. It was one of the first Ferraris to finish all 24 hours in a long time.
Specifications: Ferrari F40 LM
Country: Italy
Numbers made: 19
Production run: 1989-1994
Engine: Ferrari F120B 90 Degree V8
Engine Mounting: Midship, longitudinally mounted
Displacement: 2.936 Liter/ 179.2 Cubic Inch
Bore / Stroke: 82.0 mm (3.2 in) / 69.5 mm (2.7 in)
Compression Ratio: 8.0:1
Injection: Weber-Marelli Fuel Injection
Turbochargers: 2 x IHI Turbochargers with Behr Intercoolers
Oil Coolers: Setrab
Chassis: Kevlar body on steel spaceframe, integrated with composite materials
Suspension: Unequal A arms, coaxial springs, hydraulic shock absorbers, anti roll bar
Drivetrain: 5 Speed manual, Rear wheel drive.
Brakes: 4 wheel disk (Brembo).
Weight: OEM F40: 2420 Lbs, F40 LM: 2315 Lbs
Power Figures: 720 bhp @ 7500 RPMs, 900 bhp with higher boost for certain qualifying runs
Torque: 521 ft/lbs
BHP per Liter: 245 bhp/1 liter
Top speed: 228 miles per hour
0-60: Approximately 3.1 seconds
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