The Lancia 838 A2.027 is a 1,995 cc, inline‑four petrol engine produced between 1985 and 1992. It features a twin‑cam (DOHC) cylinder head and electronic fuel injection, delivering a balance of performance and refinement for its era. Its 16‑valve configuration enabled higher revs and improved volumetric efficiency compared to contemporary SOHC designs.
Fitted primarily to the Lancia Thema 8.32 model, the 838 A2.027 was engineered to offer a sporty and refined driving…
Production years 1985–1992 meet Euro 1 standards as per prevailing EU regulations at time of manufacture (EU Directive 88/77/EEC).
The Lancia 838 A2.027 is a 1,995 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for executive sedans (1985-1992). It combines a DOHC 16-valve cylinder head with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection to deliver a high-revving, sporty character. Designed to meet Euro 1 emissions standards, it prioritized performance while adhering to regulatory requirements of its era.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,995 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 84.0 mm × 90.0 mm | |
Power output | 107 kW (145 PS) @ 5,800 rpm | |
Torque | 186 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection | |
Emissions standard | Euro 1 | |
Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Belt-driven dual overhead camshafts | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 168 kg |
The Lancia 838 A2.027 was used exclusively in the Lancia Thema platform with longitudinal mounting and was not licensed to other manufacturers. This engine was a unique feature of the high-performance Thema 8.32 variant, sharing its cylinder head design with Ferrari's contemporary V8 engines, creating a distinct model within the Thema range. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
The 838 A2.027's primary reliability risk is timing belt failure due to age or missed service intervals. Lancia service data indicates that neglecting the 60,000 km replacement can lead to total engine destruction. The engine's interference design and complex belt routing make adherence to the maintenance schedule critical.
Analysis derived from Lancia technical bulletins (1985-1992) and EU regulatory filings. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The 838 A2.027 can be very reliable if meticulously maintained, especially regarding the timing belt. Its Ferrari-derived head is robust, but neglect, particularly of the belt, leads to expensive failure. Regular oil changes and using quality fuel are also key to its longevity.
The most critical issue is timing belt failure. Other common problems include failing ignition coil packs, clogged or leaking fuel injectors, and coolant leaks from hoses or the water pump. These are all documented in Lancia service literature.
The 838 A2.027 engine was used exclusively in the Lancia Thema 8.32 model from 1985 to 1992. It was not fitted to any other Lancia or Fiat Group vehicle, making the Thema 8.32 a unique and sought-after model.
Minor power gains are possible through ECU remapping or performance exhausts, but significant tuning is complex and expensive. The engine's value lies in its originality and heritage. Any modifications should be approached with caution to preserve reliability.
Fuel economy is modest for a 2.0L engine of its era. Expect around 11-13 L/100km (21-25 mpg UK) in mixed driving. Its design prioritized performance over efficiency, and its age means it won't match modern standards.
Yes, absolutely. The 838 A2.027 is a classic interference engine. If the timing belt breaks or jumps, the pistons will collide with the open valves, causing catastrophic internal damage requiring a full engine rebuild.
Lancia specified a SAE 10W-40 mineral or semi-synthetic oil. Using a high-quality oil that meets ACEA A3/B3 or equivalent API specifications is crucial for protecting the hydraulic tappets and camshafts. Change intervals should be strictly observed.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.