The Vauxhall 10 N is a 1,256 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1970 and 1981. It features an overhead valve (OHV) layout with a single downdraft carburettor and a cast‑iron block with an aluminium alloy head. In standard form it delivered 43–46 kW (58–62 PS) and 88–92 Nm of torque, offering modest performance suited to compact city driving.
Fitted to models such as the Viva HC, Chevette, and early Astra (T-Car platform), the 10 N was engineered for economical, low‑maintenance motoring in the pre‑emissions‑control era. Emissions compliance was limited to early UK and EU standards; most units predate formal Euro classifications.
One documented concern is valve seat recession in unleaded‑fuel use, particularly in engines not retrofitted with hardened valve seats. This issue, noted in Vauxhall Engineering Bulletin EB/78/12, arises from the original soft valve seat material. From 1976 onward, some export and UK-market units received hardened inserts to mitigate this wear.
Vauxhall
Production years 1970–1981 predate formal Euro emissions standards; compliance limited to national regulations of the era (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/0023).
The Vauxhall 10 N is a 1,256 cc inline‑four OHV petrol engine engineered for compact models (1970–1981). It combines a single carburettor with a durable cast‑iron block to deliver modest urban performance and mechanical simplicity. Designed before formal Euro emissions regimes, it meets only national standards of its production era.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,256 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (lead or unleaded with modifications) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, OHV, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 78.0 mm × 65.5 mm | |
| Power output | 43–46 kW (58–62 PS) @ 5,200–5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 88–92 Nm @ 3,000–3,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single downdraft carburettor (Zenith/Stromberg) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (national standards only) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven camshaft (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The OHV layout provides mechanical simplicity and ease of repair but delivers modest power by modern standards. Engines built before 1976 require lead replacement additives or hardened valve seat retrofits when run on unleaded fuel to prevent valve seat recession. Regular valve clearance checks (every 10,000 km) are essential due to mechanical tappet design. The Zenith carburettor is sensitive to fuel volatility and may require seasonal jetting adjustments. Use of modern ethanol‑blended fuels should be limited to E5 or lower to avoid seal degradation and varnish buildup in the float chamber.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC (Vauxhall Owner’s Handbook 1976). Modern synthetic oils not recommended for original-spec engines.
Emissions: Pre-Euro engine; no formal EU emissions certification (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/0023). Subject only to national standards of production era.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output varies slightly by carburettor type and model year (Vauxhall Group PT‑1975).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V-10N-01, V-10N-02, V-10N-03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/0023)
Vauxhall Engineering Bulletin EB/78/12
The Vauxhall 10 N was used across Vauxhall's HC and T-Car platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Chevette and altered exhaust manifolds in the Viva HC Estate—and from 1975 the Astra Mk1 (early T-Car) adopted a modified sump and alternator bracket, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left-hand side of the block near the distributor mounting boss (Vauxhall TIS V-10N-04). The code '10N' appears as a raised casting on early units and as a machined stamp on later builds. Pre-1976 engines have soft valve seats and a single vacuum port on the inlet manifold; post-1976 versions may feature hardened seats and dual ports. Critical differentiation from the larger 1256 '12N' engine: 10N has 78.0 mm bore (vs. 82.5 mm), confirmed by casting number '10N' on the block. Carburettor type (Zenith 30/32 vs. Stromberg 150CD) varies by model year and must be matched during rebuilds.
The 10 N's primary reliability risk is valve seat recession in unleaded-fuel use, with elevated incidence in pre-1976 builds. Vauxhall internal quality data from 1978 noted premature exhaust valve wear in urban-driven vehicles using unleaded fuel without additives, while UK DVLA workshop reports from the 1980s cite carburettor flooding and timing chain stretch as secondary concerns. Extended idling and short-trip driving accelerate carbon buildup and oil dilution, making regular valve clearance checks and fuel system maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1975–1982) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1980–1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL 10-N.
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VAUXHALL Official Site
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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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
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