The Vauxhall 10 S is a 1,159 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1966 and 1975. It features an overhead valve (OHV) layout with a single downdraft carburettor and a cast‑iron block with an aluminium alloy head. In standard tune it delivered 52 kW (71 PS) at 5,200 rpm and 93 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, providing adequate performance for compact family cars of the era.
Fitted to models such as the Vauxhall Viva HA, HB, and HC, the 10 S was engineered for economical urban commuting and light motorway use. Emissions controls were minimal by modern standards, with no catalytic converter or exhaust gas recirculation; compliance was aligned with pre‑Euro UK national standards under the 1970 Clean Air Act provisions.
One documented concern is valve seat recession in unleaded-fuel use, highlighted in Vauxhall Engineering Bulletin EB‑73‑12. This issue stems from the original soft valve seat material, which wears rapidly without leaded fuel’s protective layer. From 1974, Vauxhall began fitting hardened valve seats to address this, particularly in export markets anticipating unleaded fuel transitions.
Vauxhall
Production years 1966–1975 predate EU emissions directives; compliance follows UK national standards of the era (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/VEH/6601).
The Vauxhall 10 S Petrol is a 1,159 cc inline‑four OHV engine engineered for compact family cars (1966–1975). It combines a single carburettor induction system with a robust cast‑iron bottom end to deliver predictable low‑rpm response and mechanical simplicity. Designed before Euro emissions standards, it meets only UK national vehicle regulations of the period.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,159 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Leaded recommended) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, OHV, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 70.5 mm × 74.0 mm | |
| Power output | 52 kW (71 PS) @ 5,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 93 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single downdraft carburettor (Zenith 26T) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (UK national standards) | |
| 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 | |
| Dry weight | 118 kg |
The OHV layout provides mechanical simplicity and ease of maintenance but requires periodic valve clearance adjustment every 10,000 km. Use of unleaded fuel without hardened valve seats accelerates valve recession—engines built before 1974 should be retrofitted with hardened inserts per Vauxhall EB‑73‑12. SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil is essential for bearing and cam life due to the absence of modern anti-wear additives. The Zenith carburettor demands regular jet cleaning and float-level checks to maintain driveability. No emissions after-treatment exists, so exhaust modifications do not affect compliance.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral oil (Vauxhall Owner’s Handbook 1968). Modern synthetics may reduce cam wear but require zinc additive for flat-tappet protection.
Emissions: Pre-Euro emissions apply to all 1966–1975 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/VEH/6601). No catalytic converter or EGR fitted.
Power Ratings: Measured under BS AU 14 standards. Output verified on dynamometer per Vauxhall PT‑1972.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V1159‑66, HB‑1970, EB‑73‑12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/VEH/6601)
British Standards Institution: BS AU 14 Engine Power Testing
The Vauxhall 10 S Petrol was used across Vauxhall's Viva HA/HB/HC platforms with longitudinal front-engine mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the HB and updated carburettor jetting in the HC—and from 1974 the introduction of hardened valve seats for unleaded compatibility, creating 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 mount (Vauxhall TIS V1159‑66). The full engine number begins with '10S' followed by a sequential build code. Pre-1974 units have soft valve seats and a Zenith 26T carburettor with brass float; post-1974 engines feature hardened valve seats (marked with 'HV' suffix in service records) and may use a plastic float. Critical differentiation from 1256cc 12 S: 10 S has smaller bore (70.5 mm vs 73.5 mm) and distinct manifold bolt pattern. Cylinder head casting number '10S' confirms identity.
The 10 S's primary reliability risk is valve seat recession when run on unleaded fuel, with elevated incidence in pre-1974 builds. Vauxhall internal durability reports from 1973 noted significant exhaust valve wear after 40,000 km on unleaded fuel, while UK DVSA historical data shows high failure rates in preserved vehicles due to outdated lubrication practices. Extended oil change intervals and modern low-zinc oils increase cam and tappet wear, making correct oil specification critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1966-1975) and UK DVSA historical failure statistics (1970-1980). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL 10-S.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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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
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)
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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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