The Vauxhall 11 N is a 1,097 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 cast‑iron block construction. In standard form it delivered 45–50 kW (60–68 PS) and torque figures between 80–88 Nm, providing adequate performance for compact family vehicles of its era.
Fitted to models such as the Viva HC, Chevette, and early Cavalier Mk1, the 11 N was engineered for economical urban commuting and light-duty driving. Emissions compliance was rudimentary by modern standards, meeting pre‑Euro regulatory expectations through basic crankcase ventilation and carburettor calibration.
One documented concern is cylinder head cracking around the exhaust valve seats under sustained high-load conditions, as noted in Vauxhall Engineering Bulletin EB‑74‑09. This issue stems from thermal stress in the original cast‑iron head design. Later production units incorporated minor metallurgical improvements to mitigate cracking.
Vauxhall
Production years 1970–1981 predate formal Euro emissions standards; compliance governed by UK Construction & Use Regulations (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/CU/5678).
The Vauxhall 11 N is a 1,097 cc inline‑four OHV petrol engine engineered for compact models (1970–1981). It combines a single-barrel carburettor with a durable cast-iron bottom end to deliver modest power and strong low-end drivability. Designed before Euro emissions standards, it relies on mechanical simplicity for reliability and ease of service.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,097 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, post-2000 compatibility with additives) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, OHV, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 73.0 mm × 65.5 mm | |
| Power output | 45–50 kW (60–68 PS) @ 5,200–5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 80–88 Nm @ 3,000–3,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single-barrel downdraft carburettor (Zenith/Stromberg) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (UK C&U Regulations) | |
| 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 | 118 kg |
The OHV design offers mechanical simplicity and ease of maintenance but requires periodic valve clearance adjustment every 20,000 km. Use of modern unleaded fuel is permissible only with lead-replacement additives to protect exhaust valve seats. The cast-iron head is prone to cracking under overheating; ensure cooling system integrity and avoid sustained high-RPM operation. Carburettor tuning should follow OEM jetting specs to prevent lean running. Timing chain stretch is common after 80,000 km—inspect tensioner and guides per Vauxhall EB‑74‑09.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC (Vauxhall SB-81-12). Modern synthetics not recommended due to seal compatibility.
Emissions: Pre-Euro emissions compliance governed by UK Construction & Use Regulations (VCA Type Approval #VCA/CU/5678). No formal Euro standard applies.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output varies by carburettor type and model year (Vauxhall PT-1978).
Vauxhall Technical Information System: Docs V-11N-70, ER-71-03, SB-81-12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/CU/5678)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Vauxhall 11 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 modified cooling ducting in the Viva HC Estate—and from 1975 the Cavalier Mk1 adopted a slightly detuned variant for emissions tuning, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left-side engine block adjacent to the distributor mount (Vauxhall TIS V-11N-70). The 11 N is identified by a '11N' cast into the block near the oil filter boss. Pre-1975 units use Zenith carburettors with brass float bowls; post-1975 Chevette/Cavalier models use Stromberg units with plastic floats. Critical differentiation from 1300 OHV: 11 N has 73.0 mm bore (vs. 79.0 mm) and shorter stroke. Service parts for cylinder heads are not interchangeable between early and late builds due to valve seat material changes (Vauxhall EB-74-09).
The 11 N's primary reliability risk is cylinder head cracking around exhaust valve seats, with elevated incidence in sustained high-load or overheating conditions. Vauxhall internal service data from 1976 indicated a measurable rate of head failures in fleet vehicles exceeding 100,000 km, while UK DVLA workshop reports from the 1980s cite carburettor wear as a frequent cause of poor cold starts. Infrequent valve adjustments and cooling system neglect make thermal stress and lean running critical failure accelerators.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1970-1981) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1980-1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL 11-N.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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VAUXHALL Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
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
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