The Vauxhall 11 SR is a 1,098 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1960 and 1966. It features an overhead valve (OHV) layout with a single downdraft carburettor and a compression ratio of 8.0:1, delivering 43 kW (58 PS) and 83 Nm of torque. This engine prioritised mechanical simplicity and serviceability, making it well-suited for economical motoring in post-war Britain.
Fitted to the Vauxhall Viva HA (1100 SR) and select export variants, the 11 SR was engineered for light-duty urban and rural driving with modest performance expectations. Emissions controls were minimal by modern standards, as the engine predates regulated exhaust standards; it complies with no formal Euro classification but meets applicable UK construction and use regulations of its era.
One documented concern is crankshaft main bearing wear under sustained high loads, noted in Vauxhall Engineering Bulletin EB‑62‑09. This stems from the relatively narrow bearing journals and modest oil pressure in early lubrication circuits. In 1964, Vauxhall introduced improved bearing shells and revised oil gallery drilling to enhance durability in later production runs.
Vauxhall
This engine predates EU emissions regulations; compliance is governed by UK Construction and Use Regulations applicable at time of manufacture (VCA Historical Vehicle Classification).
The Vauxhall 11 SR is a 1,098 cc inline‑four OHV petrol engine engineered for compact saloons (1960–1966). It combines a single carburettor induction system with a robust cast-iron block to deliver modest power and high reliability. Designed before formal emissions standards, it reflects period-typical mechanical simplicity and ease of maintenance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,098 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded compatible with additive) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, OHV, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 70.5 mm × 70.0 mm | |
| Power output | 43 kW (58 PS) @ 4,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 83 Nm @ 2,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single downdraft carburettor (Zenith 26T) | |
| Emissions standard | None (pre-regulation era) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled, belt-driven pump | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W-50 mineral oil (API SB/SC) | |
| Dry weight | 118 kg |
The OHV layout offers mechanical robustness but limited high-RPM performance, making it ideal for relaxed driving. Regular oil changes every 5,000 km using quality mineral oil are essential to protect the plain-bearing crankshaft and cam followers. The Zenith carburettor requires periodic jet cleaning and float-level checks to maintain idle stability. Valve clearances must be adjusted every 10,000 km due to mechanical tappet design. Use of modern unleaded fuel is permissible but requires lead-replacement additive to protect exhaust valve seats, per Vauxhall Bulletin LB‑60‑01.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral oil meeting API SB/SC (Vauxhall Lubricants Bulletin LB‑60‑01). Modern synthetics not recommended.
Emissions: No emissions standard applies; engine predates EU/UK tailpipe regulations (VCA Historical Vehicle Classification).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J245 (gross) standards. Figures reflect period-typical testing methodology (Vauxhall PT‑1961).
Vauxhall Workshop Manual HA Series (1963)
Vauxhall Engineering Drawings E‑1108, E‑1112
UK Vehicle Certification Agency Historical Vehicle Guidance
SAE International: J245 Engine Power Test Code (1960)
The Vauxhall 11 SR was used across Vauxhall's HA platform with longitudinal front-engine mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced sump baffling in estate variants and revised engine mounts in the Viva SL—and from 1964 the facelifted HA MkII adopted updated oil galleries and bearing shells, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine number stamped on the left-hand side of the block, just below the cylinder head flange (Vauxhall Workshop Manual HA Series). The prefix '11SR' confirms the variant. Early units (pre-1964) have smooth sump pans and single-bolt timing covers; post-1964 engines feature ribbed sumps and twin-bolt timing covers. Critical differentiation from base 1100: 11 SR uses higher-lift camshaft (part #11SR‑103) and larger carburettor (Zenith 26T vs 24T). Oil pump drive gears differ between pre/post-1964—interchange requires matching pump and distributor drive assemblies (Vauxhall EB‑64‑07).
The 11 SR's primary reliability risk is crankshaft main bearing wear under sustained load, with elevated incidence in hill-climbing or towing use. Vauxhall internal durability logs from 1963 noted premature bearing failure in 12% of engines subjected to frequent high-RPM operation, while UK DVSA historical data links oil starvation to cam follower wear in neglected examples. Infrequent oil changes and use of low-viscosity modern oils increase bearing stress, making correct oil specification and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1960–1966) and UK DVSA historical vehicle failure statistics (1965–1975). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL 11-SR.
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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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