The Vauxhall 13 N is a 1,256 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1975 and 1984. It features an overhead valve (OHV) layout with a single downdraft carburettor and cast‑iron block construction. In standard form it delivered 48–55 kW (65–75 PS) and torque figures between 92–100 Nm, offering improved performance over the smaller 11 N while retaining mechanical simplicity.
Fitted to models such as the Chevette, Cavalier Mk1, and Viva HC (late production), the 13 N was engineered for economical urban commuting with modest highway capability. Emissions compliance was rudimentary by modern standards, meeting pre‑Euro regulatory expectations through basic crankcase ventilation and carburettor calibration.
One documented concern is premature wear of the camshaft lobes and tappets under sustained high-RPM use, as noted in Vauxhall Engineering Bulletin EB‑78‑14. This stems from marginal oil pressure delivery to the valvetrain in early production units. From 1980 onward, revised oil gallery routing and hardened camshaft materials were introduced to mitigate this issue.
Production years 1975–1984 predate formal Euro emissions standards; compliance governed by UK Construction & Use Regulations (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/CU/6123).
The Vauxhall 13 N is a 1,256 cc inline‑four OHV petrol engine engineered for compact models (1975–1984). It combines a single-barrel carburettor with a durable cast-iron bottom end to deliver balanced 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 | 1,256 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, post-2000 compatibility with additives) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, OHV, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 65.5 mm | |
| Power output | 48–55 kW (65–75 PS) @ 5,400–5,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 92–100 Nm @ 3,200–3,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single-barrel downdraft carburettor (Zenith/Stromberg) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (UK C&U Regulations) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| 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 | 122 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. Early camshaft wear is linked to marginal oil pressure at high RPM; avoid sustained high-load operation and ensure oil pump and galleries are clean. Carburettor tuning should follow OEM jetting specs to prevent lean running. From 1980, revised camshafts and oil passages significantly improved durability—verify engine build date before assuming vulnerability.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC (Vauxhall SB-82-07). Modern synthetics not recommended due to seal compatibility.
Emissions: Pre-Euro emissions compliance governed by UK Construction & Use Regulations (VCA Type Approval #VCA/CU/6123). No formal Euro standard applies.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output varies by carburettor type and model year (Vauxhall PT-1980).
Vauxhall Technical Information System: Docs V-13N-75, ER-76-05, SB-82-07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/CU/6123)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Vauxhall 13 N was used across Vauxhall's T-Car and HC 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 1980 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-13N-75). The 13 N is identified by a '13N' cast into the block near the oil filter boss. Pre-1980 units use Zenith carburettors with brass float bowls; post-1980 Chevette/Cavalier models use Stromberg units with plastic floats. Critical differentiation from 11 N: 13 N has 79.0 mm bore (vs. 73.0 mm) and identical stroke. Service parts for camshafts are not interchangeable between early and late builds due to lobe hardening changes (Vauxhall EB-78-14).
The 13 N's primary reliability risk is camshaft lobe wear in early production units, with elevated incidence in sustained high-RPM or towing conditions. Vauxhall internal service data from 1979 indicated measurable cam wear in fleet vehicles exceeding 80,000 km, while UK DVLA workshop reports from the 1980s cite carburettor wear as a frequent cause of poor cold starts. Infrequent oil changes and cooling system neglect accelerate valvetrain and thermal stress failures.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1975-1984) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1980-1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL 13-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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