The Vauxhall 16 SH is a 1,598 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1979 and 1986. It features an overhead camshaft (OHC) layout with a single downdraft carburettor and a cast‑iron block with an aluminium alloy head. In standard form it delivered 59–66 kW (80–90 PS) and 120–130 Nm of torque, offering a balance of performance and drivability for compact and mid‑size applications.
Fitted to models such as the Astra Mk1 (T-Car), Cavalier Mk2 (J-Car), and early Carlton Mk2, the 16 SH was engineered for responsive urban driving and relaxed motorway cruising. Emissions compliance was limited to early UK and EU standards; most units predate formal Euro classifications.
One documented concern is premature camshaft lobe wear in high-mileage or high-RPM applications, particularly when oil changes are extended beyond recommended intervals. This issue, noted in Vauxhall Engineering Bulletin EB/83/09, stems from marginal oil feed to the camshaft under sustained load. From 1982 onward, revised camshaft metallurgy and improved oil gallery routing were introduced to mitigate this wear.
Production years 1979–1986 predate formal Euro emissions standards; compliance limited to national regulations of the era (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/0062).
The Vauxhall 16 SH is a 1,598 cc inline‑four OHC petrol engine engineered for compact and mid‑size models (1979–1986). It combines a single carburettor with a durable cast‑iron block to deliver balanced performance and economy. Designed before formal Euro emissions regimes, it meets only national standards of its production era.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (lead or unleaded with modifications) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, OHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 75.0 mm | |
| Power output | 59–66 kW (80–90 PS) @ 5,400–5,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 120–130 Nm @ 3,200–3,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single downdraft carburettor (Zenith/Stromberg) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (national standards only) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven overhead camshaft (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 120 kg |
The OHC layout provides improved breathing over OHV predecessors but demands consistent oil changes to prevent camshaft lobe wear. Engines built before 1982 are especially vulnerable to cam wear under sustained high-RPM use due to marginal oil feed design. Use of unleaded fuel requires hardened valve seats or lead replacement additives to avoid recession. The Zenith carburettor is sensitive to ethanol blends; E5 or lower is recommended to prevent float chamber varnish and needle valve sticking. Regular valve clearance checks (every 12,000 km) remain essential due to mechanical tappet design.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC (Vauxhall Owner’s Handbook 1980). Modern synthetics not recommended for original-spec engines.
Emissions: Pre-Euro engine; no formal EU emissions certification (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/0062). Subject only to national standards of production era.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output varies by carburettor type and model year (Vauxhall Group PT‑1983).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V-16SH-01, V-16SH-02, V-16SH-03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/0062)
Vauxhall Engineering Bulletin EB/83/09
The Vauxhall 16 SH was used across Vauxhall's T-Car and J-Car platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised coolant routing in the Astra Mk1 and altered exhaust manifolds in the Cavalier Mk2—and from 1983 the Carlton Mk2 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-16SH-04). The code '16SH' appears as a raised casting on early units and as a machined stamp on later builds. Pre-1982 engines have softer camshaft lobes and a single vacuum port on the inlet manifold; post-1982 versions feature hardened camshafts and dual ports. Critical differentiation from the 1498 '15D' engine: 16SH has 75.0 mm stroke (vs. 70.0 mm), confirmed by casting number '16SH' on the block. Carburettor type (Zenith 34/36 vs. Stromberg 150CD) varies by model year and must be matched during rebuilds.
The 16 SH's primary reliability risk is camshaft lobe wear in pre-1982 builds, with elevated incidence in high-RPM or extended-oil-interval use. Vauxhall internal quality data from 1984 noted premature cam failure in performance-driven Astra models, 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 oil changes and fuel system maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1980–1986) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1980–1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL 16-SH.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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