The Vauxhall 26 N is a 2,605 cc, inline‑six naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1972 and 1986. It features an overhead valve (OHV) layout with a single downdraft carburettor and cast‑iron block construction. In standard form it delivered 75–85 kW (102–115 PS) and torque figures between 190–210 Nm, providing smooth, torque-rich performance for executive sedans and estate vehicles of its era.
Fitted to models such as the Vauxhall Ventora, Victor FE, and early Carlton, the 26 N was engineered for relaxed motorway cruising and refined low-RPM drivability. Emissions compliance was achieved through basic crankcase ventilation and carburettor calibration, allowing adherence to pre‑Euro regulatory expectations under UK Construction & Use Regulations.
One documented concern is cylinder head cracking around the exhaust valve seats under sustained high-load conditions, as noted in Vauxhall Engineering Bulletin EB‑76‑12. This issue stems from thermal stress in the original cast‑iron head design and marginal coolant flow in the rear cylinders. Later production units incorporated minor metallurgical and cooling passage improvements to mitigate cracking.
Production years 1972–1986 predate formal Euro emissions standards; compliance governed by UK Construction & Use Regulations (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/CU/5987).
The Vauxhall 26 N is a 2,605 cc inline‑six OHV petrol engine engineered for executive sedans and estates (1972–1986). It combines a single-barrel carburettor with a durable cast-iron bottom end to deliver smooth power delivery and strong low-end torque. Designed before Euro emissions standards, it relies on mechanical simplicity for reliability and ease of service.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,605 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, post-2000 compatibility with additives) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑6, OHV, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 89.0 mm × 70.0 mm | |
| Power output | 75–85 kW (102–115 PS) @ 4,800–5,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 190–210 Nm @ 2,800–3,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single-barrel downdraft carburettor (Zenith/Stromberg) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (UK C&U Regulations) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.5:1 | |
| 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 | 195 kg |
The OHV inline-six design offers inherent smoothness and mechanical simplicity 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, particularly in cylinders 5–6 due to coolant flow limitations. 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 100,000 km—inspect tensioner and guides per Vauxhall EB‑76‑12.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC (Vauxhall SB-82-14). Modern synthetics not recommended due to seal compatibility.
Emissions: Pre-Euro emissions compliance governed by UK Construction & Use Regulations (VCA Type Approval #VCA/CU/5987). 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-26N-72, ER-73-08, SB-82-14
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/CU/5987)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Vauxhall 26 N was used across Vauxhall's FE and Carlton platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Ventora and modified cooling ducting in the Victor FE Estate—and from 1980 the Carlton 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-26N-72). The 26 N is identified by a '26N' cast into the block near the oil filter boss. Pre-1980 units use Zenith carburettors with brass float bowls; post-1980 Carlton models use Stromberg units with plastic floats. Critical differentiation from 3.0L CIH: 26 N has 89.0 mm bore (vs. 95.0 mm) and shorter stroke. Service parts for cylinder heads are not interchangeable between early and late builds due to valve seat material and coolant passage changes (Vauxhall EB-76-12).
The 26 N's primary reliability risk is cylinder head cracking around exhaust valve seats in rear cylinders, with elevated incidence in sustained high-load or overheating conditions. Vauxhall internal service data from 1978 indicated a measurable rate of head failures in fleet vehicles exceeding 120,000 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 (1972–1986) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1980–1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL 26-N.
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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).
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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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.
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