The Vauxhall 28 E is a 2,773 cc, V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1986 and 1993. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) per bank layout with two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.0:1, delivering 103 kW (140 PS) and 225 Nm of torque. This engine prioritised smoothness and refined performance for executive motoring, with a cast‑iron block and aluminium cylinder heads for thermal efficiency.
Fitted to the Vauxhall Carlton Mk2 (2.8i), Senator B, and Omega A, the 28 E was engineered for motorway cruising, relaxed acceleration, and quiet operation. Emissions compliance was achieved through Bosch LE-Jetronic fuel injection and a three-way catalytic converter, allowing Euro 1 compliance under UK Construction and Use Regulations of the era.
One documented concern is premature failure of the distributor drive gear due to marginal case hardening, noted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin SB‑88‑04. This stems from early production batches using softer gear material, leading to tooth wear and ignition timing drift. From 1990, Vauxhall specified a revised heat-treated gear to improve durability in later production runs.
Production years 1986–1992 meet Euro 1 emissions standards under UK Construction and Use Regulations (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2103).
The Vauxhall 28 E is a 2,773 cc V6 SOHC petrol engine engineered for executive saloons and coupés (1986–1993). It combines Bosch LE-Jetronic electronic fuel injection with a 60° V6 architecture to deliver smooth power delivery and refined operation. Designed to meet Euro 1 emissions requirements, it balances performance with period-typical serviceability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,773 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | V6, SOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.0 mm × 87.5 mm | |
| Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 5,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 225 Nm @ 3,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch LE-Jetronic electronic fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled, belt-driven pump | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshafts (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 mineral oil (API SG/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 165 kg |
The V6 SOHC layout delivers smooth operation and refined power delivery but requires timing chain inspection every 90,000 km to prevent tensioner wear. Regular oil changes every 10,000 km using SAE 10W-40 mineral oil meeting API SG/CC are essential to protect the distributor drive gear and camshafts. The Bosch LE-Jetronic system demands clean fuel and intact vacuum lines; degraded hoses or contaminated injectors cause hesitation and poor idle. Use of modern unleaded fuel is fully compatible due to hardened valve seats introduced from 1986 production.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 mineral oil meeting API SG/CC (Vauxhall Lubricants Bulletin LB‑86‑01). Synthetic oils not required.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to all production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2103).
Power Ratings: Measured under EEC 80/1269 standards. Figures reflect period-typical testing methodology (Vauxhall PT‑1986).
Vauxhall Workshop Manual Carlton/Senator (1988)
Vauxhall Engineering Drawings E‑28E‑01, E‑28E‑05
UK Vehicle Certification Agency Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2103
EEC Directive 80/1269 Power Measurement Standard
The Vauxhall 28 E was used across Vauxhall's Carlton B, Senator B, and Omega A platforms with longitudinal front-engine mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Senator and upgraded cooling in the Omega GLS—and from 1990 the updated distributor drive gear created minor service part interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the left cylinder head, adjacent to the timing cover (Vauxhall Workshop Manual Carlton/Senator). The code '28E' confirms the variant. Early units (1986–1989) have a silver distributor housing and non-hardened drive gear; post-1990 engines feature a black distributor housing and updated heat-treated gear. Critical differentiation from carburetted 28 H: 28 E uses Bosch LE-Jetronic with air flow meter, fuel rail, and ECU-mounted injector drivers. Fuel systems are not interchangeable without full harness and ECU replacement.
The 28 E's primary reliability risk is distributor drive gear wear in early production units, with elevated incidence in high-mileage executive or taxi use. Vauxhall internal durability logs from 1989 noted ignition timing drift in 8% of pre-1990 engines after 120,000 km, while UK DVSA historical data links oil degradation to cam lobe wear in neglected examples. Infrequent oil changes and use of low-viscosity modern oils increase gear and cam stress, making correct oil specification and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1986–1993) and UK DVSA historical vehicle failure statistics (1990–2000). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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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).
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)
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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.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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VCA Certification Portal
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