The Vauxhall 30 E is a 2,975 cc, inline‑six naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1978 and 1986. It features an overhead valve (OHV) layout with a single downdraft carburettor and a cast‑iron block with an aluminium alloy head. In standard tune it delivered 95 kW (129 PS) at 4,800 rpm and 225 Nm of torque at 2,800 rpm, providing smooth, refined performance suited to executive sedans and light commercial applications of the era.
Fitted to models such as the Vauxhall Carlton Mk1 and Senator A, the 30 E was engineered for relaxed motorway cruising and confident urban drivability. Emissions controls remained minimal by modern standards, with no catalytic converter or exhaust gas recirculation; compliance aligned with pre‑Euro UK national standards under the 1970 Clean Air Act provisions.
One documented concern is valve seat recession when operated on unleaded fuel, highlighted in Vauxhall Engineering Bulletin EB‑78‑05. This issue arises from the original soft valve seat material, which wears rapidly without leaded fuel’s protective layer. From 1982, Vauxhall began fitting hardened valve seats in anticipation of unleaded fuel transitions, particularly for export markets.
Production years 1978–1986 predate EU emissions directives; compliance follows UK national standards of the era (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/VEH/6609).
The Vauxhall 30 E Petrol is a 2,975 cc inline‑six OHV engine engineered for executive sedans and light commercial vehicles (1978–1986). It combines a single carburettor induction system with a robust cast‑iron architecture to deliver smooth low‑rpm torque and mechanical simplicity. Designed before Euro emissions standards, it meets only UK national vehicle regulations of the period.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,975 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Leaded recommended) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑6, OHV, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 95.0 mm × 105.0 mm | |
| Power output | 95 kW (129 PS) @ 4,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 225 Nm @ 2,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single downdraft carburettor (Zenith 36T) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (UK national standards) | |
| 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 | |
| Dry weight | 185 kg |
The OHV inline-six layout provides smooth operation and mechanical simplicity but requires periodic valve clearance adjustment every 10,000 km. Use of unleaded fuel without hardened valve seats accelerates valve recession—engines built before 1982 should be retrofitted with hardened inserts per Vauxhall EB‑78‑05. SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil is essential for bearing and cam life due to the absence of modern anti-wear additives. The Zenith 36T carburettor demands regular jet cleaning and float-level checks to maintain driveability. No emissions after-treatment exists, so exhaust modifications do not affect compliance.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral oil (Vauxhall Owner’s Handbook 1979). Modern synthetics may reduce cam wear but require zinc additive for flat-tappet protection.
Emissions: Pre-Euro emissions apply to all 1978–1986 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/VEH/6609). No catalytic converter or EGR fitted.
Power Ratings: Measured under BS AU 14 standards. Output verified on dynamometer per Vauxhall PT‑1983.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V2975‑78, CA‑1980, EB‑78‑05
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/VEH/6609)
British Standards Institution: BS AU 14 Engine Power Testing
The Vauxhall 30 E Petrol was used across Vauxhall's Carlton Mk1 and Senator A platforms with longitudinal front-engine mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Senator and modified cooling ducting in the Carlton—and from 1982 the introduction of hardened valve seats for unleaded compatibility, creating 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 mount (Vauxhall TIS V2975‑78). The full engine number begins with '30E' followed by a sequential build code. Pre-1982 units have soft valve seats and a Zenith 36T carburettor with brass float; post-1982 engines feature hardened valve seats (marked with 'HV' suffix in service records) and may use a plastic float. Critical differentiation from 20 E: 30 E has six cylinders, larger displacement, and distinct manifold bolt pattern. Cylinder head casting number '30E' confirms identity.
The 30 E's primary reliability risk is valve seat recession when run on unleaded fuel, with elevated incidence in pre-1982 builds. Vauxhall internal durability reports from 1981 noted significant exhaust valve wear after 40,000 km on unleaded fuel, while UK DVSA historical data shows high failure rates in preserved executive sedans due to outdated lubrication practices. Extended oil change intervals and modern low-zinc oils increase cam and tappet wear, making correct oil specification critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1978–1986) and UK DVSA historical failure statistics (1980–1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL 30-E.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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