The Vauxhall 30NE is a 1,297 cc, inline‑four petrol engine produced between 1982 and 1993. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8‑valve layout with multi‑point fuel injection (Bosch L‑Jetronic or later Motronic). In standard form it delivered 55 kW (75 PS) at 5,600 rpm and 103 Nm of torque at 3,400 rpm, providing adequate urban performance with improved fuel control over carburetted predecessors.
Fitted primarily to the Astra Mk1 (T-Car) and Kadett E, the 30NE was engineered as Vauxhall’s first mass‑produced fuel‑injected engine, offering better drivability, cold‑start reliability, and emissions control than carburetted variants. Emissions compliance was achieved through closed‑loop lambda control and a three‑way catalytic converter, allowing adherence to Euro 1 standards from 1992 onward, with earlier builds meeting national UK type approval.
One documented concern is premature failure of the Bosch fuel injector seals due to ethanol‑induced rubber degradation, highlighted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑89‑04. This issue stems from early nitrile rubber compounds incompatible with modern fuel blends. From 1990, Vauxhall updated injector seals to fluoroelastomer (FKM) material to improve chemical resistance.
Production years 1982–1991 meet UK national emissions standards; 1992–1993 models meet Euro 1 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2345).
The Vauxhall 30NE is a 1,297 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks (1982–1993). It combines SOHC 8‑valve architecture with multi‑point fuel injection to deliver predictable urban performance and improved cold‑start behavior over carburetted engines. Designed to meet Euro 1 standards in final years, it represents Vauxhall’s transition to electronic engine management.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,297 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 77.8 mm × 68.0 mm | |
| Power output | 55 kW (75 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 103 Nm @ 3,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch L‑Jetronic / Motronic MPFI | |
| Emissions standard | UK national (1982–1991); Euro 1 (1992–1993) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt‑driven (interference design) | |
| Oil type | Vauxhall GM‑L‑025 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 92 kg |
The SOHC 8-valve layout provides predictable low-RPM response but lacks high-end power. Timing belt replacement every 60,000 km or 4 years is critical due to interference design. Use of GM‑L‑025 (10W‑40) oil ensures proper valve train lubrication. The Bosch L-Jetronic system requires clean fuel and functioning oxygen sensors to maintain emissions compliance. Pre-1990 injector seals are prone to ethanol degradation—replacement with FKM seals per Vauxhall TSB 89‑04 is recommended during fuel system service.
Oil Specs: Requires GM‑L‑025 (10W‑40) specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual 1985). Equivalent ACEA A2/B2 oils permitted.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies only to 1992–1993 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2345). Earlier builds comply with pre-Euro UK standards.
Power Ratings: Measured under EEC 80/1269 standards. Power figures verified via VCA homologation testing.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS‑30NE‑01, TSB 89‑04
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2345)
EU Directive 91/441/EEC (Euro 1 Implementation)
The Vauxhall 30NE was used across Vauxhall's T-Car platform with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Kadett E and modified airbox routing in the Astra Mk1—and from 1990 the injector seals were upgraded to FKM material, creating minor service distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Vauxhall TIS 30NE‑01). The 7th VIN digit is '3' for 1.3-litre fuel-injected engines. Pre-1990 engines use black nitrile injector seals prone to ethanol swelling; post-1990 units feature brown FKM seals. Critical differentiation from 13SB: 30NE has fuel rail and injector harness, while 13SB is carburetted. Service parts for injectors require production date verification—pre-1990 seals are not compatible with modern fuel (Vauxhall TSB 89‑04).
The 30NE's primary reliability risk is fuel injector seal failure on pre-1990 builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles using modern E5/E10 petrol. Vauxhall internal quality reports from 1989 indicated a notable share of early engines requiring injector resealing before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show fuel vapour leaks as a recurring MOT advisory in neglected examples. Extended service intervals and ethanol-blended fuel increase risk, making seal replacement critical during major services.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1982–1993) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1995–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL 30NE.
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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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