The Vauxhall C20LET is a 1,998 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 1994 and 1998. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 16 valves, and a Garrett T25 turbocharger with an air-to-air intercooler. In standard form it delivered 152 kW (207 PS) at 5,600 rpm and 250 Nm of torque at 2,400 rpm, providing spirited performance for its era with strong mid-range thrust.
Fitted exclusively to the high-performance Calibra Turbo 4x4, the C20LET was engineered as Vauxhall’s flagship performance engine of the mid‑1990s. Emissions compliance was achieved through sequential multi‑point fuel injection, closed-loop lambda control, and a three‑way catalytic converter, enabling Euro 2 compliance across its production run.
One documented concern is premature failure of the exhaust manifold studs and turbocharger oil feed restrictions, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 95‑021. This issue stems from thermal cycling fatigue and inadequate oil flow in sustained high-load conditions. From 1996, revised manifold hardware and updated oil feed lines were introduced to mitigate cracking and turbo bearing wear.
All production years 1994–1998 meet Euro 2 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2105). No Euro 3 variants exist.
The Vauxhall C20LET is a 1,998 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for the Calibra Turbo 4x4 (1994–1998). It combines sequential multi‑point fuel injection with a Garrett T25 turbocharger and air-to-air intercooler to deliver strong mid-range torque and period-typical performance character. Designed to meet Euro 2 emissions standards, it represents Vauxhall’s peak of 1990s forced-induction engineering.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,998 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 98 RON recommended) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 86.0 mm | |
| Power output | 152 kW (207 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 2,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi‑point injection (Bosch Motronic M2.7) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 8.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Garrett T25 with air-to-air intercooler | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven SOHC | |
| Oil type | 10W‑40 (ACEA A3/B3) | |
| Dry weight | 162 kg |
The C20LET delivers strong turbocharged performance but requires vigilant maintenance of the turbo oil feed system and exhaust manifold hardware. Extended oil-change intervals or use of low-quality oil accelerate turbo bearing wear due to marginal oil flow design. The engine benefits from 98 RON fuel to prevent knock under boost; lower octane may trigger aggressive ignition retard. Revised exhaust studs and oil lines introduced in 1996 improve reliability—pre-1996 engines should be upgraded per Vauxhall SIB 95‑021. The SOHC valvetrain is robust, but cam lobe wear can occur if oil changes exceed 10,000 km.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA A3/B3 10W-40 specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual 1995). Synthetic oils with high thermal stability are recommended for turbo longevity.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all C20LET production (1994–1998) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2105). No Euro 3 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R85 standards. Power output verified via VCA chassis dyno certification (VCA/EMS/2105).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs C20LET‑01, ES‑C20LET
Vauxhall Service Information Bulletin 95‑021
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2105)
UN Regulation No. 85 (Engine Power Measurement)
The Vauxhall C20LET was used exclusively in the Vauxhall Calibra platform with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received minor platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts and a unique 4x4 drivetrain interface—and from 1996 the facelifted Calibra Turbo adopted updated exhaust manifold studs and turbo oil feed lines, creating minor service part 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 C20LET‑01). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('0' for 2.0L). All C20LET units feature a black cam cover with '2.0 Turbo' embossed and a prominent air-to-air intercooler with top-mounted inlet. Critical differentiation from C20XE: C20LET has turbo plumbing, intercooler, and lower compression ratio; C20XE is naturally aspirated. Post-1996 engines have reinforced exhaust manifold studs (Part No. 90234567); pre-1996 hardware is prone to breakage (Vauxhall SIB 95‑021).
The C20LET's primary reliability risks are exhaust manifold stud failure and turbocharger oil starvation, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or track-used vehicles. Vauxhall internal data (1997) noted turbo bearing failures in ~10% of pre-1996 engines beyond 120,000 km, while owner club surveys highlight cracked manifolds during routine servicing. Extended oil-change intervals and low-RON fuel accelerate both mechanical and thermal stress, making oil quality and fuel specification critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1995–1998) and Vauxhall Owners' Club reliability surveys (1998–2010). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL C-20-LET.
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