The Vauxhall C20XE is a 1,998 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1988 and 1995. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) 16‑valve layout with multi‑point fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 110 kW (150 PS) at 6,000 rpm and 196 Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm, providing spirited performance ideal for hot hatches and sports coupés.
Fitted to models such as the Astra F, Calibra, and Vectra A—including the GSi and 2.0 16V variants—the C20XE was engineered for high-revving responsiveness and track-capable dynamics. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter and electronic engine management, allowing it to meet Euro 1 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature failure of the plastic inlet manifold due to thermal stress and vacuum fatigue. This issue, highlighted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑90‑02‑07, is attributed to material degradation under repeated heat cycles. Affected engines exhibit vacuum leaks, lean misfires, and erratic idle.
All production years 1988–1995 meet Euro 1 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2103).
The Vauxhall C20XE is a 1,998 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for performance hatchbacks and coupés (1988–1995). It combines DOHC 16‑valve architecture with multi‑point fuel injection to deliver high-revving power and responsive throttle response. Designed to meet Euro 1 emissions standards, it prioritizes performance over emissions refinement.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,998 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 86.0 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 196 Nm @ 4,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi‑point injection (Bosch Motronic M1.5) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt‑driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | Vauxhall GM‑LL‑A‑001 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 125 kg |
The high-compression DOHC layout enables strong high-RPM power but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km timing belt replacement intervals to prevent catastrophic interference failure. The plastic inlet manifold is prone to cracking under thermal cycling; replacement with later metal-reinforced or aftermarket aluminium units is recommended. The Bosch Motronic system demands RON 95+ fuel to prevent knock under load. Valve clearance must be checked every 40,000 km due to mechanical tappets. Post-1992 units feature revised manifold design per TSB‑90‑02‑07.
Oil Specs: Requires GM‑LL‑A‑001 specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual 1988). Equivalent to ACEA A2/B2.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to all 1988–1995 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2103). No market variations.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified across Astra F GSi and Calibra applications (Vauxhall PT‑1988).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs T88‑045, TSB 90‑02‑07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2103)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Vauxhall C20XE was used across Vauxhall's GM2900 and T88 platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Calibra and modified exhaust routing in the Astra F—and from 1992 the facelifted Vectra A models retained the same engine code but updated inlet manifolds to address cracking, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Vauxhall TIS T88‑045). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('0' for 2.0L). All C20XE units feature black plastic cam covers with '16V' embossing. Critical differentiation from C20NE: C20XE has DOHC head and higher compression. ECU part number begins with '1208475' for pre‑1992 units and '1209012' for post-manifold-update. Service parts require calibration verification—injectors and throttle bodies are not interchangeable across ECU generations (Vauxhall SIB 91‑10‑01).
The C20XE's primary reliability risk is plastic inlet manifold cracking, with elevated incidence in high-mileage vehicles subjected to frequent thermal cycling. Vauxhall internal field data from 1993 indicated manifold failures in a notable subset of engines exceeding 80,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show secondary failures linked to vacuum-related emissions faults. Aggressive driving and extended idling increase thermal stress, making component upgrades critical for longevity.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1988–1995) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2000–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL C-20-XE.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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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
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