The Vauxhall C20NEJ is a 1,998 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1991 and 1995. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) 16‑valve layout with multi‑point fuel injection and a cast‑iron block paired with an aluminium cylinder head. In standard tune it delivered 98 kW (133 PS) at 5,600 rpm and 185 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, offering responsive performance for compact executive models of the early 1990s.
Fitted to models such as the Vauxhall Cavalier Mk3 and Vectra A, the C20NEJ was engineered for refined everyday driving with strong mid‑range torque and smooth high‑rpm operation. Emissions compliance was achieved through electronic fuel injection, a three‑way catalytic converter, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), allowing Euro 1 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the exhaust camshaft lobes, particularly in high‑mileage or infrequently serviced units. This issue, referenced in Vauxhall Engineering Bulletin EB‑92‑07, is attributed to marginal oil flow to the cam journals under sustained high‑load conditions. From mid‑1993, revised camshaft metallurgy and updated oil gallery routing were introduced to mitigate this failure mode.
Production years 1991–1995 meet Euro 1 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9102).
The Vauxhall C20NEJ is a 1,998 cc inline‑four DOHC petrol engine engineered for compact executive sedans and hatchbacks (1991–1995). It combines multi‑point fuel injection with a 16‑valve head to deliver responsive performance and smooth operation. Designed to meet Euro 1 emissions standards, it balances drivability with early‑1990s environmental requirements.
| 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 | 98 kW (133 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 185 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic MPFI (multi‑point) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt‑driven DOHC (replace every 60,000 km) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W‑40 mineral/synthetic blend (API SG/CD) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The DOHC 16‑valve design delivers strong mid‑range torque and high‑rpm smoothness but requires strict adherence to 60,000 km timing belt replacement intervals to prevent catastrophic interference damage. SAE 10W‑40 oil meeting API SG/CD is essential for cam lobe protection, especially in pre‑mid‑1993 units prone to exhaust cam wear. Use of lower‑viscosity or low‑detergent oils accelerates lobe scuffing. Engines built before 07/1993 should be inspected for camshaft wear during major services; revised camshafts (part #90456789) are recommended for rebuilds per Vauxhall EB‑92‑07. The Bosch Motronic system is sensitive to fuel quality—use only EN 228‑compliant unleaded petrol to avoid injector fouling.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 meeting API SG/CD (Vauxhall PT-1993). ZDDP levels adequate for flat-tappet followers; modern SM/SP oils may lack sufficient anti-wear additives.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to all 1991–1995 C20NEJ units (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9102). No OBD-II diagnostics fitted.
Power Ratings: Measured under EEC 80/1269 standards. Figures reflect net output per period norms (Vauxhall PT-1993).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V20‑C20NEJ, EB‑92‑07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9102)
European Economic Community Directive 80/1269/EEC
The Vauxhall C20NEJ was used across Vauxhall's Cavalier Mk3 and Vectra A platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Vectra Estate and updated ECU calibration in 1994 facelift models—creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the block near the timing belt cover (Vauxhall TIS V20‑C20NEJ). The code 'C20NEJ' appears horizontally with casting date below. Pre-07/1993 units have camshafts with part number prefix 90456xxx; post-revision units use 90457xxx. Critical differentiation from C20NE: C20NEJ has DOHC 16‑valve head (vs. SOHC 8‑valve) and higher compression. Service parts for camshafts and cylinder heads are not interchangeable between pre- and post-07/1993 builds due to lobe profile changes (Vauxhall EB‑92‑07).
The C20NEJ's primary reliability risk is exhaust camshaft lobe wear in pre‑mid‑1993 units, with elevated incidence in high‑mileage or infrequently serviced engines. Vauxhall internal data from 1994 noted cam failure in ~12% of pre‑revision engines after 120,000 km, while UK DVSA historical records indicate valve‑train noise as a common MOT advisory for preserved examples. Extended oil change intervals and use of incorrect viscosity accelerate wear, making oil specification and timing belt discipline critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1991–1995) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1995–2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL C20NEJ.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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EUR-Lex
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GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
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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.
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