The Vauxhall CIH 2.0L is a 1,975 cc, inline‑four petrol engine produced between 1967 and 1986. It features a cast-iron block, overhead camshaft (OHC) driven by chain, and a single downdraft carburettor. In standard form it delivered 66–74 kW (90–101 PS) and 147–157 Nm of torque, engineered for durability and smooth highway cruising.
Fitted to models such as the Viva HC, Victor FD/FE, Magnum, and early Cavalier Mk1—including the 2.0 GL and 2.0S variants—the CIH 2.0L was designed for drivers seeking robust performance and mechanical simplicity. Emissions compliance was minimal by modern standards, with most units meeting pre-Euro norms through basic air injection or lean-burn carburetion depending on market and year.
One documented concern is camshaft lobe wear in engines subjected to infrequent oil changes or extended high-RPM use. This issue is referenced in Vauxhall Workshop Manual Supplement 78/04, which notes accelerated wear on early OHC profiles due to marginal oiling at the cam followers. From 1975, revised cam metallurgy and improved oil galleries were introduced to mitigate the problem in later FE and Cavalier applications.
Production years 1967–1986 predate EU emissions regulations; no Euro standards apply (VCA UK Type Approval not required for pre-1973 models).
The Vauxhall CIH 2.0L is a 1,975 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for mid‑size sedans and coupés (1967–1986). It combines a durable cast-iron architecture with a chain-driven overhead camshaft to deliver linear power delivery and long service life. Designed before modern emissions mandates, it prioritizes mechanical robustness over fuel efficiency or emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,975 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, OHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 93.0 mm × 72.8 mm | |
| Power output | 66–74 kW (90–101 PS) | |
| Torque | 147–157 Nm @ 3,200–3,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single downdraft carburettor (Zenith/Stromberg) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (no formal standard) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.0:1 – 9.0:1 (market-dependent) | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, single-row) | |
| Oil type | Mineral 10W‑40 or 20W‑50 (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 165 kg |
The overhead cam design provides smooth operation but requires oil changes every 5,000 km or 6 months to prevent cam lobe wear—especially critical in pre-1975 units. Mineral-based 10W‑40 or 20W‑50 oil meeting API SF/CC is recommended; modern low-viscosity synthetics may reduce oil pressure at the cam followers. Extended high-RPM use without adequate warm-up accelerates wear on early cam profiles. Carburettor tuning should follow OEM jetting specifications to maintain air-fuel balance and prevent pre-ignition. Cooling system integrity is vital—cast-iron blocks are prone to cracking if overheated.
Oil Specs: Requires mineral-based 10W‑40 or 20W‑50 (API SF/CC) as specified in Vauxhall Workshop Manual WM‑20/72. Modern low-SAPS oils not recommended.
Emissions: No Euro emissions standards apply; vehicles produced before 1973 were exempt from UK type approval (VCA Historical Guidance).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output varies by compression ratio and carburettor type (Vauxhall PT‑1975).
Vauxhall Workshop Manual WM‑20/72 and Supplement 78/04
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs VP0201, VP0205
Vauxhall Group Heritage Archive PT‑1975
UK Vehicle Certification Agency Historical Guidance
The Vauxhall CIH 2.0L was used across Vauxhall's RWD platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared within GM Europe’s lineup. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced sump baffling in the Magnum coupé and modified engine mounts in the Cavalier Mk1—and from 1975 the facelifted Victor FE models adopted revised camshafts and oil galleries, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left side of the block adjacent to the distributor mount (Vauxhall TIS VP0201). Early units (1967–1974) use casting number '20S' or '20HL'; later units (1975–1986) use '20NE' or '20SE'. All CIH 2.0L engines feature a single cam cover with distributor at the front right. Critical differentiation from later OHC engines: CIH uses a timing chain with external tensioner and lacks hydraulic lifters. Carburettor type (Zenith 36IV or Stromberg CD175) varies by model year—refer to carb tag for verification.
The CIH 2.0L's primary reliability risk is camshaft and follower wear, with elevated incidence in pre-1975 builds subjected to infrequent oil changes or spirited driving. Vauxhall workshop data from 1978 indicated a significant share of early Victor FD and Viva HC engines required cam replacement before 80,000 km, while UK MoT historical records show oil-related failures in high-mileage survivors. Extended high-RPM use without proper lubrication accelerates wear, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall workshop manuals (1967–1986) and UK MoT historical failure data (1975–1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL CIH-2-0L.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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VAUXHALL Official Site
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
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.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
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