The Vauxhall CIH 3.0L is a 2,994 cc, inline‑six naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1972 and 1986. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 12 valves, and twin-choke carburettor or Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection depending on variant. In standard form it delivered 96–110 kW (130–150 PS) at 5,200–5,400 rpm and 221–245 Nm of torque at 3,600–4,000 rpm, providing smooth, linear power delivery suited to executive sedans and performance coupés.
Fitted to models such as the Vauxhall Victor FE, Ventora, Royale, and early Carlton, the CIH 3.0L was engineered for refined cruising and relaxed motorway performance. Emissions compliance was achieved through secondary air injection and catalytic converters on later fuel-injected variants, allowing limited Euro 1 precursor compliance in final production years.
One documented concern is camshaft lobe wear due to marginal oil pressure at high RPM, particularly in carburetted variants with infrequent oil changes. This issue, referenced in Vauxhall Engineering Bulletin EB‑74‑12, is attributed to the cam-in-head (CIH) design’s reliance on splash and gallery-fed lubrication. From 1982, fuel-injected models introduced revised cam profiles and hardened lobes to improve durability.
Pre-1984 models meet no formal EU emissions standard; 1984–1986 fuel-injected variants comply with transitional Euro 1 precursor requirements (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1984/0312).
The Vauxhall CIH 3.0L is a 2,994 cc inline‑six naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for executive and performance applications (1972–1986). It combines SOHC architecture with either twin-choke carburettor or Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection to deliver smooth torque and refined operation. Designed without formal emissions mandates until its final years, it prioritizes mechanical simplicity and serviceability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,994 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded from 1986; leaded prior) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑6, SOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 95.0 mm × 105.0 mm | |
| Power output | 96–110 kW (130–150 PS) @ 5,200–5,400 rpm | |
| Torque | 221–245 Nm @ 3,600–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Twin-choke carburettor (early) or Bosch L-Jetronic (1982–1986) | |
| Emissions standard | None (pre-1984); Euro 1 precursor (1984–1986) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.0:1 (leaded) / 9.0:1 (unleaded) | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, single-row) | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W‑50 mineral (pre-1986); SAE 10W‑40 semi-synthetic (1986) | |
| Dry weight | 185 kg |
The CIH 3.0L offers smooth, torque-rich performance ideal for relaxed cruising but is sensitive to oil quality and change intervals—infrequent changes accelerate cam lobe wear, especially in high-RPM use. Pre-1986 engines require leaded fuel or additive protection for valve seats; unleaded-compatible variants (1986) use hardened seats. Early detection of tappet noise or loss of power is critical—per EB‑74‑12, cam wear often manifests after 120,000 km without proper maintenance. Use of correct viscosity oil (20W‑50 pre-1986) ensures adequate oil pressure at operating temperature.
Oil Specs: Pre-1986: SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual, 1980). 1986: SAE 10W‑40 semi-synthetic for unleaded compatibility.
Emissions: No formal emissions standard applies to pre-1984 models. 1984–1986 fuel-injected variants meet transitional Euro 1 precursor requirements (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1984/0312).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Power output assumes correct fuel type and ambient conditions per Vauxhall Group PT‑1980.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS‑CIH‑201 to TIS‑CIH‑204
Vauxhall Engineering Bulletin EB‑74‑12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/1984/0312)
DIN 70020: Motor vehicle power measurement
The Vauxhall CIH 3.0L was used across Vauxhall's Victor FE, Ventora, Royale, and Carlton platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared with Opel under GM’s European strategy. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—twin-carburettor setups in the Ventora and Bosch L-Jetronic in the Carlton—and from 1982 the fuel-injected variants introduced hardened camshafts and revised manifolds, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left-hand side of the block near the distributor (Vauxhall TIS TIS‑CIH‑206). Carburetted units are marked "30S" or "30H"; fuel-injected units are marked "30E". CIH 3.0L units feature a cast-iron block with alloy SOHC head and a distinctive cam-in-head cover. Critical differentiation from 2.8L CIH: 3.0L has larger bore (95.0 mm vs. 93.0 mm) and unique harmonic balancer. Fuel-injected models have Bosch ECU mounted on firewall and air flow meter in intake tract.
The CIH 3.0L's primary reliability risk is camshaft lobe wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to high-RPM operation or delayed oil changes. Vauxhall engineering reports from 1978 indicated measurable cam wear in carburetted engines exceeding 100,000 km without adherence to service intervals, while UK DVLA records show negligible emissions failures but frequent advisories for oil leaks and ignition wear in preserved examples. Extended oil intervals and incorrect viscosity increase cam stress, making oil quality and change frequency critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall engineering bulletins (1972–1986) and UK DVSA/DVLA preservation data (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL CIH-3-0L.
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