The Vauxhall S 18 NV is a 1,796 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1987 and 1993. It features single-point fuel injection, a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), and 8 valves. In standard form it delivers 66 kW (90 PS) at 5,400 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 3,200 rpm, offering linear and predictable power delivery for compact family vehicles.
Fitted to models such as the Astra F and Cavalier Mk2, the S 18 NV was engineered for reliability, fuel efficiency, and ease of service in urban and mixed driving conditions. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter and electronic engine management, allowing Euro 1 compliance across its production run.
One documented concern is premature wear of the distributor drive gear and ignition timing drift, noted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 03‑012. This is attributed to marginal lubrication of the distributor shaft and thermal expansion under sustained high-load operation. From 1991, revised distributor housing materials and updated ignition modules were introduced to improve durability.
All production years (1987–1993) meet Euro 1 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1122).
The Vauxhall S 18 NV is a 1,796 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact sedans and hatchbacks (1987–1993). It combines single-point fuel injection with SOHC architecture to deliver dependable everyday performance. Designed to meet Euro 1 emissions standards, it prioritizes serviceability and mechanical simplicity.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,796 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 84.0 mm | |
| Power output | 66 kW (90 PS) @ 5,400 rpm | |
| Torque | 145 Nm @ 3,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Mono-Jetronic single-point injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt‑driven SOHC (replace every 60,000 km or 4 years) | |
| Oil type | ACEA A2/B2 or GM 9310M (10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 108 kg |
The SOHC valvetrain provides mechanical simplicity and ease of maintenance but requires strict adherence to timing belt and oil change intervals (max 10,000 km or 12 months) to prevent cam and distributor drive wear. ACEA A2/B2 or GM 9310M 10W‑40 oil is essential for upper valvetrain and distributor shaft lubrication. Use only RON 95+ fuel meeting EN 228 standards to avoid knock and injector fouling. Post‑1991 engines include revised distributor housing per Vauxhall SIB 03‑012; pre‑1991 units benefit from proactive inspection of ignition timing stability during major services.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA A2/B2 or GM 9310M specification (Vauxhall Owner's Manual Astra F 1988).
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to all 1987–1993 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1122).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes RON 95 fuel (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V‑ENG‑S18‑05).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V‑ENG‑S18‑01 through V‑ENG‑S18‑05, SIB 03‑012
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/1122)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Vauxhall S 18 NV was used across Vauxhall's Astra F and Cavalier Mk2 platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Cavalier and modified accessory drive routing in the Astra F—and from 1991 received updated distributor and ignition modules, creating minor service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crankshaft pulley (Vauxhall TIS V‑ENG‑S18‑01). The 7th VIN digit is 'S' for this engine family. Pre-1991 units use early-design distributor; post-1991 revisions use updated housing per SIB 03‑012. Visual differentiation: all S 18 NV units have black plastic cam covers with '1.8i' embossed. Do not confuse with carburetted S 18 S (8V) which lacks fuel injection and has different intake manifold. Ignition modules are not interchangeable between pre- and post-1991 builds due to signal profile changes.
The S 18 NV's primary reliability risk is distributor drive gear wear and ignition timing drift under sustained high-load conditions, with elevated incidence in pre-1991 builds. Vauxhall internal data from 1992 indicated a measurable uptick in misfire complaints for early units before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records show minimal emissions-related MOT failures due to robust catalyst design. Infrequent oil changes and low-quality oil increase upper valvetrain and distributor stress, making maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1987–1993) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1990–1998). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL S-18-NV.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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VAUXHALL Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
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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