The Vauxhall Z20LET is a 1,998 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2000 and 2005. It features a cast‑iron block, DOHC 16‑valve head, and a single Garrett T25 turbocharger with intercooler. In standard form it delivered 147 kW (200 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, providing strong mid‑range pull for hot‑hatch performance.
Fitted to models such as the Astra G Coupe Turbo, Astra G Caravan Turbo, and Zafira A Turbo, the Z20LET was engineered for spirited driving with everyday usability. Emissions compliance was achieved through sequential fuel injection and a three‑way catalytic converter, meeting Euro 3 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is cylinder head cracking near the exhaust ports, particularly under sustained high boost or inadequate cooling. This issue is referenced in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑00‑023 and is often linked to thermal stress from aggressive tuning or cooling system neglect. Later production units incorporated minor casting revisions to improve durability.
All production years (2000–2005) meet Euro 3 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Vauxhall Z20LET is a 1,998 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for performance hatchbacks and MPVs (2000–2005). It combines multi‑point sequential fuel injection with a Garrett T25 turbocharger to deliver strong mid‑range torque and responsive acceleration. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it balances sporty performance with drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,998 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (Garrett T25) | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 86.0 mm | |
| Power output | 147 kW (200 PS) @ 5,400 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 2,000–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic MPFI (sequential) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 8.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Garrett T25 (fixed geometry) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | Vauxhall Dexos2 5W‑30 or equivalent ACEA A3/B4 | |
| Dry weight | 168 kg |
The fixed-geometry turbo delivers strong mid-range torque but suffers from noticeable lag below 2,000 rpm. Regular oil changes (every 10,000 km) with ACEA A3/B4 or Dexos2 oil are essential to protect the turbo bearing and timing chain. The cast-iron block tolerates tuning well, but head cracking risk increases with boost above 1.2 bar without upgraded cooling. Use only 98 RON fuel for optimal knock resistance. Intercooler piping and vacuum lines degrade with age—inspect for boost leaks. Cylinder head integrity should be verified before aggressive remapping, per Vauxhall TSB‑00‑023.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA A3/B4 or Vauxhall Dexos2 5W-30 (Vauxhall SIB 01-015). Lower-spec oils risk turbo coking.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all 2000–2005 Z20LET models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No Euro 4 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. 200 PS rating assumes 98 RON fuel (Vauxhall TIS Doc. M11234).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M11234, V20-4512, TSB-00-023
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Vauxhall Z20LET was used across Vauxhall's Astra G and Zafira A platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Zafira and revised intercooler routing in the Astra Coupe—and from 2003 minor ECU updates improved cold-start emissions, creating minor calibration differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Vauxhall TIS M11234). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('L' for Z20LET). Visual cues: black plastic intake manifold with '2.0 TURBO' badge, top-mounted intercooler with single Garrett T25 turbo. Differentiate from non-turbo Z20XE by presence of intercooler and boost pipes. ECU part number 90477727 (Bosch 0261207613) confirms Z20LET application. Pre-2003 units use slightly different MAP sensor calibration per Vauxhall TSB-02-011.
The Z20LET's primary reliability risk is cylinder head cracking under high thermal load, with elevated incidence in modified or track-used engines. Vauxhall internal data from 2003 noted a measurable rate of head failures in vehicles with boost exceeding 1.3 bar, while UK DVSA records show cooling system faults as a frequent MOT advisory for Zafira Turbos. Aggressive driving without adequate warm-up or cooling maintenance increases head stress, making thermal management and fuel quality critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2000-2005) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL Z20LET.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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