C20XE
Encyclopedia
The C20XE is a DOHC, inline 4 cylinder Family II, Opel
engine. It has a displacement of 1998 cc and develops 110 kW.
The C20XE came into production as an evolution of the C20NE engine. It was a further development of the 1987 model 8v 20NE engine. The 20XE (Bosch Motronic ML 4.1) first saw the light of day in 1987 with the launch of the Opel Kadett GSI 16v, introducing 16 valve technology and Knock Sensors to Opel/Vauxhall lineup. In 1988 the C20XE was introduced, with a 150 PS output compared to the earlier 20XE's 156 PS. This was due to new emission standards, which forced manufacturers to specify their cars with a catalytic converter and a lambda sensor - this requirement permitted the fitment of a new generation of Engine Management Systems(Bosch Motronic 2.5).
The C20XE engine featured in many Opel/Vauxhall vehicles including some models of the Opel Astra
/Kadett E and the Opel Calibra/Vectra
. Enthusiasts commonly refer to this engine as the 'Red Top' (or just 'XE') because of the appearance of the red L-shaped spark plug cover.(This was red, but black colours are available, and the rocker cover was only available in silver). At the time of its launch, this engine was something of a milestone unit in Europe and was widely used in motorsport in many specialist race versions. It is still revered and sought after by enthusiasts today nearly two decades later. A version of the engine also appeared in Lada
cars in the late 1990s.
The C20XE served as the base for the turbocharged C20LET
, which appeared in versions of the Vauxhall Cavalier/Opel Vectra and the Vauxhall/Opel Calibra. The C20LET was identical on the surface, apart from a black plastic plenum/'top hat' shroud with a 'turbo' script. This version features forged, lower compression Mahle
pistons, and offers a 34% increase of power over the C20XE (204 PS).
Some versions of the engine implemented switch-able Traction Control
(commonly included in the early Astra GSi models). The inlet had a secondary throttle valve sandwiched underneath the primary throttle body. This is closed by a motor/arm assembly when the traction control ECU senses loss of grip/spin at the wheels. The engine was also equipped with a different Throttle Position Sensor (six pin, as opposed to three), and a different Coolant Temperature Sensor (which was black, as opposed to the normal light blue colour).
In its last version before production ended, the C20XE came with a new engine management system which included a distributorless ignition system, namely Bosch Motronic 2.8. The last version was called C20LN (Low Noise) and has a stronger engine block. The engines that appeared in the early 90's also swapped the cast metal spark plug cover for a cheaper (and less regarded) plastic version.
The C20XE evolved into the X20XEV
(1994) with 136 hp and taking on the GM Ecotec name and finally it evolved into the X20XER(1999).
The 20XE has now evolved into a large family of GM 16v engines, one of which is a 2.2 l (134.1 cu in) 16v chain driven engine found in many GM brands, including Saab
, Pontiac
, Saturn, Chevrolet
and Oldsmobile
. It was borrowed to Fiat
and Alfa Romeo
, for the Croma
and the 159
, respectively.
All of the 2 litre engine of this era share the same cast iron engine block with the exception of the oil return for the turbo on the C20LET
.
's involvement.
s came in two notable forms. The original versions which appeared in the Astra GTE, Calibra and Vauxhall Cavalier
/Opel Vectra
between 1988 and 1991 were cast by Cosworth
. These are usually more sought after, due to their superior casting qualities, over the GM version which was introduced some time in 1991 (appearing with the Astra GSi). One of the alleged qualities of the 'COSCAST' head is its inherent resistance to porosity; this was achieved by eliminating the presence of tiny air bubbles during the casting process. The Coscast head can be identified by a 'Coscast' logo which is stamped under the 3rd exhaust port. The GM head was manufactured by Kolben-Schmidt and featured different oil/water galleries, which required a pair of welsch plugs to be pressed in at either end. The presence of welsch plugs proved to be the sole means of identification for a GM manufactured head. A reinforced version of the GM head became available in the later years of the C20XE; however, these reinforcements meant that it had smaller inlet/exhaust canals than the other two.
Since an engine's oil pressure is much higher than its coolant pressure, oil in a porus head has a tendency to gradually seep into the cooling galleries. A typical symptom of a porous head is usually a 'mayonnaise
'-like substance in the coolant (residing on the cap). However, symptoms of a porous head have a tendency to vary, depending on the degree of porosity. Many C20XE operators have described the symptom as a curry-like residue or in more severe cases, a thick brown sludge. During the porous head debarcle, GM faced bankruptcy - therefore dealers failed to recall affected models. However, as a result, many businesses now specialise in the repair of porous GM C20XE/LET heads - by either sleeving the affected gallery or by injecting a polymer based substance into the porous region. Typically, the amount of cylinder heads that were reportedly porous remained relatively low.
The early engines used round tooth cambelts, the later used square (with a plastic pre-tensioner). There are also subtle differences between the crankshaft, and visible difference in the pattern of the SFi airbox.
Many aftermarket tuners have further developed the C20XE for racing purposes. SBD Motorsport, an aftermarket tuning company based in the UK, developed a C20XE unit with a power output in excess of 290 bhp. QED Motorsport is another such company that have had a huge involvement with the C20XE. They developed the first aluminium block for the engine giving a massive 19 kg weight saving over the standard block and the potential for 2.3 litres of capacity! QED also developed the first direct-to-head throttle bodies, allowing for greater performance in highly tuned motorsport applications as well as other enhancements. Typically, both QED Motorsport and SBD built engines have seen use in Westfield and Caterham vehicles competing in various hillclimb events.
The C20XE was used by the Chevrolet WTCC (World Touring Car Championship) team and the Lada WTCC team. The engine was also an option in Westfield kitcars.
The C20XE and C20LET variation have been retro fitted into many other Vauxhall's including the Nova, Corsa B, Tigra, Corsa C and Vectra B. the vast majority of these conversions/transplants are made possible by the extensive range of products offered by various motorsport manufacturers.
The C20XE is also a popular choice for many people that want a 16v engine in their mini, due to its relatively compact arrangement (with gearbox) and its cost effectiveness. The C20XE engine can also be fitted to the MkI and MkII Ford Escort models using Sierra 2litre "Pinto" gearbox and running gear, this is a popular modification for the race enthusiast
. This is also a popular powerplant in hot rod
s and kit car
s.
The engine produces 150 bhp at 6,000 rpm, with a low optimum specific fuel consumption
of 232 g/kWh which is equivalent to a maximum efficiency of 37%; a better efficiency than some of the diesel engines that were available at the time of its release. The valves are set at 46° and are accompanied by pistons with shallow valve pockets - thereby eliminating the need for a shorter connecting rod
hence, allowing a suitable compression ratio to be achieved. Long spark plugs are used and positioned concentric to the cylinder. The later engine were suffixed C20XELN to indicate 'Low Noise' revisions (smaller cylinder head port, cast pistons, and different crank bearing size) in line with EU regulations. The engine has a square bore/stroke and shares piston dimensions with the Bugatti Veyron
(86mm x 86mm).
Opel
Adam Opel AG, generally shortened to Opel, is a German automobile company founded by Adam Opel in 1862. Opel has been building automobiles since 1899, and became an Aktiengesellschaft in 1929...
engine. It has a displacement of 1998 cc and develops 110 kW.
The C20XE came into production as an evolution of the C20NE engine. It was a further development of the 1987 model 8v 20NE engine. The 20XE (Bosch Motronic ML 4.1) first saw the light of day in 1987 with the launch of the Opel Kadett GSI 16v, introducing 16 valve technology and Knock Sensors to Opel/Vauxhall lineup. In 1988 the C20XE was introduced, with a 150 PS output compared to the earlier 20XE's 156 PS. This was due to new emission standards, which forced manufacturers to specify their cars with a catalytic converter and a lambda sensor - this requirement permitted the fitment of a new generation of Engine Management Systems(Bosch Motronic 2.5).
The C20XE engine featured in many Opel/Vauxhall vehicles including some models of the Opel Astra
Astra
-Religion and mythology:* Astra in Sanskrit* Astra Planeta:**Children of Astraeus in Greek mythology, gods of the five wandering stars**The wandering stars, or naked-eye planets, themselves-Comics and manga:...
/Kadett E and the Opel Calibra/Vectra
Vectra
Vectra may refer to the following:*Opel Vectra *HP Vectra computer series by Hewlett-Packard*Vectra...
. Enthusiasts commonly refer to this engine as the 'Red Top' (or just 'XE') because of the appearance of the red L-shaped spark plug cover.(This was red, but black colours are available, and the rocker cover was only available in silver). At the time of its launch, this engine was something of a milestone unit in Europe and was widely used in motorsport in many specialist race versions. It is still revered and sought after by enthusiasts today nearly two decades later. A version of the engine also appeared in Lada
Lada
Lada is a trademark of AvtoVAZ, a Russian car manufacturer in Tolyatti, Samara Oblast. All AvtoVAZ vehicles are currently sold under the Lada brand, though this was not always so; Lada was originally AvtoVAZ's export brand for models it sold under the Zhiguli name in the domestic Soviet market...
cars in the late 1990s.
The C20XE served as the base for the turbocharged C20LET
C20LET
The C20LET is an Opel internal combustion engine. It is a 2.0 litre turbocharged inline four cylinder petrol engine. It displaces , has 16 valves, and a timing belt-driven double overhead camshaft...
, which appeared in versions of the Vauxhall Cavalier/Opel Vectra and the Vauxhall/Opel Calibra. The C20LET was identical on the surface, apart from a black plastic plenum/'top hat' shroud with a 'turbo' script. This version features forged, lower compression Mahle
Mahle
Mahle may refer to:*Ernst Mahle, a Brazilian composer and orchestra conductor*Mahle GmbH, a large German industrial company automotive supplier*Mahle , a Bangladeshi ethnic group...
pistons, and offers a 34% increase of power over the C20XE (204 PS).
Some versions of the engine implemented switch-able Traction Control
Traction control
A traction control system , also known as anti-slip regulation , is typically a secondary function of the anti-lock braking system on production motor vehicles, designed to prevent loss of traction of driven road wheels...
(commonly included in the early Astra GSi models). The inlet had a secondary throttle valve sandwiched underneath the primary throttle body. This is closed by a motor/arm assembly when the traction control ECU senses loss of grip/spin at the wheels. The engine was also equipped with a different Throttle Position Sensor (six pin, as opposed to three), and a different Coolant Temperature Sensor (which was black, as opposed to the normal light blue colour).
In its last version before production ended, the C20XE came with a new engine management system which included a distributorless ignition system, namely Bosch Motronic 2.8. The last version was called C20LN (Low Noise) and has a stronger engine block. The engines that appeared in the early 90's also swapped the cast metal spark plug cover for a cheaper (and less regarded) plastic version.
The C20XE evolved into the X20XEV
X20XEV
The X20XEV is a Opel engine. It is a 1998 cc 16-valve, DOHC in-line four-cylinder engine producing 100 kW . It replaced the C20XE engine and was labelled by General Motors as an 'Ecotec'.The breakdown of the engine name is as follows:...
(1994) with 136 hp and taking on the GM Ecotec name and finally it evolved into the X20XER(1999).
The 20XE has now evolved into a large family of GM 16v engines, one of which is a 2.2 l (134.1 cu in) 16v chain driven engine found in many GM brands, including Saab
Saab
Saab AB is a Swedish aerospace and defence company, founded in 1937. From 1947 to 1990 it was the parent company of automobile manufacturer Saab Automobile, and between 1968 and 1995 the company was in a merger with commercial vehicle manufacturer Scania, known as Saab-Scania.-History:"Svenska...
, Pontiac
Pontiac
Pontiac was an automobile brand that was established in 1926 as a companion make for General Motors' Oakland. Quickly overtaking its parent in popularity, it supplanted the Oakland brand entirely by 1933 and, for most of its life, became a companion make for Chevrolet. Pontiac was sold in the...
, Saturn, Chevrolet
Chevrolet
Chevrolet , also known as Chevy , is a brand of vehicle produced by General Motors Company . Founded by Louis Chevrolet and ousted GM founder William C. Durant on November 3, 1911, General Motors acquired Chevrolet in 1918...
and Oldsmobile
Oldsmobile
Oldsmobile was a brand of American automobile produced for most of its existence by General Motors. It was founded by Ransom E. Olds in 1897. In its 107-year history, it produced 35.2 million cars, including at least 14 million built at its Lansing, Michigan factory...
. It was borrowed to Fiat
Fiat
FIAT, an acronym for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino , is an Italian automobile manufacturer, engine manufacturer, financial, and industrial group based in Turin in the Italian region of Piedmont. Fiat was founded in 1899 by a group of investors including Giovanni Agnelli...
and Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo Automobiles S.p.A. is an Italian manufacturer of cars. Founded as A.L.F.A. on June 24, 1910, in Milan, the company has been involved in car racing since 1911, and has a reputation for building expensive sports cars...
, for the Croma
Fiat Croma
The Fiat Croma is a nameplate used for two automobiles produced by Italian automaker Fiat, one a large family car built from 1985 to 1996 and the other a cross-over wagon built from 2005 to 2011.- Fiat Croma :...
and the 159
Alfa Romeo 159
The Alfa Romeo 159 is a compact executive car produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo between 2005 and 2011. The 159 was introduced in production form at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show as a replacement for the successful Alfa Romeo 156. The 159 uses the GM/Fiat Premium platform, shared with...
, respectively.
All of the 2 litre engine of this era share the same cast iron engine block with the exception of the oil return for the turbo on the C20LET
C20LET
The C20LET is an Opel internal combustion engine. It is a 2.0 litre turbocharged inline four cylinder petrol engine. It displaces , has 16 valves, and a timing belt-driven double overhead camshaft...
.
Origin
The engine was designed by Dr Fritz Indra, who was head of Advanced Engine Development for Opel in Germany from 1985 to 1989. The engine was originally intended for race application, hence CosworthCosworth
Cosworth is a high performance engineering company founded in London in 1958, specialising in engines and electronics for automobile racing , mainstream automotive and defence industries...
's involvement.
'COSCAST' (Early) and GM (Later) head differences
The C20XE engine's headHead
In anatomy, the head of an animal is the rostral part that usually comprises the brain, eyes, ears, nose and mouth . Some very simple animals may not have a head, but many bilaterally symmetric forms do....
s came in two notable forms. The original versions which appeared in the Astra GTE, Calibra and Vauxhall Cavalier
Vauxhall Cavalier
The Vauxhall Cavalier is a large family car sold primarily in the UK by Vauxhall Motors, the British division of General Motors , from 1975 to 1995...
/Opel Vectra
Opel Vectra
The Opel Vectra is a large family car that was engineered and produced by Opel. In the United Kingdom, the car was sold under the Vauxhall marque as the Vauxhall Cavalier and later as the Vauxhall Vectra, from 1995 onwards...
between 1988 and 1991 were cast by Cosworth
Cosworth
Cosworth is a high performance engineering company founded in London in 1958, specialising in engines and electronics for automobile racing , mainstream automotive and defence industries...
. These are usually more sought after, due to their superior casting qualities, over the GM version which was introduced some time in 1991 (appearing with the Astra GSi). One of the alleged qualities of the 'COSCAST' head is its inherent resistance to porosity; this was achieved by eliminating the presence of tiny air bubbles during the casting process. The Coscast head can be identified by a 'Coscast' logo which is stamped under the 3rd exhaust port. The GM head was manufactured by Kolben-Schmidt and featured different oil/water galleries, which required a pair of welsch plugs to be pressed in at either end. The presence of welsch plugs proved to be the sole means of identification for a GM manufactured head. A reinforced version of the GM head became available in the later years of the C20XE; however, these reinforcements meant that it had smaller inlet/exhaust canals than the other two.
Since an engine's oil pressure is much higher than its coolant pressure, oil in a porus head has a tendency to gradually seep into the cooling galleries. A typical symptom of a porous head is usually a 'mayonnaise
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise, , often abbreviated as mayo, is a sauce. It is a stable emulsion of oil, egg yolk and either vinegar or lemon juice, with many options for embellishment with other herbs and spices. Lecithin in the egg yolk is the emulsifier. Mayonnaise varies in color but is often white, cream, or pale...
'-like substance in the coolant (residing on the cap). However, symptoms of a porous head have a tendency to vary, depending on the degree of porosity. Many C20XE operators have described the symptom as a curry-like residue or in more severe cases, a thick brown sludge. During the porous head debarcle, GM faced bankruptcy - therefore dealers failed to recall affected models. However, as a result, many businesses now specialise in the repair of porous GM C20XE/LET heads - by either sleeving the affected gallery or by injecting a polymer based substance into the porous region. Typically, the amount of cylinder heads that were reportedly porous remained relatively low.
The early engines used round tooth cambelts, the later used square (with a plastic pre-tensioner). There are also subtle differences between the crankshaft, and visible difference in the pattern of the SFi airbox.
Motorsport
The C20XE has seen extensive use in motorsport. Typical uses for the engine have ranged from hillclimb events, to open wheel racing categories. Despite its age, it remains the powerplant of choice for many Formula 3 teams and has most recently found acclaim in the Australian F3 scene where Tim Macrow, the 2007 Australian F3 champion, drove an Opel-Spiess powered car to claim victory. Tuned by Spiess, an F3 grade C20XE is easily capable of producing 250 bhp in its naturally aspirated form.Many aftermarket tuners have further developed the C20XE for racing purposes. SBD Motorsport, an aftermarket tuning company based in the UK, developed a C20XE unit with a power output in excess of 290 bhp. QED Motorsport is another such company that have had a huge involvement with the C20XE. They developed the first aluminium block for the engine giving a massive 19 kg weight saving over the standard block and the potential for 2.3 litres of capacity! QED also developed the first direct-to-head throttle bodies, allowing for greater performance in highly tuned motorsport applications as well as other enhancements. Typically, both QED Motorsport and SBD built engines have seen use in Westfield and Caterham vehicles competing in various hillclimb events.
The C20XE was used by the Chevrolet WTCC (World Touring Car Championship) team and the Lada WTCC team. The engine was also an option in Westfield kitcars.
The C20XE and C20LET variation have been retro fitted into many other Vauxhall's including the Nova, Corsa B, Tigra, Corsa C and Vectra B. the vast majority of these conversions/transplants are made possible by the extensive range of products offered by various motorsport manufacturers.
The C20XE is also a popular choice for many people that want a 16v engine in their mini, due to its relatively compact arrangement (with gearbox) and its cost effectiveness. The C20XE engine can also be fitted to the MkI and MkII Ford Escort models using Sierra 2litre "Pinto" gearbox and running gear, this is a popular modification for the race enthusiast
Engine swap
An engine swap is the process of removing a car's engine and replacing it with another. This is done either because of failure, or to install a different engine, usually one that is more powerful or more modern and maintainable....
. This is also a popular powerplant in hot rod
Hot rod
Hot rods are typically American cars with large engines modified for linear speed. The origin of the term "hot rod" is unclear. One explanation is that the term is a contraction of "hot roadster," meaning a roadster that was modified for speed. Another possible origin includes modifications to or...
s and kit car
Kit car
A kit car, also known as a "component car", is an automobile that is available as a set of parts that a manufacturer sells and the buyer then either assembles into a car themselves, or retains a third party to do part or all of the work on their behalf...
s.
Technical information
The breakdown of the engine name is as follows:- C - Exhaust Emissions Level: ECE R 83 A
- 20 - Displacement: 2 litres
- X - Compression Ratio Threshold: X = 10.0-11.5:1
- E - Mixture System: Electronic Fuel Injection
The engine produces 150 bhp at 6,000 rpm, with a low optimum specific fuel consumption
Brake specific fuel consumption
Brake Specific Fuel Consumption is a measure of fuel efficiency within a shaft reciprocating engine.It is the rate of fuel consumption divided by the power produced. It may also be thought of as power-specific fuel consumption, for this reason...
of 232 g/kWh which is equivalent to a maximum efficiency of 37%; a better efficiency than some of the diesel engines that were available at the time of its release. The valves are set at 46° and are accompanied by pistons with shallow valve pockets - thereby eliminating the need for a shorter connecting rod
Connecting rod
In a reciprocating piston engine, the connecting rod or conrod connects the piston to the crank or crankshaft. Together with the crank, they form a simple mechanism that converts linear motion into rotating motion....
hence, allowing a suitable compression ratio to be achieved. Long spark plugs are used and positioned concentric to the cylinder. The later engine were suffixed C20XELN to indicate 'Low Noise' revisions (smaller cylinder head port, cast pistons, and different crank bearing size) in line with EU regulations. The engine has a square bore/stroke and shares piston dimensions with the Bugatti Veyron
Bugatti Veyron
The Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 is a mid-engined grand touring car. The Super Sport version is the fastest road-legal production car in the world, with a top speed of . The original version has a top speed of...
(86mm x 86mm).
| Engine | C20XE |
|---|---|
| Number Of Cylinders | 4 |
| Configuration | Inline/Straight |
| Displacement | 1998 cc |
| Bore | 86 mm (3.386 in) |
| Stroke | 86 mm (3.386 in) |
| Power | 150 bhp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 196 newton metre @ 4,800 rpm |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Engine management | Bosch Motronic 2.5/Bosch Motronic 2.8 |
| Idle speed | 800-900 rpm |
| Max rpm | 6,800 |
| Firing order | 1-3-4-2 |
List of cars fitted with C20XE
| Model | Years | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Opel Calibra Opel Calibra The Opel Calibra, also known as the Vauxhall Calibra in the United Kingdom, the Chevrolet Calibra in South America, and the Holden Calibra in Australia and New Zealand is a sports car engineered and produced by German automaker Opel between 1989 and 1997, but sold until 1999 in the UK... 16V |
1989–1994 | Europe, Australia, Brazil ,South Africa |
| Opel Kadett Opel Kadett The Opel Kadett is a small family car produced by the German automobile manufacturer Opel between 1937 and 1940, and then again from 1962 until 1991 , when it was replaced by the Opel Astra.-Original model :... E, GSI/GTE |
1988–1992 | Europe - Germany, Ireland,South Africa |
| Opel Vectra Opel Vectra The Opel Vectra is a large family car that was engineered and produced by Opel. In the United Kingdom, the car was sold under the Vauxhall marque as the Vauxhall Cavalier and later as the Vauxhall Vectra, from 1995 onwards... A, GTE |
1988–1995 | Europe, New Zealand |
| Opel Astra Opel Astra The Opel Astra is a small family car engineered and manufactured by the German automaker Opel since 1991.It is branded as Vauxhall Astra in the United Kingdom, the Buick Excelle XT in China and the Chevrolet Astra/Vectra in Latin America... F |
1991–1996 | Europe, Australia, South Africa |
| Vauxhall Calibra 16V | 1989–1994 | UK |
| Vauxhall Astra Vauxhall Astra Astra is a model name which has been used by Vauxhall, the British subsidiary of General Motors , on their small family car ranges since 1979. Astras are technically essentially identical with similar vehicles offered by GM's German subsidiary Opel in most other European countries... Mk 2, GTE |
1988–1992 | UK |
| Vauxhall Cavalier Vauxhall Cavalier The Vauxhall Cavalier is a large family car sold primarily in the UK by Vauxhall Motors, the British division of General Motors , from 1975 to 1995... Mk 3, GSi, SRi |
1988–1995 | UK |
| Vauxhall Astra Vauxhall Astra Astra is a model name which has been used by Vauxhall, the British subsidiary of General Motors , on their small family car ranges since 1979. Astras are technically essentially identical with similar vehicles offered by GM's German subsidiary Opel in most other European countries... Mk 3, GSi |
1991–1994 | UK |
| Lada 110 Lada 110 The Lada 110 is a Russian sedan car built by AvtoVAZ since 1995. It also spawned two close derivatives - the 111 estate and 112 hatchback... |
1996 - | Europe, Russia |
| Chevrolet Vectra GSi | 1993–1996 | Brazil |
| Holden Commodore Holden Commodore The Holden Commodore is an automobile manufactured since 1978 by the Holden subsidiary of General Motors in Australia, and, formerly, in New Zealand. In the mid-1970s, Holden established proposals to replace the long-serving Kingswood nameplate with a smaller, Opel-based model... |
1988–1991 | Australian export to New Zealand, Singapore, sold strictly as the Holden Berlina in those markets |