I am making plans so in future fit a Vauxhall 20 XE 2.0 16 valve engine (C 20 XE being version fitted with catalytic converter?) so am looking for the engine.


taken from SVA Inspection manual Mar 2004

"vehicle effective date between 1 Aug 92 and 31 Jul 95?
yes
can you find an exact match in the analyser database or the in-service emissions book?

manufacturer evidence of date of manufacutre and not cat equipped when new?
yes
cary out a non CAT test c<=3.5% HC <= 1200ppm
no
carry out a CAT test using vehicle specific limits"


taken from Kit Cars and the law, SVA bu Kit Car magazine

"Four emission purposes there are four age bands (bands 1. and 2. n/a)
3. aug 86-jul95 engines are tested for a max. of 3.5%CO and 1200ppm HC. The Ford
Zetec and Vauaxhall 16V would come under this band unless litsted in the emissions publication, available from all SVA and MOT stations.
4)after Aug 95 any engine will be tested to the default catalyst requirements.

Having started to type all this out I think I know the answer to my question.
Most likley I will be fitting carbs and I don't want to fit a CAT so that limits me to the XE 20? Am I right that the the C 20 XE is engine with a CAT so subject to mre stringent tests?

Is it likely that a C 20 XE can be passed off as a 20 XE?

What vehicles model/years would have the X 20 E? Ironically I used to own a 89 Astra GTE with the engine I am looking for and my friend had a 90 reg with CAT so that would imply the 20 XE was only available for about 3 or 4 years. I know Cavalier & Calibra had this engine but are they all with a CAT?
Any info. appreciated.

the earliest xe's were in mk2 astra gte's from about 1987 onwards. You're best off having the v5 of the vehicle the engine comes from aswell to prove the age as this has proved tricky in the past for some.

Engine number is on the block by the bellhousing on the exhaust side, will say c20xe or 20xe in the engine code iirc.

Ned.

quote:

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Originally posted by ned
the earliest xe's were in mk2 astra gte's from about 1987 onwards. You're best off having the v5 of the vehicle the engine comes from aswell to prove the age as this has proved tricky in the past for some.

Engine number is on the block by the bellhousing on the exhaust side, will say c20xe or 20xe in the engine code iirc.

Ned.

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Dude. why u need a cat? Ive got a 92 calibra with C20XE in. No cat. Find an older C20XE pre 93 should do. No need for a cat then. Much easy and no power loss.

IIRC 20XE are not 16v???

Have a search on www.migweb.co.uk and cavweb.co.uk

They are a hive on information about vauxhall engines etc.

20XE is most certainly still a 16v!

I know what you are asking re. the C prefix. Oddly though, I have found a C20XE in a non-catalysed calibra, and know the cars history and that it was never catted from new despite the C prefix on the engine number!!!! (1992 car)

quote:

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Originally posted by Danozeman
Dude. why u need a cat? Ive got a 92 calibra with C20XE in. No cat. Find an older C20XE pre 93 should do. No need for a cat then. Much easy and no power loss.

IIRC 20XE are not 16v???

Have a search on www.migweb.co.uk and cavweb.co.uk

They are a hive on information about vauxhall engines etc.

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i believe if its a q plate it is visual test only, if registereed as a new car with all new or recon parts then requires uptodate emissions regs at mot.


i think some manufacturers introduced cats to their cars to reduce emissions prior to it becoming law ie a year to two before they were mandatory manufacturers started fitting them to some models, so check your donor registration date on the v5 to check its ok.

Ned.