centerfireman Posted July 26, 2012 Share Posted July 26, 2012 Hello: I am considering a twin-Webered 2.0 Vauxhall engine in a Caterham (mainly for street use, with occasional track days; no racing planned at this point). I am interested in thoughts and suggestions from those that have owned or driven this engine. I have heard they are heavy but have many options for upgrades. What are peoples' experiences with reliability, tractability and durability, etc.? Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markmad Posted July 26, 2012 Share Posted July 26, 2012 (edited) The vx/opel engine is one of the best production engines that have been made in the past 20 years .Proof of this is that it is still used in formula 3 cars and was used in the Chevrolet BTCC cars until they went to 1.6 turbo. This alone should indicate that it has cult status. The weight issue is exaggerated because the engine came for example with different flywheels which alone differed in weight by about 4kg’s .Like wise the crank alternator pulley can alone differ from model to model by about a 1kg .My point is the state of the engines tune can have quite a large effect on its final weight . The engine is ultra reliable but it depends on the state of tune ,if you looking for up to 200hp then all you need is a set of decent throttle bodies and a good running engine. (believe it or not ).If you looking for more power than yes you start adding some common sense safety mods . I would just change to a ITB setup and dump the carbs but it is costly .SBD are a good source for spares though I personally would use a ECU that is well supported in your area. cheers ,dont let Duratecs scare you Edited July 26, 2012 by markmad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaskossie Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 Contact bsimon or Hudrad on this forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canadian 7 Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 I have a twin 45 Vauxhaul in my Westfield. Parts supplied from SBD. I have their MBE ignition only ecu. I have only had the car for a couple months but I find this engine fantastic! Amazing pull even at lower rpm. As mentioned easy power increases are available and the motor seems bullet proof. There are 2 different heads from what I have read - older motors having Cosworth built and newer motors having similar designed head but GM made. Ron. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canadian 7 Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 Here is a pic, it is a very pretty setup also!!! http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj527/vipergts-r/th_e3daa316.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaskossie Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 As far as the weight issue goes, I believe Hudrad has an aluminum-block Vx. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bsimon Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 The weight issue is exaggerated Very much so. Although the Duratec and Zetec are 30 lbs. lighter, the C20XE is 20 lbs. lighter than a Kent block Ford 1.6/1.7L. I consider it a medium weight motor in the realm of Se7ens. Lighter than most, but heavier than some. The magic of the C20XE motor is in the head, designed by Cosworth as it's "Project KB" for Opel. Even minor lift stock cams give it monster breathing. The Coscast (Cosworth) and GM heads are technically identical. GM heads sometimes have a porosity issue that can be a PITA. This makes Coscast heads more desirable for the average Joe. If you are planning severe porting exercises, then the GM head is the one to have as it has more stock around the tracts. Many of the high power F3 motors from Swindon and Spiess use GM heads. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_Family_II_engine#D-TEC.2FE-TECII http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C20XE cult status Ya caught me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westy turbo Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 Have it also in forced induction form,great engine and endless solutions for it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markmad Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 The GM porosity issue is easily repaired though it is nicer to have the coscast head but no performance advantage .I must add the heads did vary ever so slightly, though you have to have be very familiar with the engine to notice the differences in heads. You won’t need any serious porting for power levels below 240-250 ish just a head clean up. And for a road engine or track day engine the hydraulic lifters are fine but would stop using them at any power over 220hp though I have seen 240hp on hydraulics but its unreliable in a race engine . I have a typical mid spec race unit lying loose here at home and will put it on the scale to put the weight issue to rest .From an aesthetic point of view the engine is good looking compared to its competition . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danilo Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 (edited) Isn't this the Chevy Cavalier motor? Also fitted to a few deceased Saabs. Where it was owner reviled as a horrid thing indeed... unpopular was an understatement. Clearly 'affection' for it seems to vary widely.. Largely dependant on Geography. Why bother? when Duratechs erm.. Mazda 2.3's.. are Dime a Dozen at the local wreckers... Continent wide. Even Caterham fits these in their 'better' versions. Edited July 28, 2012 by danilo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bsimon Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 Isn't this the Chevy Cavalier motor? Nope. Not even close. The C20XE was never sold in North America. The Cavalier used a pushrod 4 cylinder until it got the Quad four in 1995 and the Ecotec in 2002. The L61 Ecotec was the only engine with any potential, but it takes a high megabucks/horsepower ratio along with forced induction to make good power. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Off Road SHO Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 (edited) The C20XE was never sold in North America. That statement right there should answer the OP's question. I'm with Danillo and Caterham on this issue. Use what is plentifull. Tom Edited July 29, 2012 by Off Road SHO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canadian 7 Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 Yeah, because parts are so hard to get online. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markmad Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 My intension here was not really to compare the two engines but was rather shed some light on the pros of the engine as it has quite a strong following in probably most regions where 4cyl engine/cars are popular.Plus it has been used in touring cars so long now its probably known as the Dinosaur amoungst the other power plants . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westy turbo Posted July 30, 2012 Share Posted July 30, 2012 Dinos are still alive lol and i quess youve done your study,so go for it!!!! Parts stock or not are available both in US and Europe.great potential either on N/A or turbo form Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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