The 2.0-liter Opel X20XEV or Ecotec L34 engine was assembled from 1994 to 2000 in Germany and was installed on the vast majority of mid-size models of the concern of its time. After a major update in 1998, a new ECU and balancer shafts appeared in the engines.
X20 family: X20SE, X20XEV, X22SE, X22XE, X25XE, X30XE.
Specifications
| Production years | 1994-2000 |
| Displacement, cc | 1998 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 136 |
| Torque output, Nm | 185 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 86 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 86 |
| Compression ratio | 10.8 |
| Features | VIS |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.25 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 2 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Opel Omega 1998) — city — highway — combined |
13.5 7.4 8.5 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~350 000 |
| Weight, kg | 140 |
The engine was installed on:
- Opel Astra F (T92) in 1996 – 2000, Astra G (T98) in 1998 – 2000;
- Opel Calibra A (C89) in 1994 – 1997;
- Opel Omega B (V94) in 1994 – 1999;
- Opel Vectra A (J89) in 1994 – 1995, Vectra B (J96) in 1995 – 2000.
Disadvantages of the X20XEV engine
- A simple and reliable engine rarely breaks down, but is repaired inexpensively;
- From floating speed, cleaning either the idle speed controller or the crankcase ventilation system helps;
- Sometimes the exhaust manifold cracks;
- Relatively often, the camshaft position sensor fails here;
- Monitor the condition of the timing belt, its resource is 60 thousand km, and when it breaks, the valves bend.
Frequently asked questions about the Opel X20XEV
How much power does the Opel X20XEV make?
The Opel X20XEV develops 136 hp and 185 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Opel X20XEV take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.25 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Opel X20XEV have a timing belt or chain?
The Opel X20XEV uses a timing belt.
Is the Opel X20XEV turbocharged?
No, the Opel X20XEV is naturally aspirated.
Does the Opel X20XEV need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Opel X20XEV has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Opel X20XEV last?
The typical lifespan of the Opel X20XEV is ~350 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Opel X20XEV?
Opel Omega 1998: city 13.5, highway 7.4, combined 8.5 L/100 km.
What cars was the Opel X20XEV installed on?
Opel Astra F (T92) in 1996 - 2000, Astra G (T98) in 1998 - 2000; Opel Calibra A (C89) in 1994 - 1997; Opel Omega B (V94) in 1994 - 1999; Opel Vectra A (J89) in 1994 - 1995, Vectra B (J96) in 1995 - 2000.
What are the common problems of the Opel X20XEV?
A simple and reliable engine rarely breaks down, but is repaired inexpensively. From floating speed, cleaning either the idle speed controller or the crankcase ventilation system helps. All known problems.
The X20XEV is a horrible engine! Very unreliable and down on power in comparison to the older, but more sophisticated and more powerful C20XE “Red Top” engine.
Crankshaft sensor failed all the time