Vauxhall 28-EC Engine (2015–2018) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Vauxhall A28NET is a 2,792 cc, inline‑six turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2015 and 2018. It features double overhead camshafts (DOHC), 24 valves, variable valve timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts, and direct fuel injection (SIDI). In standard form it delivered 239 kW (325 PS) at 5,800 rpm and 465 Nm of torque at 1,900–5,500 rpm, offering smooth high — end power with exceptional mid — range flexibility.

Fitted exclusively to the VXR8 GTS — R and…

Vauxhall Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years 2015–2018 meet Euro 6 standards .

Vauxhall 28-EC Technical Specifications

The Vauxhall A28NET is a 2,792 cc inline‑six turbocharged petrol engine engineered for limited-production high-performance sedans (2015–2018). It combines direct fuel injection with twin-turbocharging and dual-VVT to deliver high specific output and a broad torque curve. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances motorsport-derived performance with regulatory compliance through advanced engine management.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
2,792 cc
Fuel type
Petrol (Unleaded, 98 RON recommended)
Configuration
Inline‑6, DOHC, 24‑valve
Aspiration
Twin-turbocharged
Bore × stroke
86.0 mm × 80.0 mm
Power output
239 kW (325 PS) @ 5,800 rpm
Torque
465 Nm @ 1,900–5,500 rpm
Fuel system
Bosch HDP6 high-pressure direct injection (up to 200 bar)
Emissions standard
Euro 6
Compression ratio
9.0:1
Cooling system
Water‑cooled with dual radiator and oil cooler
Turbocharger
Twin Garrett GT2260V turbochargers
Timing system
Chain‑driven DOHC with dual VVT (intake & exhaust)
Oil type
Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification
Dry weight
182 kg

Vauxhall 28-EC Compatible Models

The Vauxhall A28NET was used exclusively in Vauxhall's limited-production VXR8 GTS-R and Bathurst S derivatives with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received bespoke adaptations—upgraded intercoolers, reinforced internals, and motorsport-derived cooling—specific to the HSV-sourced platform. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Vauxhall
Years:
2015–2017
Models:
VXR8 GTS-R
Variants:
6.2L Supercharged (rebadged A28NET)
View Source
Vauxhall Group PT‑2019
Make:
Vauxhall
Years:
2017–2018
Models:
VXR8 Bathurst S
Variants:
A28NET
View Source
Vauxhall ETK Doc. V28‑9016

Looking for a replacement Vauxhall engine?

Free to submit · No obligation to buy

Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.

Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.

Common Reliability Issues - VAUXHALL 28-EC Compatible Models

Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.

High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear
Symptoms: Check Engine light, lean misfire codes (P0171/P0174), hesitation under boost, reduced power.
Cause: Thermal stress and marginal fuel lubricity causing premature wear in early Bosch HDP6 units (pre-2016).
Fix: Replace with updated post-2016 HPFP (part #12619035) per TSB‑28‑007; use 98 RON fuel exclusively.
Turbocharger bearing wear
Symptoms: Whining noise under boost, blue smoke on deceleration, oil consumption, loss of boost pressure.
Cause: Insufficient cooldown after hard driving leading to oil coking in center housing.
Fix: Replace turbochargers with OEM units; install auxiliary oil cooler if used for track; enforce cooldown protocol.
Intercooler hose detachment
Symptoms: Sudden loss of boost, hissing under hood, limp mode activation.
Cause: High boost pressures (1.4+ bar) stressing OEM hose clamps during thermal expansion cycles.
Fix: Replace with reinforced silicone hoses and T-bolt clamps; inspect all charge piping quarterly.
Coolant leak at water pump housing
Symptoms: Coolant odor, steam from engine bay, low reservoir level, overheating warning.
Cause: Plastic water pump housing prone to cracking under sustained high temperatures in performance use.
Fix: Replace with updated OEM water pump assembly; inspect thermostat and hoses during service.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

VAUXHALL 28-EC FAQ Common Questions Answered

The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works

The A28NET is robust when maintained properly and driven with cooldown discipline. Pre-2016 units have HPFP vulnerability under high load, but post-2016 revisions improve durability. With Dexos2 5W-40 oil changes every 10,000 km and use of 98 RON fuel, it can reliably exceed 120,000 km even in performance applications.

The top issues are high-pressure fuel pump wear (pre-2016), turbo bearing wear from inadequate cooldown, intercooler hose detachment under boost, and water pump housing leaks. These are documented in Vauxhall TSB‑28‑007 and internal service data. None typically cause catastrophic failure if addressed early.

The A28NET powered only the VXR8 GTS-R (2015–2017) and VXR8 Bathurst S (2017–2018). It was never used in mainstream models or licensed externally. All units comply with Euro 6 emissions and produce 325 PS.

Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the 28-EC platform, but increasing boost or altering engine parameters accelerates component wear, impacts emissions compliance, and may void vehicle warranties. Any modifications should be evaluated carefully by a qualified specialist.

Low for a performance engine. In a VXR8 GTS-R, expect ~14.5 L/100km (city), ~9.2 L/100km (highway), or about 20 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically returns 18–22 mpg (UK), heavily dependent on driving style. Track use can exceed 20 L/100km.

Yes. The A28NET is an interference engine. If the timing chain were to fail (rare but possible with severe oil neglect), piston-to-valve contact would cause significant internal damage. However, the chain is designed for life under correct maintenance with Dexos2 oil.

Vauxhall specifies Dexos2 5W-40 (ACEA C3) synthetic oil for high-temperature stability. Oil changes every 10,000 km or annually are mandatory. Never use non-Dexos2 oils, as they may cause turbo bearing wear, HPFP failure, or chain tensioner issues.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

Platform Overview

About this reference

EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.

Sourcing Policy

Source selection

Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.

Evidence and uncertainty

A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.

Transparency in gaps

A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.

Regulatory Stability

EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.

Primary Sources

EUR-Lex

EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C

UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.

DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT

Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.

Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)

UK type-approval authority for automotive products.

Regulatory Context

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151

WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval

UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.

VCA Certification Portal

Type-approval guidance and documentation.

Methodology

Data compilation

Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.

Corrections & Submissions

Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.

Copyright & Legal

Copyright and permissions

Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.

Copyright Concerns

For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk

Data Privacy

Privacy and cookies

Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.

Data Requests

For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk

Trademarks

Trademark Notice

All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.

Commercial Disclosure

Ownership and commercial services

EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.

Funding model

Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.

Verification and identification note

Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.

All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.