The Vauxhall CIH 3.0L is a 2,994 cc, inline‑six naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1972 and 1986. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 12 valves, and twin — choke carburettor or Bosch L — Jetronic fuel injection depending on variant. In standard form it delivered 96–110 kW (130–150 PS) at 5,200–5,400 rpm and 221–245 Nm of torque at 3,600–4,000 rpm, providing smooth, linear power delivery suited to executive sedans and performance coupés.
Fitted…
Pre-1984 models meet no formal EU emissions standard; 1984–1986 fuel-injected variants comply with transitional Euro 1 precursor requirements .
The Vauxhall CIH 3.0L is a 2,994 cc inline‑six naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for executive and performance applications (1972–1986). It combines SOHC architecture with either twin-choke carburettor or Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection to deliver smooth torque and refined operation. Designed without formal emissions mandates until its final years, it prioritizes mechanical simplicity and serviceability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 2,994 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded from 1986; leaded prior) | |
Configuration | Inline‑6, SOHC, 12‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 95.0 mm × 105.0 mm | |
Power output | 96–110 kW (130–150 PS) @ 5,200–5,400 rpm | |
Torque | 221–245 Nm @ 3,600–4,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Twin-choke carburettor (early) or Bosch L-Jetronic (1982–1986) | |
Emissions standard | None (pre-1984); Euro 1 precursor (1984–1986) | |
Compression ratio | 8.0:1 (leaded) / 9.0:1 (unleaded) | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, single-row) | |
Oil type | SAE 20W‑50 mineral (pre-1986); SAE 10W‑40 semi-synthetic (1986) | |
Dry weight | 185 kg |
The Vauxhall CIH 3.0L was used across Vauxhall's Victor FE, Ventora, Royale, and Carlton platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared with Opel under GM’s European strategy. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—twin-carburettor setups in the Ventora and Bosch L-Jetronic in the Carlton—and from 1982 the fuel-injected variants introduced hardened camshafts and revised manifolds, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
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.
The CIH 3.0L's primary reliability risk is camshaft lobe wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to high-RPM operation or delayed oil changes. Vauxhall engineering reports from 1978 indicated measurable cam wear in carburetted engines exceeding 100,000 km without adherence to service intervals, while UK DVLA records show negligible emissions failures but frequent advisories for oil leaks and ignition wear in preserved examples. Extended oil intervals and incorrect viscosity increase cam stress, making oil quality and change frequency critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall engineering bulletins (1972–1986) and UK DVSA/DVLA preservation data (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The CIH 3.0L is mechanically robust but requires diligent maintenance. Carburetted variants are prone to cam wear if oil changes are delayed; fuel-injected models (1982–1986) offer improved durability. With correct oil (20W‑50 pre-1986) and regular service, many engines exceed 200,000 km. Unleaded compatibility is limited to 1986 Carlton variants.
Top issues include camshaft lobe wear, timing chain stretch, rear main seal oil leaks, and carburettor or L-Jetronic fuel system faults. These are documented in Vauxhall EB‑74‑12 and recurring MOT advisories related to fluid leaks and ignition integrity in classic vehicles.
The CIH 3.0L powered the Victor FE (1972–1976), Ventora, Royale (1978–1982), and Carlton (1982–1986). It was also used in Opel equivalents (Rekord E, Senator A) across Europe under GM’s shared CIH platform.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the CIH-3-0L 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.
Moderate for its era. In a Carlton 3.0i, expect ~13.5 L/100km (city), ~9.0 L/100km (highway), or ~21 mpg UK combined. Carburetted Ventora models typically yield 18–22 mpg UK. Economy suffers with aggressive driving or poor carb/fuel injection calibration.
No. The CIH 3.0L is a non-interference engine. If the timing chain fails, pistons will not contact valves, preventing catastrophic damage. However, ignition timing will be lost, requiring chain replacement and re-timing.
Pre-1986: SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil. 1986 unleaded-compatible variants: SAE 10W‑40 semi-synthetic. Always use quality oil and change every 8,000 km or 12 months to protect cam lobes and maintain oil pressure.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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
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.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
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.
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.
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.
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.