The Vauxhall Z28NET is a 2,792 cc, V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2009 and 2017. It features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC), 24‑valve layout with sequential multi‑point fuel injection and an aluminium block with cast‑iron cylinder liners. In standard form it delivered 152 kW (207 PS) and 266 Nm of torque, providing smooth, linear power delivery ideal for executive saloons and performance estates.
Fitted primarily to the Insignia A and VXR mode…
All production years (2009–2017) meet Euro 5 standards .
The Vauxhall Z28NET is a 2,792 cc V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for executive and performance applications (2009–2017). It combines sequential multi‑point fuel injection with DOHC variable valve timing to deliver smooth power delivery and refined drivability. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 2,792 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 80.0 mm | |
Power output | 152 kW (207 PS) | |
Torque | 266 Nm @ 3,200 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch Motronic MPFI (sequential) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
Compression ratio | 10.4:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Chain‑driven camshafts with variable valve timing | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 165 kg |
The Vauxhall Z28NET was used across Vauxhall's Insignia A platform with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced subframes in the Insignia Sports Tourer and revised engine mounts in the VXR—and from 2013 minor ECU updates improved cold-start emissions, creating minor 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.
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.
Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. 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 Z28NET offers smooth V6 refinement and strong mid-range torque, but is prone to cam phaser solenoid clogging if oil changes are neglected. With disciplined maintenance and correct oil, well-maintained examples can exceed 200,000 km reliably.
Top issues include cam phaser solenoid clogging (SIB 10‑027), timing chain tensioner wear, throttle body carbon buildup, and coolant sensor drift. These are documented in Vauxhall service bulletins and UK MOT data. Adherence to 15,000 km oil changes mitigates most risks.
The Z28NET was used exclusively in the Insignia A (2009–2017) as the 2.8 V6 variant, including saloon, estate, and early VXR models. It was never licensed to other manufacturers and is not found in Astra, Corsa, or commercial vans.
Limited potential. ECU remapping typically yields +10–15 kW (220–225 PS) on stock hardware. The naturally aspirated design restricts gains; intake/exhaust upgrades offer modest improvements. Aggressive tuning is not recommended due to modest bottom-end strength.
Real-world consumption is ~11.2 L/100km (city) and ~7.4 L/100km (highway), or ~29 mpg UK combined in an Insignia saloon. With conservative driving, 30–34 mpg UK is achievable on mixed routes for a healthy engine.
Yes. The Z28NET is an interference design. If the timing chain jumps or breaks, pistons will contact open valves, causing severe internal damage. This makes regular oil changes critical for chain tensioner function.
Vauxhall specifies GM Dexos1 5W‑30 synthetic oil. This ensures proper lubrication of the DOHC valvetrain and variable valve timing system. Always change oil at or before 15,000 km or annually.
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.