The Opel Z16XEP engine, also known as the Z16XE1, is a reliable and economical inline four-cylinder engine. Manufactured at the Szentgotthard plant from 2002 to 2010, this engine was installed in various Opel models, providing a balance between power and economy.
Opel Z16XEP engine characteristics
| Characteristics | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Szentgotthard engine plant |
| Engine make | Z16XEP, Z16XE1 |
| Years of production | 2002-2010 |
| Cylinder block material | Cast iron |
| Power system | Injector |
| Type | Ready |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 81.5 |
| Cylinder diameter, mm | 79 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Engine displacement, cc | 1598 |
| Engine power, hp/rpm | 103/6000 105/6000 |
| Torque, Nm/rpm | 147/3600 150/3900 |
| Environmental standards | Euro 4 |
| Oil consumption, gr./1000 km | Up to 600 |
| How much oil in the engine, l | 4.5 |
| Engine life, thousand kilometers | Factory data: – In practice: 300+ |
| Tuning | Potential: 300+ hp. No loss of life: – |
| The engine was installed on: | Opel Astra G/H. Opel Meriva Opel Vectra C Opel Zafira B |
Design and repair of Opel Z16XEP engine
In 2002, a new engine Z16XEP was developed on the basis of Z16XE. It differs from its predecessor by a new Twinport cylinder head with its own intake manifold. It is still the same 16-valve, where the diameter of the intake valves is 31.2 mm and the exhaust valves 27.5 mm, but it has one peculiarity. At low revs, half of the intake valves are closed by a flapper, which increases flow rate and improves traction. At high revs, the flap opens up and the motor runs like a full 16-valve.
It should be noted that there are no hydrocompensators on the Z16XEP, and you should adjust the valves every 150k miles. Valve clearances on a cold motor: intake 0.25 mm, exhaust 0.3 mm.
The timing system uses a belt, by regulation you must change the timing belt every 150k km. If this is not done, the risk of its breakage is seriously increased, and when the belt is broken, Z16XEP bends valves.
Of course, the new engine uses a new control unit Multec.
In 2007, a modified version of the above-described motor called Z16XE1 went into production. It differs from the Z16XEP by the Twinport system, which has been modified.
Since 2005, production of Z16XER motors began, which in the future completely displaced the Twinport Z16XE1.
Problems and disadvantages of Z16XEP/Z16XE1 engines
- The most popular problem on these engines is Twinport failure, after which an error appears, signaling low voltage on the sensor, and your car pulls worse at certain revs. Ideally, the issue is solved by replacing the entire Twinport unit, but if there is no wear and tear, you can try to get it repaired. There are many offices that can help with this issue. Sometimes they go for more radical measures and disconnect Twinport at all, but here the main thing is to flash the ECU under the new working conditions.
On the Z16XE1 engine, the Twinport system has been changed and such a malfunction has bypassed the motor. - In addition, these motors have an EGR system, which must be periodically cleaned otherwise the car will be worse to drive, and uneven idle will become an integral attribute of the life of your vehicle. A good option would be to plug the EGR valve and flash the control unit to work without it.
Otherwise, the motor is quite ordinary, nothing supernatural, you only need to service it regularly, use original oil recommended by the manufacturer, and good gasoline.
Tuning the Opel Z16XEP and Z16XE1 engine
In the atmospheric version, you can get a good boost (about 30-35 hp) for your 1.6-liter motor, but you will need to spend a considerable amount of money. You need to buy dbilas 262 camshafts, their intake manifold, put a normal straight exhaust with a 4-1 manifold and be sure to customize the ECU. This will add a noticeable boost to your car. It doesn’t make sense to do anything else, it’s cheaper to change your means of transportation.
MOTOR RATING: 4
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