May look like a stupid question to some of you, but i don't get what's meant as a "Red Top" engine when it comes to Vauxhall. I know this is a Ford site but i'm sure someone knows. Is it more valves or something?

Thanks.

 

the code for this engine is C20XE simply called a red top as it has a red vauxhall ht lead cover!although the later C20XE did have a black ecotec ht lead cover

 

here is a red top




just a 20l 16v but a very strong/good engine1think the early ones have the cossie head

 

You should know, you worked for vauxhall for long enough

Steve

 

Yeh and forged pistons these were called "Coscast" engines

 

Indeed it is or otherwise known as an XE, ones with the cosworth head have cocast stamped on the head. A turbo version of this engine was also available from vauxhall commonly known as a LET and was fitted to cars such as the cavalier turbo and also the calibra. Good strong engines, the XE produces around 150bhp i think not sure on the LET in standard form.

 

Wasn't aware of the forged pistons?

 

c20xe 150 bhp c20let 200bhp (well 198 i think is the correct figure)

 

A standard LET should make around 200 bhp.

The LET head makes a Cossie head seem asmatic.

 

The early XE's (mostly in MK2 Astra's (well not anymore, LOL)) had coscast heads and forged pistons.

 

some early gte's were a 20xe instead of a c20xe

 

Yeh Mahle forged ones good for 2.1 ZVH