The Opel Z22YH engine, produced at the Kaiserslautern plant from 2003 to 2010, is an inline 4-cylinder unit with an aluminum cylinder block. This engine was used in such models as Opel Vectra C, Opel Zafira B and Opel Signum. Let’s take a look at its specifications, features, as well as performance and tuning capabilities.
Technical characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Production | Kaiserslautern plant |
| Engine make | Z22YH |
| Years of production | 2003-2010 |
| Cylinder block material | Aluminum |
| Power system | Injector |
| Type | Ready |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 94.6 |
| Cylinder diameter, mm | 86 |
| Compression ratio | 12.0 |
| Engine displacement, cc | 2198 |
| Engine power, hp/rpm | 155/5600 |
| Torque, Nm/rpm | 220/3800 |
| Environmental standards | Euro 4 |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km (city) | 11.3 |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km (highway) | 6.1 |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km (mixed) | 8.0 |
| Oil consumption, gr./1000 km | up to 600 |
| Engine oil | 5W-30, 5W-40 |
| Engine oil volume, l | 5.0 |
| Oil change is carried out, km | 15000 (better 7500) |
| Engine life, thousand kilometers | factory data -, in practice 300+ |
Performance characteristics
The Opel Z22YH engine is characterized by a high compression ratio (12.0), which allows it to achieve 155 hp at 5,600 rpm and 220 Nm of torque at 3,800 rpm. This provides good dynamics and economy with moderate fuel consumption. Average fuel consumption for Opel Vectra C models is 11.3 l/100 km in the city, 6.1 l/100 km on the highway and 8.0 l/100 km in the mixed cycle.
Engine features
- Cylinder block material: Aluminum, which helps to reduce engine weight and improve heat dissipation properties.
- Power system: Injector, providing precise fuel metering and improved fuel economy.
- High compression ratio: 12.0, which contributes to higher engine efficiency.
- Environmental Standards: Euro 4 compliant.
Maintenance and service life
To maintain optimum performance of the Z22YH engine, 5W-30 or 5W-40 oils are recommended. The engine oil capacity is 5.0 liters. Oil changes should be performed every 15,000 km, however, for best engine life it is recommended to reduce the oil change interval to 7500 km.
Factory data on engine life is not available, but in practice the Z22YH engine is capable of more than 300,000 km with proper maintenance.
Tuning options
Although the Opel Z22YH engine has good basic performance, there is limited information on its potential for tuning and improvements without loss of life. The following steps can be considered to improve power and performance:
- Chip tuning: Re-flashing the ECU to optimize the fuel-air mixture and improve throttle pedal response.
- Installing a high-performance intake and exhaust: This can improve airflow and, as a result, engine power.
- Replacing cylinder-head components: Improving valves, camshafts and other components can improve overall performance.
However, it is important to remember that any changes can affect engine reliability and life, so they should be done with caution and preferably under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Installations in vehicles
The Z22YH engine has been installed in the following vehicle models:
| Model | Years of production |
|---|---|
| Opel Vectra C | 2003 – 2010 |
| Opel Zafira B | 2003 – 2010 |
| Opel Signum | 2003 – 2010 |
Opel Z22YH engine repair
Production of this motor was started in 2003 and during its development Z22SE was taken as a basis. The cylinder block Z22YH is similar to the Z22SE, but inside there is a new crankshaft with a stroke of 94.6 mm, new pistons with a diameter of 86 mm, connecting rods remained old, their length is 146.5 mm.
A new cylinder head with direct fuel injection was installed on top. The diameter of the intake valves is 35.2 mm, the exhaust valves 30 mm, the thickness of the valve stem is 6 mm.
Twinport manifold with vortex flaps is used on the intake of this engine.
The engine is controlled by Siemens Simtec 81 brain.
The timing drive here is chain. Service life of the timing chain on Z22YH is about 200-250 thousand kilometers, sometimes less, sometimes more, it depends on the operation. To extend the life of the chain, it is necessary to use normal engine oil and maintain its level.
This engine was installed until 2010 on Zafira B (until 2008 on Vectra and Signum), then the motor was removed from production and it did not receive a successor.
Problems and disadvantages of engines Z22YH
- No revs rise above 3000 rpm, the motor does not go. It is very likely that from low-quality fuel you have a dead fuel injector. The problem will be solved by buying a new one.
- Motor diesels. You have stretched the timing chain, here may help to replace the tensioner, but it is more reliable to replace both chains (timing and balancer shafts) with all the associated. This will save you from chain problems for a long time.
- Not driving, high fuel consumption. High-mileage cars eventually foul up the intake manifold and the swirl gate wedge. To bring everything back to working condition you need to disassemble the manifold and clean it or replace the linkage with flaps.
Regular and quality maintenance of this engine, the use of good oil, its regular replacement, as well as the use of good gasoline, as much as possible protects you from possible problems, and therefore, the motor will drive for a long time and without special problems.
Tuning the Opel Z22YH engine
Tuning on this motor is not as much as on the Z22SE, so there is the easiest way out of the situation: chip tuning and removal of the catalytic converter. These modifications will increase power to 160-165 hp. The rest does not make any sense.
MOTOR RATING: 4