A silver Vauxhall VX220 on track
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Engine

Camshafts and sprockets (NA)

The factory steps for the NA's camshafts and camshaft sprockets, from the Vauxhall TIS.

vx220.info/guides/camshafts-and-sprockets-na · Last updated 25 October 2026

Applies to: VX220 and Speedster, NADifficulty: SpecialistTime: Not stated

Tools

  • KM-6148

Torques & specs

Install the exhaust camshaft.9 Nm
Attach the camshaft connecting flange cover.23 Nm
Attach the intake camshaft sprocket.85 Nm
Attach the exhaust camshaft sprocket.85 Nm
Install the camshaft timing chain tensioner.75 Nm
Install the guide rail.8 Nm
Attach the cylinder head cover9 Nm
Attach the cylinder head cover8 Nm
Attach the ignition module.9 Nm
Connect the fuel lines.10 Nm
Connect the fuel lines.9 Nm
Install the rear engine cover.14 Nm
Tightening torque 9 Nm9 Nm
Tightening torque 23 Nm23 Nm
Tightening torque 85 Nm + 30° + 15°85 Nm
Tightening torque 75 Nm75 Nm
Tightening torque 8 Nm8 Nm
Tightening torque 10 Nm10 Nm
6 bolts, tightening torque 14 Nm14 Nm
Install the intake camshaft sprocket.85 Nm
Install the exhaust camshaft sprocket.85 Nm
Tightening torque (M6) 9 Nm, (M8) 22 Nm9 Nm
The steps below are shortened from the Vauxhall TIS pages for the Speedster. The VX220 shares the same engines and most of the car, but check anything unusual against your own car. The TIS pictures and the full wording aren't reproduced, so use the workshop manual if you are doing the job. We haven't seen owners' accounts of this job, so there are no owner tips here.

Head-off work. For the timing chain see NA timing chain. The torque and clearance figures are on Torque values.

For what owners said about uprated cams, see Camshaft upgrades: what owners fitted on the NA and Turbo.

Other jobs from the same factory chapter: Cam followers, hydraulic tappets and connection flange (NA); Valves, installation height and cylinder head flatness (NA).

Camshafts

NA (Z22SE) only.

Remove

  1. Open the bonnet.
  2. Disconnect the battery.
  3. Open the engine cover.
  4. Detach the engine cover. (6 bolts)
  5. Release the fuel pressure.
  6. Disconnect the fuel lines. (2 union nuts; 2 bolts; Reposition the fuel lines to one side.)
  7. Detach the ignition module.
    • Release and detach the wiring harness connector.
    • 4 bolts
  8. Remove the cylinder head cover. (Detach the engine breather hose.; 2 bolts, 1 nut; 1 bolt; 12 bolts)
  9. Raise the lifting ramp.
  10. Remove the lower engine splash shield. (13 bolts)
  11. Align the crankshaft.
    • Rotate the crankshaft in the normal direction of rotation to
  12. Lower the lifting ramp.
  13. Remove the guide rail. (2 bolts)
  14. Note: If there is no marking on the camshaft timing chain tensioner, then it should be replaced with a new camshaft timing chain tensioner (part number 24 448 509) including a new camshaft timing chain tensioner rail (part number 24 449 448).
  15. Remove the camshaft timing chain tensioner.
  16. Attach KM-6148. Note: In this position the cams of cylinder no. 4 point upwards.
    • Attach KM-6148 with the enclosed
    • Slide the positioning bolts into the designated bores
  17. Detach the exhaust camshaft sprocket. (Hold the exhaust camshaft by the hexagon.; Pull back the positioning bolt to release.)
  18. Detach the intake camshaft sprocket. (Hold the intake camshaft by the hexagon.)
  19. Detach the camshaft connecting flange cover. (2 bolts)
  20. Remove the intake camshaft.
  21. Take out the roller cam followers.
  22. Remove the exhaust camshaft.
    • Visually inspect the camshaft and the camshaft bearings for (Working in a spiral pattern from the outside towards the middle, release the bolts on the camshaft bearing caps (I to V) 1/2 to 1 turn at a time. Note: The camshaft must be released evenly from the bearings.; Take out the camshaft.; Visually inspect the camshaft and the camshaft bearings for wear. Note: The cylinder head should be replaced if the camshaft bearings are defective.)

Install

  1. Install the exhaust camshaft. (Coat the sliding surfaces with engine oil.)
  2. Insert the roller cam followers. (Coat the sliding surfaces with engine oil.)
  3. Install the intake camshaft.
    • Clean the sealing surfaces of camshaft bearing cap no.11.
    • Coat the sliding surfaces with engine oil.
  4. Install the camshaft bearing caps.
    • Coat the sealing surfaces of camshaft bearing cap no. 11 with
  5. Attach the camshaft connecting flange cover. (Use a new gasket.; Tightening torque 23 Nm)
  6. Attach the intake camshaft sprocket.
    • Use a new bolt.
    • Tightening torque 85 Nm + 30° + (Tightening torque 85 Nm + 30° + 15°)
  7. Attach the exhaust camshaft sprocket.
    • Rotate the exhaust camshaft by the hexagon until the exhaust
    • Use a new bolt.
    • Tightening torque 85 Nm + 30° + (Pull back the positioning bolt to secure the camshaft sprocket.; Tightening torque 85 Nm + 30° + 15°)
  8. Install the camshaft timing chain tensioner.
    • Insert the piston into the housing. (Clamp the piston at the square into a vice.; Turn clockwise to lock the internal piston in the last latch position.)
    • Use new oil seals.
    • Tightening torque 75 Nm
  9. Release the camshaft timing chain tensioner by pressing on the tensioner rail or the camshaft timing chain (using a blunt tool – e.g. a rounded assembly lever).
  10. Recut the thread. (2 off)
  11. Install the guide rail. (Tightening torque 8 Nm)
  12. Raise the lifting ramp.
  13. Rotate the crankshaft 720°.
    • Rotate the crankshaft in the normal direction of rotation to
  14. Note: In this position the cams of cylinder no. 4 point upwards, and it must be possible to insert blocking tool KM-6148.
  15. Install the lower engine splash shield
  16. Lower the lifting ramp.
  17. Detach KM-6148.
  18. Attach the cylinder head cover
    • Clean the sealing surfaces.
    • Tightening torque 9 Nm
    • Tightening torque 9 Nm
    • 2 bolts, 1 nut
    • Attach the engine breather hose.
    • Tightening torque 8 Nm
  19. Attach the ignition module.
    • Tightening torque 9 Nm
    • Attach and secure the wiring harness connector.
  20. Attach the exhaust camshaft sprocket.
    • Rotate the exhaust camshaft by the hexagon until the exhaust
    • Use a new bolt.
    • Tightening torque 85 Nm + 30° + (Tightening torque 85 Nm + 30° + 15°)
  21. Connect the fuel lines. (Tightening torque 10 Nm; Tightening torque 9 Nm)
  22. Install the rear engine cover. (Check the alignment.; 6 bolts, tightening torque 14 Nm)
  23. Close the rear engine cover.
  24. Connect the battery.
  25. Close the bonnet.
  26. Reprogram the volatile memories.

Camshaft sprockets

NA (Z22SE) only.

Remove

  1. Open the bonnet.
  2. Disconnect the battery.
  3. Open the engine cover.
  4. Detach the engine cover. (6 bolts)
  5. Release the fuel pressure. Note: Fuel may escape – observe the safety regulations and relevant national legislation.
    • Collect any escaping fuel in a suitable container.
  6. Disconnect the fuel lines. (2 union nuts; 2 bolts; Reposition the fuel lines to one side.)
  7. Detach the ignition module.
    • Release and detach the wiring harness connector.
    • 4 bolts
  8. Remove the cylinder head cover. (Detach the engine breather hose.; 2 bolts, 1 nut; 1 bolt; 12 bolts)
  9. Raise the lifting ramp.
  10. Remove the lower engine splash shield. (13 bolts)
  11. Align the crankshaft.
    • Rotate the crankshaft in the normal direction of rotation to
  12. Lower the lifting ramp.
  13. Remove the guide rail. (2 bolts)
  14. Note: If there is no marking on the camshaft timing chain tensioner, then it should be replaced with a new camshaft timing chain tensioner (part number 24 448 509) including a new camshaft timing chain tensioner rail (part number 24 449 448).
  15. Remove the camshaft timing chain tensioner.
  16. Remove the exhaust camshaft sprocket.
    • Mark the chain link next to the EXH marking on the
    • Hold the exhaust camshaft by the hexagon.
    • Take out the exhaust camshaft sprocket.
  17. Remove the intake camshaft sprocket.
    • Mark the chain link next to the INT marking on the
    • Hold the intake camshaft by the hexagon.
    • Pull back the positioning bolt.
    • Take out the intake camshaft sprocket.
    • Slide in the positioning bolt.
    • Hang the camshaft timing chain over the positioning bolt.

Install

  1. Install the intake camshaft sprocket.
    • Marked chain link to INT marking on the intake camshaft (Pull back the positioning bolt.; Marked chain link to INT marking on the intake camshaft sprocket)
    • Slide the positioning bolts into the designated bores in the
    • Tightening torque 85 Nm + 30° + (Hold the intake camshaft by the hexagon.; Tightening torque 85 Nm + 30° + 15°)
  2. Install the exhaust camshaft sprocket.
    • Marked chain link to EXH marking on the exhaust (Pull back the positioning bolt.; Marked chain link to EXH marking on the exhaust camshaft sprocket)
    • Slide the positioning bolt into the designated bore in the
    • Tightening torque 85 Nm + 30° + (Hold the exhaust camshaft by the hexagon.; Tightening torque 85 Nm + 30° + 15°)
  3. Install the camshaft timing chain tensioner.
    • Insert the piston into the housing. (Clamp the piston at the square into a vice.; Turn clockwise to lock the internal piston in the last latch position.)
    • Use new oil seals.
    • Tightening torque 75 Nm
  4. Release the camshaft timing chain tensioner by pressing on the tensioner rail or the camshaft timing chain (using a blunt tool – e.g. a rounded assembly lever).
  5. Recut the thread. (2 off)
  6. Install the guide rail. (Tightening torque 8 Nm)
  7. Raise the lifting ramp.
  8. Rotate the crankshaft 720°.
    • Rotate the crankshaft in the normal direction of rotation to
  9. Attach the lower engine splash shield. (13 bolts)
  10. Note: In this position the cams of cylinder no. 4 point upwards, and it must be possible to insert blocking tool KM-6148.
  11. Lower the lifting ramp.
  12. Detach KM-6148.
  13. Attach the cylinder head cover
    • Clean the sealing surfaces.
    • Tightening torque 9 Nm
    • Tightening torque 9 Nm
    • 2 bolts, 1 nut
    • Attach the engine breather hose.
    • Tightening torque 8 Nm
  14. Attach the ignition module.
    • Tightening torque 9 Nm
    • Attach and secure the wiring harness connector.
  15. Connect the fuel lines. (Tightening torque 10 Nm; Tightening torque 9 Nm)
  16. Install the rear engine cover. (Check the alignment.; 6 bolts, tightening torque 14 Nm)
  17. Close the rear engine cover.
  18. Connect the battery.
  19. Close the bonnet.
  20. Reprogram the volatile memories.

Related guides

Spotted a mistake, or have something to add? Tell us about it.

Sources & credit

Written up from these owners' original posts. Thanks to everyone who contributed.

  • Vauxhall TIS: Camshafts, Replace (Z 22 SE) by Vauxhall TIS
  • Vauxhall TIS: Camshaft Sprockets, Replace (Z 22 SE) by Vauxhall TIS

Last updated 2026-10-25