The General Motors VT20E continuously variable transmission was assembled at a joint venture with Fiat in Hungary from 2002 to 2005 and was installed in select versions of the Opel Vectra, paired with the 1.8-liter Z18XE engine. Unlike its older sibling, this transmission was only available in front-wheel drive.
Specifications
| Type | CVT (continuously variable transmission) |
| Number of gears | ∞ |
| Type of drive | front |
| Engine volume, l | up to 1.8 |
| Torque output, Nm | up to 170 |
| Recommended oil | GM DEX-CVT Fluid |
| Oil capacity, liter | 8.1 |
| Partial replacement, liter | 6.5 |
| Maintenance | every 50 000 km |
| Gearbox lifespan, km | ~200 000 km |
Gear ratios GM VT20E
Using the example of a 2003 Opel Vectra with a 1.8 liter engine:
| Main | 2.15 |
| Range | 2.61 – 0.44 |
| Reverse | 4.35 |
Using
The transmission was installed on:
- Opel Signum A (Z03) in 2003 – 2005;
- Opel Vectra C (Z02) in 2002 – 2004.
Disadvantages of the GM VT20E gearbox
- The majority of complaints on forums are related to belt stretching at low mileage;
- If the belt isn’t changed promptly, the cones may become worn, making it difficult to find replacements;
- Closer to 150,000 km, a drop in oil pump performance is common.
