Quote: posted by Mr Benn on 10/12/2004 15:46:30
AFAIK, there is no law about having to have a CAT. The maximum emissions that the engine is allowed to produce is determined by the year that the car was homologated. I don't think any manufacturer has been able to meet the emission requirements without having a Cat fitted. These are a considerable expense to the manufacturer and they wouldn't fit them if they didn't have to. I think if you had a car from the early 90s then you could get away with no Cat if you could just run the engine lean at idle. It wouldn't make any CO or HC, just NOx which they don't test for on that age car. They do test for it no and I don't think you could meet the requirement without a Cat but you could certainly try. Some friendly MOT test places may allow you to drive around for a bit to get the engine hotter if you think that will help.
I honestly think you will be surprised... I have a number of friends who have been through this, with modern cars varying from Saxo VTS's through to 6 cylinder Beemers. All past the emissions tests...! The modern engine is pretty damn efficient methinks... Am hoping I will get away with it myself soon. [
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