Can anyone give me an answer on this?

Sal's MX5 has developed a rattle which has been diagnosed as the catalytic converter failing in the mid section of the exhaust.

Question is - could we replace this with a de-cat centre section and pass an MOT test? Sal's car is a 1991 Jap import Eunos (MX-5)

Cheers
Chris

 

Yes you can

AFAIK all new production cars sold in UK had to have a cat from 1993 onwards. Many had them on before this though.

There is also a rule somewhere stating that all non EU imports made from 1995 onwards have to have a cat, but not alot of MOT testers know that....and I can't for the life of me find it on the DVLA site.

Justin

 

Chris,

I used to have a mini cooper which was first registered 10/11/91 and I was told by the MOT station that it did not need a cat as it was registered before 01/01/92.

Damian.

 

Chris, as the car is an import it does not need a cat if produced before 95. As stated before not a lot of testers know this!!!.
If you take it down to GLR in dobbs weir and see Salv he will be able to help, he does a lot of Mot's on imports and can be helpful in many ways
Cheers
Rob

 

Good news! Thanks all Nice thing with the MX-5 is how cheap (compared to a Scoob) bits are - i.e.nice backbox £130 and a decat centre on £50!

Cheers
Chris

 

September 01/1992 is the cut off point. Anything after this must have a cat.

 

yep - aug/sept '92

 

Wait a second. An imported MY93 doesn't need a cat to pass its MOT? Maybe I should give Jamie another call.

 

As I said, it must have a cat after that date. that does not however mean that every testing station will fail a car for not having one. Some stations may be more leniant than others. If you can be bothered to read through this crap, it will probably give more info here.
http://www.via.gov.uk/vehicle_testing/index.htm