I know there are many threads on this subject which cover some of what I’m gonna ask but thought I would post anyway to cover a couple of other things.

My '98 Type R currently doesn't have a cat (according to previous owner it has never had one since he owned it) and I have my MOT next month. I have an email from VOSA stating that it will need an cat for the MOT (possibly just so it passes the minimum emissions test?) but will not need one afterwards. I can copy/paste the email if needed.

Bearing this in mind, how do people normally get their imports MOT'd without cats? Do they normally have a spare cat they fit just for the MOT? Is it possible/common to borrow/rent a cat from the garage doing the MOT.

Anyone know of an 'Impreza-sympathetic' MOT tester in the Gloucestershire area?

If it matters the car is:
Chassis - GC8E2DD
Engine - EJ20KDW7PR


Cheers,

 

You either need a garage who will just test another car for the emissions test, if they are found to be doing this vosa will remove the mot licence and bloke could be banned for ever having a licence again. Places do it but on the harsh and usually only if you know them personaly. You will
Need to buy or borrow a cat. All should have a cat in the downpipe, tho they all look the same from 1993-2000 you will actually find there are all different sorts of lamba or 02 sensors, some have 2 pin, others have 4. There are also differences in uk cars and import cars, uk classics should have 2 I phoned up Subaru yesturday as I am having this same issue. I'm pretty sure imports only have the one. You can buy them online cheaper new than they are seconds hand from brakers or eBay.

 

I would never want to get the garage owner in trouble for the sake of a couple of hundred quid.

I do have a potential ball-ache of a problem though it seems. The whole exhaust has been swapped out for a full 3" decat system. Ideally I would like to have just fitted an OEM catted centre section but how could I go about doing that as it is 2.5" (I believe)?

 

You can use just a catted downpipe, the 100cell inside would be enough to get it past as long as the engine is running well, I found this for mine at a good price, not branded up comes with a warranty. this also had a 3" exit to centre. Not sure its the same on import, the lamba is in the right place as 1998-2000 car have it before the car. http://www.carparts4less.co.uk/cp4l/...db2e939&000059

 

I was initially thinking of swapping the centre pipe out as this would surely be a simpler job? and also means you don't have to worry about sensor ports. Although the JapSpeed system I have appears to have a shorter centre section than the catted versions I have found so far.

Saying that, if you've found a catted downpipe that exits to 3" then that sounds like the way to go, nice 1!.

 

Yes it would be a quicker job and easier as I have had to remove my intercooler, and heat shields to get to the turbo bolts, I wasn't aware when I started I could get a centre cat, so I brought a downpipe, wasn't till it wouldn't wire up in then looked into to and found they did all different sorts. My mot is due so I will just have to make do with what I have, next year I will spend more time working out a better method http://www.carparts4less.co.uk/cp4l/...db2e939&000059 works my end :S it's only £93 delivered next day

 

Well I guess if it works and gets it through the MOT for less than £95 delivered then that's a wicked result. Is the one you linked what you have now fitted on your car for your upcoming MOT? and what car/age do you have?

 

Just fitted it. Mine is a 'W' reg 2000 classic turbo, so version 6

 

OK that's a bit worrying (for me) not sure if that downpipe will have the same o2/lambda port/s. Is there anyway of checking before buying it? Seems like it could be the solution I need if I can get it to fit ok. Can it be modified to accept my car's connectors?

 

You can see it. Its behide the turbo, under your clutch fluid.

 

Nope, yours is a w reg 2000 turbo, it doesn't have a version

 

Sounds like mine should be a '00 Sport Special Version 6