Forum:
I own a 1990 Sportrak and have been thinking about removing my Catalytic Converter.
My understanding is that the Catalytic Converter removes harmful emission and in the process restricts the flow of the exhaust gases, reducing the BHP.
I have been told, as my Sporty is a 1990 model, the catalytic converter can be removed as it is not required by law or the MOT testing.
I have been given several options to remove the catalytic converter.
1. Cut the catalytic converter out and weld a piece of pipe in its place.
2. Buy a decat pipe to replace the catalytic converter (change could be reversed if required)
3. Buy a high performance catalytic converter (very expensive).
4. Remove the catalytic converter smash up the honeycomb center and remove all of the debris, then replace the catalytic converter. (This is my favourite but can't be reversed)
Have any of you removed your catalytic converter and what results did you get? Has anybody else got any suggestions?
Not sure about the dates of l
Not sure about the dates of legality but loads of people de-cat their cars - the bulletin boards for the MGF (http://www2.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=mgbbs&access=&mode=tlist&subject=69) are often stuffed with people who race at w/ends and want more power, and just whack the cat system back on when MOT time comes around, so it may be worth a look. FWIW I'd have two systems, with/without cat to save time and trouble.
Dave with a Sporty
Dave with a Sporty
Thanks for the advice. All
Thanks for the advice.
All of the different sources that I have looked at agree compulsory testing starts on vehicles first registered late 1992.
I have finally taken the plunge, removed the cat bashed the catalyst out with an iron bar and replaced it again. Now all I have to do is wait and see if I get the increased BHP & MPG that I was hoping for.
Salty, let us know how you ge
Salty, let us know how you get on.....I've thought about doing this to my '91 sportrak.
Have you left the lamba sensor in the front pipe connected?
cheers,
Frank.
Frank, This was surprisingly
Frank,
This was surprisingly easy to do. I would recommend this over the Decat pipe option, for those like me that don't require the Cat for an MOT(pre 1992), it is a one way street however but I simply could not be bothered to swap the Cat and Decat pipe around before and after each MOT anyway.
Best of all, it’s only cost me a couple of quid for a new exhaust gasket.
As far as the Lamba sensor was concerned, I have left well alone. I believe that this is one of the sensors used by the engine management system to determine the correct fuel/air ratio, to screw around with it would be a mistake!
I have thought about getting a gauge that hooks into the Lamba sensor to show the fuel/air ratio but they are expensive and quite what I would do with the info, I don't know but it could be interesting to monitor for a while.
Its early days as far as deciding if this has improved things, I’m assessing the MPG at the moment so haven’t given it any stick as yet but all looks good so far, it certainly hasn't had a detrimental affect.
Salty, keep me posted on deve
Salty, keep me posted on developments etc, I too will 'knock out' the cat. as my vehicle doesn't require one for mot time.
The fuel consumption on mine isn't too good (about 25 mpg) and it's all serviced up properly.
The heat that's thrown off the cat. into the car these hot days is uncomfortable, another reason to do away with it!
cheers,
Frank.
Guide how to do it
Do you fancy writing a bit more detailed guide on how to de-cat the Sportrak and what to replace it with and how to swap it back on for the site? I am sure it would be one of them compulsory mods like the K&N filter!
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N-Reg Daihatsu Sportrak Midnight. A-Bar, K&N, 100Watt Spots, Custom S/Steel Wheel Cover, S/Steel Sillbars, more to follow!
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LuRcH, Thanks for the invite
LuRcH,
Thanks for the invite. I'll try and find the time but it may be a while, I would like find more substance to MOT regs first as I wouldn't want to mislead anyone.
If anyone reading this can't wait, I would suggest that you talk to your local MOT tester before doing anything. He will have to interpret the regs and if he is on your side there shouldn't be a problem.
I would also like to add that I have taken this action because my exhaust is in good nick. If there was any doubt about the condition of the exhaust or when this one packs up then I would have fitted a complete stainless system from Powerflow.
I've found out today that you
I've found out today that you can remove the cat and front pipe and replace it with a non-cat earlier type of front pipe......the rear sections are the same.
Just another way of doing it I suppose!