Anyone know what the deal is with cat converters and vehicle inspections?
I was thinking about the fact that there is no leaded fuel available anymore so should I fit a couple of cat converters?
I'm currently using the lead replacement stuff(?) Would using it be enough to bugger out cats?
I have to go through Regency (SA vehicle inspection) and wondered (if I have hardened valve seats and don't need the lead replacement stuff) would I be better, or worse off, if I have them fitted?
Cat converters on old cars?
Started by
_Gunmetal LH_
, Jun 15 2010 04:28 PM
10 replies to this topic
#2
ls2lxhatch
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Posted 15 June 2010 - 04:45 PM
Fittings CATs will empty your wallet and reduce performance. If you are not required by law to fit CATS then don't.
#3
lxsstorana
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Posted 15 June 2010 - 04:47 PM
I know in NSW that if you have an older engine (leaded) in your car then you don't need to fit a cat convertor. Unleaded vehicles/petrol came into use in late 1985.
I think the other states have the same rules.
But if you have fitted a later model engine that was designed to run on unleaded then you have to fit a convertor and comply with the rules at that time.
I think the other states have the same rules.
But if you have fitted a later model engine that was designed to run on unleaded then you have to fit a convertor and comply with the rules at that time.
#4
TerrA LX
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Posted 15 June 2010 - 04:54 PM
I was thinking about the fact that there is no leaded fuel available anymore so should I fit a couple of cat converters?
That should read "it is illegal to use unleaded in a registered vehicle" leaded fuel IS still available, just not at the petrol station pump.
YesI'm currently using the lead replacement stuff(?) Would using it be enough to bugger out cats?
Your your wallet would feel the difference.I have to go through Regency (SA vehicle inspection) and wondered (if I have hardened valve seats and don't need the lead replacement stuff) would I be better, or worse off, if I have them fitted?
#5
_tyre fryer_
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Posted 15 June 2010 - 05:05 PM
Hmm... now I'm considering the same thing, I have nearly bought an injected 5l and I'm wondering if it's worth building a red bottom end and putting the injection stuff on top? more of a muck around but then I don't have to run CATs right?
#6
_Gunmetal LH_
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Posted 15 June 2010 - 05:33 PM
Cheers for the input. VN V6 commodores fall out of trees around here on a windy day there's that many of them. Getting the cats wouldn't cost anything. I'd weld them in so that will cost bugger-all.
I know the performance will drop but I was thinking about whether it would be a good/bad idea re: inspection time?
Emissions-wise they HAVE to be good.
I know the performance will drop but I was thinking about whether it would be a good/bad idea re: inspection time?
Emissions-wise they HAVE to be good.
Edited by Gunmetal LH, 15 June 2010 - 05:34 PM.
#7
_Gunmetal LH_
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Posted 15 June 2010 - 11:26 PM
Anyone else have something to add?
#8
_mello92_
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Posted 15 June 2010 - 11:56 PM
Not really.
If it is absolutely necessary that you need to use a CAT or two, then do it.
But if not, then why bother??
Decent flowing ones are not cheap, they change the sound of the exhaust (higher pitch I think...seeing as gutting them lowers the note
), not to mention the dicking around to put them in legally.
Im with Andy on this one.
If it is absolutely necessary that you need to use a CAT or two, then do it.
But if not, then why bother??
Decent flowing ones are not cheap, they change the sound of the exhaust (higher pitch I think...seeing as gutting them lowers the note
), not to mention the dicking around to put them in legally. Im with Andy on this one.
#9
ls2lxhatch
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Posted 16 June 2010 - 12:02 AM
Fitting emission control devices that are not required will not help you car pass an inspection.
#10
_Gunmetal LH_
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Posted 16 June 2010 - 01:11 AM
Bugger. I know Regency doesn't like:
Holdens,
V8's,
especially V8's in 'small' cars,
worse if it's an 'old & small' car.
Take in an RX-7 with only 3 wheels, half the guards, and rust covering whatever's left, just a windscreen and as long as there's a pipe that MAY be an exhaust then you'll probably be 'advised' what you should fix and passed with flying colours.
Bastards... Maybe I should do the Kingo as a Roadpacer?
*grabs silly idea and stuffs it into box labelled 'What was I thinking/ too hard box'*
Looks like it'll stay as-is. Thanks for your ideas and advice.
Holdens,
V8's,
especially V8's in 'small' cars,
worse if it's an 'old & small' car.
Take in an RX-7 with only 3 wheels, half the guards, and rust covering whatever's left, just a windscreen and as long as there's a pipe that MAY be an exhaust then you'll probably be 'advised' what you should fix and passed with flying colours.
Bastards... Maybe I should do the Kingo as a Roadpacer?
*grabs silly idea and stuffs it into box labelled 'What was I thinking/ too hard box'*
Looks like it'll stay as-is. Thanks for your ideas and advice.
#11
_torbirdie_
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Posted 16 June 2010 - 02:12 AM
Adding a cat, as said ^, you dont need one unless the engine you have fitted originally had one.
But if you are interested in producing less CO and unburnt HCs then the cat is good for everyone. More recent cats arent as restrictive.
I dont know if any reg bodies test cars for basic CO and HC emissions(other than rejecting cars with visible soot coming out the exhaust), but it would bring them right down for a v8 with an big carb and troublesome idle mixture.
The problem of course in running a cat on a car without closed loop oxygen sensors is that running too rich can overheat the cat.
But if you are interested in producing less CO and unburnt HCs then the cat is good for everyone. More recent cats arent as restrictive.
I dont know if any reg bodies test cars for basic CO and HC emissions(other than rejecting cars with visible soot coming out the exhaust), but it would bring them right down for a v8 with an big carb and troublesome idle mixture.
The problem of course in running a cat on a car without closed loop oxygen sensors is that running too rich can overheat the cat.
Edited by torbirdie, 16 June 2010 - 02:18 AM.
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