New MOT emission rules for kit cars

[KITT]

This is a hot topic on the Tiger forum and I figured it'd be a good idea to make PHers aware of it.

Until recently kitcars could get away with a simple smoke test at MOT but the latest legislation is here (box in the bottom right):

www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/publications/6.4%20exhaust%20emissions%20-%20spark%20ignition%20-%20non%20cat%20test.pdf

VOSA said:

For emissions purposes only, kit cars and amateur built vehicles first used before 1 August 1998 and Wankel rotaryengined vehicles first used before 1 August 1987 are to be considered first used before 1 August 1975. Kit cars and amateur built vehicles first used on or after 1 August 1998 ("S" reg) are required to obtain Single Vehicle Approval and should be tested to the limits stated on the registration document.

This could pose a problem for many of us, particulary if you've swaped engines.

It's not so bad if you V5/V5c has your emissions stuff from your SVA test on there, but many don't and you could potentially get tested as if you have a cat fitted

[jgmadkit]

Can't see it being much of a problem. If I could get my 2.3 V6 Cologne engine to read practically bugger all and my RX7 engine to barely register CO2 then I don't see it being a problem for most engines.

John

[kingr seven]

Yup, my R1 engine passed at SVA without too many issues (I do have a cat in the exhaust though).

Kingr

[lanciachris]

kingr seven said:

Yup, my R1 engine passed at SVA without too many issues (I do have a cat in the exhaust though). Kingr

You should really let that out

ok, im going..

[KITT]

kingr seven said:

Yup, my R1 engine passed at SVA without too many issues (I do have a cat in the exhaust though). Kingr

Ok, not such a problem for you, but there's loads of post 1998 Zetecs etc running on twin carbs that will never pass a cat emissions check. Best you can manage on twin carbs is the 3.5%CO and 1200HC test which is what mine was tested to at SVA. However, I know it's over that at the moment, I can smell the hydrocarbons

[avocet]

I think the Lambda is likely to be the biggest problem. You can clean almost anything up by adjusting the mixture and putting a cat in it but this won't help the lambda reading at all. I think they are probably working up to making everyone who modifies a car post-registration go through an SVA test again (kit car or otherwise...)

[remal]

Kingr[/quote]
Ok, not such a problem for you, but there's loads of post 1998 Zetecs etc running on twin carbs that will never pass a cat emissions check. Best you can manage on twin carbs is the 3.5%CO and 1200HC test which is what mine was tested to at SVA. However, I know it's over that at the moment, I can smell the hydrocarbons [/quote]

1200HC I got my tuned 1992 Zetec running with 1.5%Co and about 280-300HC. I know I won't have to worry about the test as my engine is older. But if mine can get low emissions on twin 45's then other should be able to.

[mojocvh]

STUPID QUESTION ALERT......

If your kit carried over the (C) reg from it's (80%+) donor does this mean that it still qualifies for the "simple" test?

cheers

MoJo.

[remal]

Simply answer is YES

I got a tiger Supercat which main doner is the Sierra which I had the V5 for but used a 1992 1.8ltr Zetec froma escort and did not bother to add this to the V5, their is no need.

My MOT is visual and I have a G reg, same as the sierra. hope this helps