de-cat VVC and MOT

[jack&mle]

Hello

It's MOT time and with those new style computerised test I'm getting worried that my Caterham 21 powered by a K1.8 VVC, will fail the emission test.

My Car is on a P plate and does not have a catalytic converter, it has a straight thru exhaust.

Will it pass or will it fail?
Does having the engine very hot will help the emissions?

The MOT station is used to TVR.

Thanks for your help/advice

Jack

[350matt]

The limits are anything post 1994 must past 0.3-0.4 % CO at 2000 rpm and no more than 0.5% CO at idle, there are hydrocarbon limits as well but I can't remember them, post 2000 it gets tougher still I think, now it is possible to achieve these values without a cat but it very much depends on what camshaft / fuelling set-up you have, you'll have to test it and see or go out and buy a Gunsons gastester ( which aren't that accurate sadly +/ - 0.1 CO easily)

Matt

[Avocet]

Did the car go thorugh the SVA test or does it pre-date all that? if it did, you might find the emissions limits are printed on your registration document. It's a long shot because SVA didn't start until 1998 but if yours has a private plate on it or was built as a kit and got an "age-related" plate you might be able to do pre-cat emissions.

[Avocet]

Actually, just found this note from VOSA to all test stations on kit cars (if you can reasonable claim the 21 is a kit car!)

"“…All petrol and gas propelled kit cars or amateur-built vehicles first used on or after 1/8/1998 (“S” registration onward) are subject to the BET (Basic Emissions Test) followed if necessary by a ‘cat test’ to default values. The only exemption to this is where evidence is supplied by a presenter to confirm a lesser test is required i.e. the age of the engine or the emission standard applied at SVA. Compression Ignition powered kit cars and amateur built vehicles will also be meter checked.”

The MOT inspection amnual says:

"Wankel Rotary engined vehicles first used before 1/8/1987, kit cars and amateur built vehicles for emission purposes only, are to be considered as vehicles first used before 1/8/1975."


That means they are subject to a visual inspection only!

You might just be lucky!

[jack&mle]

Thank Avocet

That is great news, I'll have a closer look at VOSA website to print out the right parts

Jack

[dollysprintv8]

Just a real quick question.

The Caterham 21 is it a Kit Built car.
or.
Built by Caterham's them self's?.

[Jack&MLE]

I had a look on the V5C document and it says:
Kit build/converted - Assembled from parts all of which may not be new
And there is no value for the exhaust emissions or for sound level.

I have compare it the the V5C of our Honda which state what the exhaust emission should be.

So I should be OK.

Does anyone knows a friendly MOT station around Oxford?

Jack

[Avocet]

That sounds very hopeful! Post back if you get knocked back and I'll try to get you a page number reference in the MOT testers' manual so you can tell them where to look!