Catalytic Converter Removal - Illegal?

[jay_nation]

Dear All,

Just a quick question.

I have a VW Bora Sport 1.9 Tdi and will be replacing the exhaust system soon with a Power Flow system.

I kindly was advised by a forum member that is it ok to have the CAT removed as this is not required for an MOT or the law.

What are the current regulations, is the CAT required?

What gains if it is not illegal will I get from removing this?

Many thanks for any advice you can offer.

Regards

jay_nation

[bora(ing) nick]

Dear All,

Just a quick question.

I have a VW Bora Sport 1.9 Tdi and will be replacing the exhaust system soon with a Power Flow system.

I kindly was advised by a forum member that is it ok to have the CAT removed as this is not required for an MOT or the law.

What are the current regulations, is the CAT required?

What gains if it is not illegal will I get from removing this?

Many thanks for any advice you can offer.

Regards

jay_nation

Firstly, Nice car and in the right colour ....

I know removing the CAT will add about 5-10 bhp IIRC, It heavily restricts the exhaust flow, and removing this derestricts flow.

As for the legalities.... I have only read as you have on the forum, and Devonutopia is a long standing member (moderator). He drives a highly moified Fabia, and has done for some time. If Devon says it's legal, I'd trust him.

Nick

[darkskies]

Removing the cat should make the car illegal - it will fail it's emmissions test on the MOT since all cars since xx have had to had a catalytic converter.

BTW: I had a V5 Bora in Diamond Black, with BBS alloys like yours... Still one of the best looking cars I've seen/owned.

[devonutopia]

It's legal - trust me. The only legal thing is the manufacturer must supply the car new with a CAT (legal since 1995 if I recall right) - but legally you can remove it once you're off the forecourt. And it "should" go through MOTs ok. Only a bad running diesel will fail the MOT smoke test.

[jay_nation]

Firstly, Nice car and in the right colour ....

I know removing the CAT will add about 5-10 bhp IIRC, It heavily restricts the exhaust flow, and removing this derestricts flow.

As for the legalities.... I have only read as you have on the forum, and Devonutopia is a long standing member (moderator). He drives a highly moified Fabia, and has done for some time. If Devon says it's legal, I'd trust him.

Nick

Hey thanks for the compliments…..I have plans for the car as soon as I get my hands on it which is Sat!

As for your comments many thanks, I know Devonutopia is a long standing member I hope I haven't insulted him, no offence was meant on my behalf.

What size wheels are you running I was looking at 18" any advice?

Any other pointerss for this motor?

I was looking at this so far:

Powerflow exhaust system - twin box
Viper induction kit
Re-map
New wheels
Possible stiffer springs - ride quite soft - body roll needs reducing.

Many thanks

[bora(ing) nick]

What size wheels are you running I was looking at 18" any advice?

I was looking at this so far:

Powerflow exhaust system - twin box
Viper induction kit
Re-map
New wheels
Possible stiffer springs - ride quite soft - body roll needs reducing.

Many thanks

The only mods i have done so far are;

18" RS8 replica's (225-40-18) with TOYO performance tyres (£600) miles better ride and handling than the stock 15" rims.
Ripspeed DVD player, with 7" flip-out tft Screen, Got a reversing camera on my trailor thats hooked up to it
Also have Freeview module hooked up to it, for in car tv.
Remap from chip and Spin (£250)
Towbar (£40 from Ebay with electrics, fitted myself)
Mintex performance brake Discs and pads all round. (£120)

Oh, i did put some LED's inside the handles and wired them up to the internal light. So, at night when i opened the car the doors handles lit up blue.

I thought it looked cool, but then one of the LEDs failed and i thought it looked naff with just 3, so disconnected em.

If i remember i'll reconnect and get a pic, so you can tell me if you think it looks naff.

And thats about it, lol



Nick

[jay_nation]

The only mods i have done so far are;

18" RS8 replica's (225-40-18) with TOYO performance tyres (£600) miles better ride and handling than the stock 15" rims.
Ripspeed DVD player, with 7" flip-out tft Screen, Got a reversing camera on my trailor thats hooked up to it
Also have Freeview module hooked up to it, for in car tv.
Remap from chip and Spin (£250)
Towbar (£40 from Ebay with electrics, fitted myself)
Mintex performance brake Discs and pads all round. (£120)

Oh, i did put some LED's inside the handles and wired them up to the internal light. So, at night when i opened the car the doors handles lit up blue.

I thought it looked cool, but then one of the LEDs failed and i thought it looked naff with just 3, so disconnected em.

If i remember i'll reconnect and get a pic, so you can tell me if you think it looks naff.

And thats about it, lol



Nick

Hi there again,

Many thanks for your reply.

Sound like you really like your Bora, Im looking forward to modifying it but in a tasteful manner!

I appreciate your help and advice.

Jay_nation

[jay_nation]

It's legal - trust me. The only legal thing is the manufacturer must supply the car new with a CAT (legal since 1995 if I recall right) - but legally you can remove it once you're off the forecourt. And it "should" go through MOTs ok. Only a bad running diesel will fail the MOT smoke test.

Jason,

I would like to thank you for your extra advice and meant no offence.

This has put my mind at rest and I am now looking forward to the upgraded system.

Would you go for a duel exit (two boxes) or one?

Is there much implication on performance, i.e. more reduction in back pressure?

Regards

Jay_nation

[Fizzbitt]

Sometimes the legality doesnt come into it as the MOT tester himself can be a bit miss informed or a bit strict to cover his own rear as i have experienced in the past.

I would suggest you contact your local MOT tester and explain the situation to him prior to getting a decat done.

Also good to see another black bora TDi about... Ive a X plate 115 6 speed sport as well.

[jay_nation]

Dear Fizzbitt,

Many thanks for your reply…………any advice is much appreciated and thanks for the compliments about my car. I am looking forward to adding a little of 'my touch' to it of course without dare I say 'chavving' it up.

Its strange but there doesn't seem to be many Black Tdi's around I haven't seen one over the last 2 years!

Regards

JP