Will I need a "catalytic converter"

[12345kevin]

OK, I currently have an M52 block in my G reg E30 which dosn't require a "cat". However I am looking at an L reg E30 to transplant it all into, which I believe would require a Cat.

As both my engine and car would be post '93 or whatever the cut off is would I need one ? The engine number has been changed and it runs an M50 non vanos head which may be enought to get it through

Any thoughts before I take the plunge ?

[Brianmoooore]

It will not need a cat. There's an exemption for cars that are "not in the book", up to a much later date.
An L reg E30 with a M50 engine will not be in the book, so it will be tested to the old limits. Same applies to LPG converted cars, although if they can't pass the later limits without a cat, they are in need of attention!

[Jhonno]

OK, I currently have an M52 block in my G reg E30 which dosn't require a "cat". However I am looking at an L reg E30 to transplant it all into, which I believe would require a Cat.

As both my engine and car would be post '93 or whatever the cut off is would I need one ? The engine number has been changed and it runs an M50 non vanos head which may be enought to get it through

Any thoughts before I take the plunge ?

Your car is before the cut off so no problems

[Jon_Bmw]

Whilst 'one' might be able to argue it doesn't need one, it is the mongloid MOT tester that needs convincing. His computer is going to say, 1993, it needs to pass the stricter MOT emissions. I would think it is realistically going to be a ball ache every year.

[Brianmoooore]

The computer will refer him to the flowchart, which, if he follows it to the end, will tell him to test it to the old limits.

[12345kevin]

OK, I currently have an M52 block in my G reg E30 which dosn't require a "cat". However I am looking at an L reg E30 to transplant it all into, which I believe would require a Cat.

As both my engine and car would be post '93 or whatever the cut off is would I need one ? The engine number has been changed and it runs an M50 non vanos head which may be enought to get it through

Any thoughts before I take the plunge ?

Your car is before the cut off so no problems

Not going to be my current car Dan, gonna be doing a reshell if the right one comes up Just needed to check as my engine is after "cat" dates etc.

Thanks Brian, put my mind at rest so I can look at late E30's. My MOT tester is an "old skool" mechanic who has alway's done my cars and comments on the work done etc.

[Brianmoooore]

http://www.motuk.co.uk/images/7.3page9.pdf