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Will I need a "catalytic converter"
Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2010 1:43 pm
by 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 ?
Re: Will I need a "catalytic converter"
Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2010 9:24 pm
by 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!
Re: Will I need a "catalytic converter"
Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2010 12:35 pm
by Jhonno
12345kevin wrote: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
Re: Will I need a "catalytic converter"
Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2010 4:55 pm
by 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.

Re: Will I need a "catalytic converter"
Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2010 6:56 pm
by 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.
Re: Will I need a "catalytic converter"
Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2010 8:21 pm
by 12345kevin
Jhonno wrote:12345kevin wrote: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.
Re: Will I need a "catalytic converter"
Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2010 9:29 pm
by Brianmoooore