decat...... benefits?

Technical Area Engine, Transmission, Exhaust etc
2

 Hi All, another ‘newbie’ question… probably very basic but I am very new to the MX5 scene!

I notice many members have de-cat pipes fitted.

I fancy doing ths mod, Guess the main benefit is exhaust flow and ‘sound’…?

I have fitted a K&N and have a sports cat back rear section. 

interested to know the opinion of other members regarding this mod.

My car is a 1996 Eunos VR 1.8 1996 model

Cheers

3

G’day mate—

Biggest problem is that you will probably fail the MOT emissions test without a cat. Very early[,89-'93ish ] get away with a lower standard test, but your '96 won’t

4

A recent article in Japanese Performance magazine reported that their tests showed that no performance gains were measured after fitting a decat pipe to a car already fitted with an MX5 Parts stainless steel cat back system. There was no mention of whether the matrix inside the previously fitted catalytic converter was intact/present so read into this what you will.

I would imagine that the matrix inside a catalytic converter would absorb some sound energy and therefore a car fitted with a decat pipe would have a slightly louder exhaust.

Just to reiterate Geoff’s good advice re the MOT test, any car registered or first used after August 1st 1995, whether it is an import or a UK model, is subject to the more stringent emissions test and will almost certainly require the fitting of a catalytic converter in order to achieve these emissions.

5

 Thanks Geoff,

I guessed I would probably have to refit the cat for MOT.

appreciate your info and response. Cheers Pete

6

 Thanks, appreciate your reference and comments. the de-cats are not too costly so will probably try it and refit the cat for MOT compliance. cheers Pete