Now that we have pretty much settled on a 'blade engine for our beast, I am trawling through the small ads looking for a crash damaged one. Thing is, do I need a pre-95 one to get me through emissions tests without a cat, or is it reasonably straightforward to fit a post 95 one and just use all the original gubbins (cat, lambda sensor etc.) that goes with it? Or is it possible to get a post 95 engine through the more recent emissions tests without a cat?

I guess this question is applicable to all bike engines, not just the 'blade.

[Edited on 27/1/03 by StuartA]

I have a 98 W Fireblade in my car and to get it thorugh the emissions test I needed to put a cat on it. Failed SVA first time on emissions even after attempting to weaken mixture as much as possible.

The 95 to 99 blade was carbed so has no original cat, lambda sensor etc.

A standard cat kit will come with all the necesary gubbins (lambda sensor, Cat, air pumps, all connectors and a control computer.

I do not know about getting a pre 95 one without CAT. As we had two going it was cheaper to buy Cat and then sell it on as you do not require it for MOT emissions later.

I do know that MK have a CAT kit (or should have) as I sold them mine after putting it tough the test

Hope some useful info amongst this

Jim

ST does "hire a cat too"

Stuart and I were discussing this subject on the way home from work tonight and he thinks he may have an answer.

It's only a guess at the moment but...

On a pre '95 engine in a car (any engine) a cat is not required not required.

On a post '95 engine in a car (any engine) a cat is a legal requirement even if the engine is capable of passing emmission requlations.

Does this rings any bells with anyone?

It would make a lot of sense if this is the case. '99 Fireblade doesn't have a cat but passes MOT as the emissions are not too high. Put that engine in a Locost and the SVA deems the age of the car to be '99 therefore requiring a cat by law.

Dumb SVA as the engine is quite capable of passing emissions without the cat but there you go.

Any thoughts?

Cheers
Andy

Apologies for my crap typing/spelling today.

Cheers
Andy

A pre 95 engine SC28E engine no. prefix, will get through sva without a cat, I have one I'm selling with all running gear as I have bought a blackbird engine instead, I want £795 for it if its of any use to you, I need the cash to get on with my car so it must go soon!
My no. is 07958 069 270

spoke to my freindly MOT tester today as he merrily poked holes in a BMW i was having tested and he said as long as the engine meets emmision requirments it will pass.ie a cat only helps clean up the emmisions,if the emmisions are clean enough to start with there is no need for a cat.

quote:

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Originally posted by theconrodkid
spoke to my freindly MOT tester today he said as long as the engine meets emmision requirments it will pass.ie a cat only helps clean up the emmisions,if the emmisions are clean enough to start with there is no need for a cat.

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You don't technically need a Cat on a post 95 car to pass MOT or SVA, but you've got a bat-in-hells chance of getting an engine running on carbs through the later emission regs without one, its almost impossible even using injection.

Best bet is to either hire a cat for the day from someone like Stuart Taylor, or initially buy a pre 95 engine and get through on the old regs, and upgrade if you want to afterward, as you don't need to meet the emission regs for MOT, cos its an amateur built car its always visual smoke only, regardless of engine age.

In my opinion, if you can get hold of a nice clean late engine (98-99) then go for that and rent-a-cat, but if you want to go for an earlier engine, in the real world there is VERY little difference in performance, so either way you'll be fine.

Chris

Now that's the answer I was looking for

Thanks to all for the responses and especially Chris for the concise answer.

Stuart and I are looking for a nice fireplace engine and now aren't too concerned with emissions

And yes we do know of the one Mad Max has on offer and also the one on eBay at the moment but thanks anyway

[Edited on 31/1/2003 by andyd]

Might wanna make sure you put a bike engine in there rather than a place to burn wood and coal tho
There was one on Bookatrack.com for a grand, not sure on age or mileage but might be worth a look.

Chris