To avoid legally requiring a catalyst does an engine have to be manufactured prior to 1995 or does it just have to be to the same spec as an engine manufactured prior to 1995?

I think that's a loaded question! not sure anyone except the local authoritires can answer it.

I don't know where you are located geographically, but the answer will be different depending on what the local authorities require. I know that here in Phoenix, AZ, USA, the county requires a strict emissions test and the model year the car is registered as determines the emissions equipment required. As an example, I have a good friend who built a 1962 Ferrari Replica on a Datsun 280Z chassis. He failed emissions when he tried to go through as a 1978 Datsun. The next day he went to the DMV and re-registered the car as a 1962 Ferrari. No emissions test required!

1 hour to the northwest of Phoenix, there is no emissions test required whatsoever. So there you can remove all the stock emissions hardeware and run as much noxious poison into the air as you wish.


Graber

UK SVA currently requires cat for engines manufactured after 1995 (August I think). Don't worry about the donor car having one fitted, it is the engine that counts. Try and get proof of age from the manufacturer, Ford will send you a letter to confirm age, suspect others would do the same.

What about pre SVA cars, I am putting a new engine into my car which has been on the road for some time. What will happen at MOT time. Will it be tested to the same spec as donor??? hope not...

Thanks for the answers. I am in the UK so at least I don't have to worry about variation between states.

Presumably the emission rules are the same for an MOT. In other words you couldn't fit a post 95 engine with cat for SVA and then remove the cat legally.

If you did this (not that I would) and got a roadside emission test do you get a producer so you could swap the cat back at home and then have the emissions checked or do you just get fined?

quote:

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Originally posted by Doc
I am in the UK so at least I don't have to worry about variation between states.

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Steve

I have corrected my omission

Not sure about new engine in a post SVA car, but suspect you would have to meet the emissions for the new engine date/type. If I had fitted a cat for the SVA I would leave it in place as most modern ones if of the correct size should cost no more than a few BHP. I know a few companies loan out cats for SVA but I'm not sure how the owners get on at SVA time.