8 replies to this topic

[LeeDJC]

Hi all!

Was thinking about decatting the SPi and fitting an LCB etc. While I know this is pretty easy to do, it's the MOT I'm worried about. Do any of you guys have any problems with LCBs and the MOT.

I'm under the impression that the MOT centre don't actually check for the presence of a cat, but just go by the emissions....is this true? If so is an SPi likely to pass without a cat?

If not, what do you guys do at MOT time? Change the exhaust back to standard?

Also what's the best LCB or alternative manifold for the SPi, and is there much power to be gained, or is it more just about the noise?

Cheers!

[Bill USN-1]

If you swap then I recommend a system designed for your SPI motor.
Because the intake manifold is different the cheap LCB for the carb will not just bolt on.
You should get one for the SPI motor. I also recommend retaining the cat and just make sure it is clean and in good shape.

It will not restrict the exhaust enough for you to notice.
There are performance cats made if you feel you need it.

Noise won't really change much with just a LCB swap.

[LeeDJC]

If you swap then I recommend a system designed for your SPI motor.
Because the intake manifold is different the cheap LCB for the carb will not just bolt on.
You should get one for the SPI motor. I also recommend retaining the cat and just make sure it is clean and in good shape.

It will not restrict the exhaust enough for you to notice.
There are performance cats made if you feel you need it.

Noise won't really change much with just a LCB swap.

Sorry, I should have made it clear.....I will change the rest of the exhaust for a sports type as well. I'm undecided as to go with a cat back system from somewhere like Playmini, or to change the whole lot including manifold.

Just wondering how much of a problem it *really* is removing the cat

[Dev]

There isn't a problem as such with changing the exhaust to something sportier if you retain the cat.

If however you ditch the cat the come mot time you will either need to refit or find a friendly mot tester. I'm not advocating you do that however.

What is it you are looking for from the exhaust in the first place?

[Bungle]

i think minisport sell a SPI LCB with link pipe up to the cat

a friend of mine replaced his when the standard manifold rusted away

[LeeDJC]

There isn't a problem as such with changing the exhaust to something sportier if you retain the cat.

If however you ditch the cat the come mot time you will either need to refit or find a friendly mot tester. I'm not advocating you do that however.

What is it you are looking for from the exhaust in the first place?

I'm looking for more of a decent exhaust note than anything. A performance boost would be a plus though

I was just thinking that it would sound better with out the cat restricting it

[Bungle]

you have to have a cat fitted for the age of your mini

and if you replace the manifold it must be a SPI one

remove your old sensor from you old manifold and screw it into your new one

[Dev]

you dont have to bungle but as i said its not the approved method.

the note will definately be noticeable with a change to a playmini.

you wont get a power increase with the change of exhaust thats an urban myth.

[m3ntalist]

I have a cat removal pipe for my SPi, I just put the cat back on for the MOT, only takes 20 minutes


Also I have a maniflow LCB, it mainly just makes it a lot louder - but its the first stage before any other engine modifications
I also dont recommend an RC40 from minispares - the brackets have failed twice on mine - they are not welded on good enough!

I mainly removoe the cat so it stops getting so scratched over speed bumps, the cat removal pipe (can be ordered from maniflow) tends to not be as fat as a cat.....Noise and performance are not that different with or without a cat in my experience - I think its only about 2 horsepower or something unoticeable. LCB and the silencer you choose will probably have more of an effect

Edited by m3ntalist, 28 March 2007 - 12:10 PM.