Can I legally remove Cats on my '90 Jap ZX?

I have heard that pre '91 cars don't require the Cats to pass the MOT. Is this the correct date?

I have what I think is the standard Jap exhaust with single 3.5" (ish) tail pipes each side. Will I see any benefit from removing them? I have a Blitz/K&N type air filter fitted & intend to get an ECU upgrade eventually.

 

you cant legally remove them, but you dont need them to pass the emissions test if your car is registered before 31/12/92

 

standard exhaust is twin 1" or 1.5" (cant remember) each side, so you have aftermarket exhaust.

 

unless you post pics or describe the tips better, then it's difficult to name the exhaust, although i have seen a lot with the same type, which Trev also has. (cant remember the name, sorry, i'm sure Trev will follow up)

 

you should get faster turbo spool up :), louder exhaust :|, and possibly turbo oil seal leak :( from removing the cats.

 

been well discussed here a few times...

 

Have a look at the post "My Z's a bit slow these days" they do talk about removing cats making them a slower.

I think that it's any car K reg+ that must be fitted with a cat to pass the MOT I think.

 

Thanks for the advice.

The fast spool up and loud exhaust sounds good to me but the turbo damage makes me scared!

The exhaust I have looks like the pipes fitted to the cars of 300z warren, mark, nexus on rides page.

I don't know what has been modded on my car.

It may even already be chipped, never driven another standard Z and the garage I got it from said it had more power than others they sold...

 

 

 

If I said the car was imported with no Cats would that be OK and who is to know if it passes the MOT without them anyway?

It's a 1990 imported 18 months ago...

 

dump the cats..Whos gonna know(or care) anyway.... I got rid of mine and have had no probs with turbo smoke (yet).I would guess you would only get smoke if the oil seals were on there way out anyway.

Stick a boost gauge on to see if your cars chipped I think standard boost is 9.5 psi.

also is the speed limiter still working because I think most chips will remove this as well

Welcome to Zed land

Paul

 

I have had the cats removed and the MOT was not a problem, however I have had the turbo's done due to weak rear seals causing oil smoke as removing the cat causes more suction on the back of the turbo seals. If you want to check your ECU lift the carpet on the passenger side foot well undo the screws in the wood cover and have a look at your ECU. My car is also a 1990 Jap import.