Having discovered that our Zetec is apparently of 1998 vintage we are now stuck with a problem. In order to pass SVA (and presumably future MOTs) it will be necessary to fit a cat converter to the engine. We have been told that the cat will last approx 50 miles if we use it with an engine run on carbs. So the options are:

Junk the engine and all the money we have spent on it (not really an option).

Install a cat for SVA and future MOT tests, but have it fitted in such a way that we can remove it after the tests.

Anyone done this? Is anyone actually running their Locost on carbs with a cat fitted?

havent heard that carbs ruin cats b4

leaded petrol yes (bigtime)
runing 2 rich yes
exhust putty on the pipes ahead of the cat is a big no no
or a misfire will also kill it if not fixed

if you fit a cat and use un leaded you will probbly get to the test station and back ok,carbs throw a lot more fuel in than injection so get it nice and hot and it should burn any fuel residue out,take it off and put it in a box till mot time

Some Locost manufacturers (Stuart Taylor I know for definite) rent out CATs to customers, might be worth giving them a bell ?

HTH

IIRC Fisher Sportscars were selling an air bleed system which allowed Cats to run in conjunction with carbs. Not sure on prices, effectiveness etc, but may be worth considering if looking for a more permanent fix.
HTHStu.

Great stuff, thanks for the advice guys!

Had a bit of a rethink and now we are considering going with throttle bodies. This will let us run a cat all the time and not have to worry about putting it on and pulling it off. Downside is the cost Wish we had realised all of this before settling on the 'tec. Hindsight is a wonderful thing!

[Edited on 25/10/02 by StuartA]

How about getting a pre 96 zetec block and swapping all your expensive bits over. Hey presto, no CAT needed, 3.5 CO target

BTW, remember you only have to get through the SVA, as long as it says amateur built on you log book then no emissions test at MOT time (visible smoke only)

John