Couldnt i just use the black top with gsxr1000 bodies, megajolt and when its iva time just fit a cat for the test, iv read the car will work with a cat, but it will soon get damaged due to too much fuel. There isnt much of a selection of silvertops old enough not to need a cat with low miles.

There is nothing wrong in having a "cat" fitted for when you take the IVA test, other than that when its time for the cars MOT then the car will ALWAYS be tested on emissions at the more stringent / tougher to pass level , so at each MOT you would have to refit the "cat" ,

also , even if you change the engine after passing the IVA with a cat, you will still need to pass the stricter emissions test, as the "age" of the engine as fitted at IVA time stays with the car for life.

But, nothing at all stopping you fitting a cat .

cheers
andy

Blacktop sumps are suitable for mating to a type 9, there is small mod to some of the ribs on the side for clearance but apart from that nothing else.



Escort 1.8 silvertop is the way to go, pre Aug 95 and you don't need a cat. Problem with using a newer engine is the emmision targets, the newer they are the tighter and they are on the log book so you need to satisfy them at every MOT.

Pre 95 is the slackest, apart from a Q plate which is just a visible smoke test. That way you can use as new an engine as you like.

Q plate are only visible smoke pre SVA. All those that have gone through the SVA, have emissions based on age of donor vehicle or age of engine if not from the donor which is the likely reason for Q plate reg.
For IVA, emissions is related to age of engine only not age of donor.

HTH BV.

Hi Big Vern In Ireland once you have a new chassis you get a 2010 reg no matter what doner you have,they then charge you 36% vrt on what they value the car at .At the moment I am trying to reg a book locost which has 1.3 xflow which would end up very expensive due to emissions law so am thinking of putting a zetec and ecu

Hi Martin,

Yes I'd heard its painful on the wallet in Ireland:(

It's not that bad here - yet! but I think it'll probably go that way here in the end:mad: at least with the engines ie cheaper tax for modern engine with cat etc.

BV

Would a 2.0 blacktop out of a mondeo automatic work? I know id need a flywheel and clutch and might need a bearing for the gearbox shaft, but would there be any thing else?

As said previously if you use the black top you'll need the cat set up ALL the time as you need it for the MOT every year, and if you get pulled for a roadside check, it's not just for passing the IVA!
Unless you use something from one of the major aftermarket engine management systems, like emerald, then you'll not have a tune that will work with a catalyst as the engine management needs to update (adapt) as you drive. Megasquirt can't do this so it's not suited to a cat system.
There are loads of pre '95 silvertops going pretty cheap so it would cheaper than the cat set up just to go and get a silver top - from £50 at most salvage yards and Ebay.

BV.

since when?
megasquirt will run a lambda or wideband and can be setup to run a cat.

any of the after market systems have to be setup/tuned to suit
so what ever make you go for it need calibrating by your self or paying some one in the know

it is also worth noting that cat test are only carried out on idle and light load (reving with no load)
most std manigment systems only run closed loop at idle up to cruse not under load

so really then the black top can be used, but might be a little tricky? I would much prefer to use the black top, and have just bought one with only 46000 miles.