lil_ben5

Hi There, New to Forum so Hey

Car went into MOT today, now I knew it had a full custom exhaust system from 'Longlife' Flex/Knuckle through to back-box. No Cat present and due to New Laws this year that means it fails MOT.

The thing I didn't know is the previous owner also put on a custom manifold.

Now I'm not the most clued up on cars but have basic knowledge. Garage is saying they need to fit a CAT in order to pass MOT. OK fine.

I just need to know best way, fit CAT to current system? Will it fit? Or Do I have to Change manifold back?

Just need to know the cheapest way really, don't care if I have to lose the manifold, might even sell it? Would rather keep rest of system thou?

Any help would be really appreciated

Thanks

Ben

Carlos-Titx

Would help if we knew what car and how old it is mate.

lil_ben5

Sorry dude

2003 Ford Focus 2.0 ESP

I know CAT is around £100, is it not possible just to put this on? Assume more complicated as its full custom system?

Carlos-Titx

I don't know where the cat is fitted on these.

At a guess though if the exhaust has been made in the same sections as per the standard system then yeah I would of thought it would go straight on.

Other option is to find a friendly MOT man. Very few are these days but you never know.

lil_ben5

Thanks dude. I think the Cat is located straight after manifold. Here is full standard system.

http://www.cats-direct-shop.co.uk/ex....php?ID=361760

Dont really know why the garage wouldnt just put a cat on? He said something about 3 bolt or 4 bolt flange? If that makes sense?

May have to take up to ashford back to Longlife for them to make a section for CAT to fit onto? Really have no idea apart from this!

Carlos-Titx

That's the best bet really.

The garage would of done what the paying customer would of wanted. If you are paying and want it to come out the bonnet then that's what they will do.

Personally I would of had it made to fit a standard cat for when required but you never know.

Sorry I ain't been much help.

lil_ben5

I didn't have the system put on. Was purchased like it. And previous done the manifold as well. thanks for your replies it has helped. Need to try and find someone who can pass it without a CAT. it passed the emissions it's just this new silly rule.

CrOwSoN15

I'd take it to Longlife and ask them to make a small section you can easily fit for the MOT, and swap back to the decat after

lil_ben5

This is my thoughts as well as it is there full custom system. Can't take it up for few weeks as they are fully
Booked and it's 50 miles from me. But don't think any other garage will
Look at it as its custom made. Not even fused about swapping back just want the cheapeast solution to pass MOT.

CrOwSoN15

Have you thought about getting hold of a standard system for the time being?

lil_ben5

What just a standard manifold and cat? How much would this cost? thing I'm confused about the previous owner had the custom longlife put on then added the 4 branch manifold so the exhaust must of fitted the old manifold somehow right??

GVK.

Modern cats are quite free flowing so it's a bit of a waste of time removing them tbh.

lil_ben5

So I've heard. like I said before not fused about having a cat back on permanently just don't know how to get it on! Do you think the custom manifold will have re-sale value??

CrOwSoN15

Definitely, there'll always be someone after a decent exhaust.

By the way, a standard system would cost peanuts, probably best to get one from the scrappy? Make sure it's road worthy though.

lil_ben5

thanks for all replies guys.

2 options for me looks like,

1) 2nd hand standard system, get it fitted for MOT, then re-fit custom?

2) go to longlife for them to fit CAT for MOT?

which one sound better/easier/cheaper?

Also to add, would a 2nd hand standard even fit, with this custom manifold, or just also buy standard manifold aswell??

Thanks, Ben

ozmk1cos

I would go option 1 get one from a scrappy fit for mot then remove. Custom exhaust back on all good

lil_ben5

anyone know any good scrappy places, only one down near me and they dont have anything?

how much labour would someone charge to fit a whole standard system then remove it after? 3 hours?