4 replies to this topic

[looneytunes]

My 97 failed it's MOT emissions recently and while I researched the answer (exhaust leak) I came across something.

If the engine in a 97 mpi was changed to an earlier carb engine, would the emissions be tied to the engine year or still to the car year?

Also if you put an mpi engine in a Mk1 or Mk2 car would there be no emission part of the MOT?

[imack]

The tester would apply emission standards for the year the vehicle is registered. It's down to the vehicle presenter to prove the engines year of manufacture/emission standards with a letter from the engine manufacturer and only then can the appropriate emission test be applied by the tester. A mk1/2 fitted with an mpi engine would still be exempt from emissions test other than excess smoke anyway.

[nicklouse]

from the new MOT rules.

If a vehicle first used before 1 September 2002 is fitted with an engine that's older than the vehicle, you must test it to the standards applicable for the engine. The vehicle presenter must have proof of the age of the engine.

 

If a vehicle first used on or after 1 September 2002 is fitted with a different engine, you must test it to the emissions standards for the age of the vehicle.

 

If an engine has been modified in any way, it still has to meet the exhaust emission requirements according to the age of the vehicle.

 

A personal import must be tested according to its date of first use. However, if you're shown a letter from the vehicle manufacturer proving that the engine doesn't meet British emission standards you must test to the next lower emission standard. For example, a 1995 car first used in Gambia with a letter from the engine manufacturer stating the engine number and showing that the engine can't meet catalyst emission limits, then use the non-cat limits of carbon monoxide (CO) 3.5% and hydrocarbons (HC) 1,200ppm.

 

[looneytunes]

Thanks for that guys, interesting and food for thought.

If you put the mpi engine in a mk1/2, do you think it would still fall under the new rules for no MOT for cars 40 years and over? Could you argue a case that you could not find an original Mk1/2 engine so replaced it with the mpi engine which comes from the mini range of engines?

[RedRuby]

Thanks for that guys, interesting and food for thought.
If you put the mpi engine in a mk1/2, do you think it would still fall under the new rules for no MOT for cars 40 years and over? Could you argue a case that you could not find an original Mk1/2 engine so replaced it with the mpi engine which comes from the mini range of engines?

Not sure if it would then fall in the category of “substantial modification” and therefore not fit the criteria for being MOT exempt.