cats, approved and non approved

[john]

what's the difference between an approved and "non approved" cat besides the price?

example, the O.E.M part number for my berlingo is 1731L8 and a search on ebay had this 1

http://tinyurl.com/oxa3wul" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for £71.25, but im not allowed that as its not approved.

http://tinyurl.com/q8rrxu2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for £93.39and approved.

both these cats are suitable for my car but i can only buy the expensive 1, so whats the difference?

[addo]

I think it's a bit like kosher food, the more expensive one has certified levels of quality (effectiveness and materials).

[john]

but is it stamped on it? ie how would a mot garage know that i had the proper/incorrect type?

[citronut]

but is it stamped on it? ie how would a mot garage know that i had the proper/incorrect type?

i think apart from the quality if it passes the emissions test it might do you for a year up to the next MOT if your lucky,

i notice both the cats you link to are the same seller

[john]

i notice both the cats you link to are the same seller

just coincidence, im sure if i was to order the more expensive 1 thats the 1 they'd send

[Mandrake]

From what I've read an "approved" cat meets recently introduced EU regulations for minimum levels of performance and longevity.

Prior to this anyone could sell a catalytic converter on the pattern parts market without any guarantees of what was in them, how well they would pass an emissions test and how long they would last!

Therefore many pattern part cats were shoddy quality with a bare minimum of catalytic metals in them that would struggle to pass the test a year later let alone last 10-15 years like an original factory fit cat!

So from what I can see an "approved" cat should meet certain minimum standards of acceptable performance. An unapproved cat you get what you get and if it fails the next MOT tough luck!

[Dommo]

For an extra £22 on something that costs £70 I know which option I'd go with!

[Deanxm]

I believe from a chat a while back with my local dealer type approved exhausts are stamped or marked as such, non approved units regardless of whether they do the job are an instant fail on post 2001 cars, the specifics like age i cant remember but this is supposed to be what happens.

D

[john]

non approved units regardless of whether they do the job are an instant fail on post 2001 cars,

D

there is no mention of needing an approved type cat in the mot testers manual though only that

"3.On vehicles that qualify for a full cat emissions test, check the presence of the catalytic converter."

[Deanxm]

Interesting, its just what my mot test station told me, he said because my car was so old it didnt need type approved parts (BS/EN) and it only meant the quality of the parts were garranteed to meet a set standard, also that post 20XX reg cars would fail without type approved systems due to the fact it was common knowledge they dont perform well enough to meet the emmission standards specified by the manufacturer on new vehicles, he also said all HID kits must now be in purpose designed lamps with a self leveling system and headlamp washers to pass. It all seemed to make sense but i guess there must be some hearsay going on.

D