Catalytic Converter choice

[v8e36]

As part of my engine conversion it requires cats according to the LVVTA emission pdf

It's a 1991 Soarer 4.0 1UZ V8 with a 2001 4.3 3UZ V8

Space however is quite tight, particularly height wise under the car, along side the gearbox I can only fit 3" thick cats, not 4" ones that are also available.

There's no space anywhere else and the floor height to the ground means 3" round rather than 4" round is the safest bet, my car is at factory ride height but the style of the cars underbody tends to ride low over bumps and driveways etc

This means 3" round ones like this will be my only choice



They are classed as: Round PRE-CONVERTER; Single unit(Inline): 3.0L/4500lbs. EPA: Dual units(y-pipe): 5.9L/4500lbs. EPA; 2.25in. Inlet/Outlet; 4in. Body; 8in. Overall; 3in. Wide

I'd plan to use two of them in the dual exhaust, on either side of the gearbox after the headers.

Do you think these would be ok as my two main cats?

[Leon]

When was your Soarer first registered in NZ? That is the small date on the rego label, that's underneath your rego expiry date.

The reason I ask, is that if your vehicle was first registered in NZ *before* 1 May 2010, then it doesn't need cat converters fitted. The standards links the statements with the word "and", so it is only if your car meets all three of the requirements that means it needs cats fitted.

(a) the vehicle was manufactured after 1 January 1990; and
(b) the vehicle was first registered in New Zealand after 1 May 2010; and
(c) the retro-fitted engine was originally manufactured in either:
(iii) Japan on or after 1 January 1985;

[v8e36]

Oh really, I miss read that. First registered in 1999 here.

So legally speaking I don't need to fit them?

I'm actually still keen on some as they help smooth the sound a bit and take away the nasty smell at idle.

[Leon]

Correct, they're not mandatory for your particular car.

So any cat you wish to fit is fine.

As a side comment, I'm running a 1UZFE transplant car myself, and I purchased a muffler (single pipe on my car) from AdrenalineR up in Hawkes Bay. Gave it a great sound ... though I'm going to need to quiet it down a bit further to keep my neighbors happy. That's not an official LVVTA comment, just a fellow Toyota owner comment.

[v8e36]

Well thats good news.

Sounds interesting, what are you running it in?

I just finished my header back exhaust, hence removing the tyre well as noted in my other post.

[Leon]

I've got an Altezza with a 1UZ onboard. It's hilarious fun