Hi When I take my Merc for an MOT, the Tester always seems to check on whether or not it was supposed to be fitted with a Catalytic Converter.

Were Catalytic Converters ever fitted to 1989/1990 (UK) XJS V12 Cars?

None of my XJS's seem to have them but if it turns out they were supposed to have them fitted, do you think that would count as a 'Fail' for an MOT?

Even though an identical earlier model may not have one fitted.

 

Afraid I can't give any information on UK regulations. In the US, the individual states are at liberty to legislate as they see fit.

In Texas, an '89 this year is eligible for classic status, meaning no emissions testing. Goodbye catalytic converters :-D

Anyway, free bump - somebody will chime in.

 

Cheers Flint

Catalytic Converters are a pain I can do without.

Incidentally, I cancelled my Gym membership, in favor of fitting an XJS exhaust, with just enough room to limbo dance underneath!

 

A de-cat is an MOT fail if they were standard fitment to the car, which for an 89 I am almost certain they were. Thankfully their is no shortage of ignorant MOT testers about, just tell them they were never on in the first place and see how you go.

 

I have an '89 XJR-S without cats; marvellous!

 

Hi Tyran

That is not good news! I don't think that mine has ever had a Cat on but if it was a USA car then it probably would.

So just to be on the same side, I'll get another garage to do the MOT

 

Hi Steve

I will second that! The last time She was on the road the acceleration was so fast I used to scare myself without even trying.

Today I got a new battery £60 (ouch!) and tomorrow I will give her a good wash and Polish with 'Mer' and Take some photo's which I will try and put up once the pressure is off.

Then I've got to try and find a 'sensible' garage to do the MOT

I was also having a look through the hand book and noticed that the fuel consumption was 15mpg around Town O.M.G.!

But you only live once so who cares!

 

15 mpg; luxury!
My Series II LWB XJ12 used to do 9 around town.
Fast as hell though.

 

Hi Steve

Wow! 9 mpg are you sure your fuel tank wasn't leaking!

Round my way they all drive these micro cars that do about 60 mpg!

Why are we crazy enough to do stuff like this?

 

It didn't matter that it did 9mpg: it had twin fuel tanks.
When one tank ran dry you switched to the other tank (long time ago so the memory is a bit hazy to say the least).
As I (swing the lantern) recall there were 2 fuel tanks, both holding 10.5 gallons: when one tank ran low you pushed the button and it switched over to the other tank and by some sort of miracle the fuel gauge went back to full again.
Magic!
Briefly!
Never did more than just over 200 miles on 21 gallons of fuel (although to be fair, most of it wasn't running on what we used to call 'a trailing throttle).
Kickdown switches get sad and die if they aren't used.
I remember (I think that the statute of limitations expires after 20 years or so?) going about 85mph, 5 up, 3 in the back stood on the floor (LWB, loads of room), with their heads through the sunroof, shouting "Find a Porsche, Find a Porsche, Find a Porsche".
So I went to find a Porsche to bully.
148mph, the **** end was still squatting down and she was still accelerating and then I ran out of man genes.
Rock solid, unwavering and steady.
Unlike my poo afterwards!
The best £750 I ever spent on a Jag.
Obviously the next day I had to reapply the tape to the sunroof to keep the rain out but hey ho.
Once you got above 90mph you could actually watch the fuel gauge slowly drop.

 

This province (NB) doesn't have the Smog/Emissions Testing, so last summer when geting a little work done putting new exhaust tips on, I had they guys punch out the cats, leaving the casings, and removing the mid mufflers, just keeping the rear ones.
I definitely felt better acceleration, quicker response, and a sweet purrrrring sound, not there before.
I'ma loving it.

 

I am so Envious!!
California still requires anything newer than (are you ready for this?) 1975 to have emissions testing every 2 years.

True, 1976 emissions standards are not nearly so stringent as any 2K+ requirements, but still a Royal Pain when the car simply Begs for "Relaxation" of restrictions like the above mentioned Cats.

It might be all in my head (if it is I don't want to hear about it) but it seems to me any engine breathes easier and performs better when not forced to exhale through several layers of screen.
(';')

 

Hi Steve

I used to have an XJ6 with Twin Fuel Tanks
(or fool tanks as I used to call them, every time I filled up)

And loved the logo on the Petrol Gauge, which always looked like someone in the shape of the fuel pump, shooting themselves in the head with the fuel pump nozzle that looked like a gun!

If only petrol was as cheap now as it was way back then.

 

Hi I had to get an exhaust clamp and as I didn't know the size they looked it up in the book, which didn't show any Cats, so I may be in luck.

 

Yeah!

I can certainly vouch for that, my Merc feels like its been strangled by that darned cat!