ST170: Re-Cat a de-cat exhaust for MOT

[Mitchwang1]

Hi everyone, just after any advice that people can offer.

Ive just bought a 54 plate Focus ST170 with 26K on the clock that was fitted with a non standard manifold, downpipe and exhaust thats been de-cated. Ive got til April next year until my MOT is due so went to the local Ford garage and was quoted £1853 for the parts alone to get back to factory spec.

I've been told I could have a sports cat welded in but read some stories that these dont always pass on emisions. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do without spending thousands? I'd be greatful for any suggestions.

[S1_RS]

Just return it to std with secondhand parts, shouldn't cost more than a few hundred pounds. I know a guy who has broken quite a few ST170's for spares, he might have what you need.

[Defcon5]

Did it pass the MOT last time with those parts fitted?

[Mitchwang1]

Thanks for the advice guys. It did pass the last MOT with the de-cat but was told by the previous owner that he had a 'special relationship' with his garage. I could try looking for a dogy garage but think I'll also be looking for breakers yards in the mean time.

[S1_RS]

My Focus RS is de-catted, some garages will be quite accomodating shall we say, but the last few years I have just chucked the cat back on, it takes less than an hour to take off the decat and put a sportcat on.

[Mitchwang1]

Yeah I've looked into the sports cat option. I need to take a propper look underneath the car and see whats going on. What sports cat you got?

[Stedman]

Can you not chop the decat pipe, put in a blank with v-bands and when you need an MOT get a good quality cat? (it seems all the 'sports cats' etc on eBay is ruuuuuubbish!)