So, why is a sportscat a 1/3 in size of the standard cat?

[Justin S]

Just wondered why my 200 cell sports cat is a 1/3 in size to the original, yet has larger holes, as such, to help gas flow,yet still capable of passing an MOT?

[stevieturbo]

Justin S said:

Just wondered why my 200 cell sports cat is a 1/3 in size to the original, yet has larger holes, as such, to help gas flow,yet still capable of passing an MOT?

it may pass MOT in it's first year...but 2nd, 3rd ?

An OEM cat is supposed to be designed to last the life of the vehicle. You can bet that any sports cat you buy wont have to live up to that expectation.

[Justin S]

Interesting, thought it was down to the metallic material in it rather than ceramic..........

[stevieturbo]

The two are made to very different standards and whilst their job sounds the same, it is not.

And I'm sure if it was 3x the size...it would also carry a higher price tag too.

Sports cats are perhaps an improvement in some areas, but as far as altering emissions, there is no way they will be as efficient or long lasting as a OEM cat.

[paintman]

Pattern part cats are generally cheaper that genuine. Usually much smaller.
Thay also have a tendency to get past an MOT when new, but not after that. Discussed it with the MOT place I've used for years & they say that in their experience that's normal.

Had the issue with my son's car. Pattern cat passed MOT (just after fitting, the old cat had the flared end rust away & I hadn't the time to repair it) but come the next MOT 10k-ish miles later it failed on emissions. Much head scratching later & with no reduction in emission figures I repaired & refitted the old cat. Emissions dropped to virtually zero & it sailed through! The pattern cat was half the size of the real thing.