Can I de-cat a C70 ?

[M D E]

Can I de-Cat my 2001 C70 without upsetting my ECU ? If I can how much will this improve performance ?

[Tubby Doorman]

I'd be interested to hear the answer to this as I'm considering the OBX system with decatted downpipe!!

Anyone know?

[M D E]

While we are waiting for an answer....what's you RICA upgrade like ? I'm looking for more low down torque ...

[FaKaWi]

Nope, removing the CAT will throw a CEL, the ME7 engined cars have O2 sensors both pre- and post-CAT. This can be overcome, by having the cars map altered in order to return a fixed value. There is also the possibility of spacing the second sensor out of the exhaust flow so as to reduce the emissions it senses, however I'm unclear whether that will work with these cars.

Additionally, it presents three further problems.

1. There are varying opinions on whether the vehicle would be capable of passing an MOT emissions test without the CAT fitted.

2. Having the CAT fitted to your specific car is a mandatory requirement under the Construction and Use regs. Therefore, if you were to be roadside inspected by VOSA and found to be running without a CAT then you are in a whole world of trouble.

3. There is the matter of insurance. You either don't tell your insurers about the mod, which is simply idiotic, as if you have an incident and an undeclared mod is identified, particulalry a performance related one, you've given them a get-out-of-jail free card. Alternatively, you tell them about it, they make a note on their file (and probably charge you an extra fee) and all is well. So, now your insurers have a record of you informing them that you have knowingly made your car unroadworthy (as per point 2 above). What now happens in the event of an accident?

[Tubby Doorman]

Originally Posted by M D E

While we are waiting for an answer....what's you RICA upgrade like ? I'm looking for more low down torque ...

Priceless! Best money I've spent, gives the T5 that extra grunt it should always have had!! I'd get that to the top of your list!!

Originally Posted by FaKaWi

1. There are varying opinions on whether the vehicle would be capable of passing an MOT emissions test without the CAT fitted.

It WON'T pass an MOT without a CAT (unless you know where to go!) but you can always refit the CAT come MOT time!

2. Having the CAT fitted to your specific car is a mandatory requirement under the Construction and Use regs. Therefore, if you were to be roadside inspected by VOSA and found to be running without a CAT then you are in a whole world of trouble.

All my previous cars have been decatted as the gains are very significant and touch wood...I've never been inspected and my route to work is regularly frequented by VOSA but then it may only be a matter of time! But then again, they know what to look for like goods vehicles and chavvy Saxos, the chances of them tugging a Volvo are pretty slim I'd say!

3. There is the matter of insurance. You either don't tell your insurers about the mod, which is simply idiotic, as if you have an incident and an undeclared mod is identified, particulalry a performance related one, you've given them a get-out-of-jail free card. Alternatively, you tell them about it, they make a note on their file (and probably charge you an extra fee) and all is well. So, now your insurers have a record of you informing them that you have knowingly made your car unroadworthy (as per point 2 above). What now happens in the event of an accident?

This is a very valid point and one I've never considered! Insurers will use anything to wriggle out of a claim, BUT....if you inform them of such a mod, and they continue to take your money for insurance but then suddenly deem your car un-roadworthy in the event of a claim, that's their problem! If they consider it to be un-roadworthy then they should not take your money! Simples!!