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MG MGF Technical - Catalyst bypass

Is it possible to fit a catalyst bypass pipe on the TF160 (for track day use of course)? And if yes, how much dosh for how much improvement to expect?

Cheers
Stephane

The short and quick answer to that is no, it is not possible, thanks to the use of MEMS 3. It has a post-cat sensor that monitors the function of the catalyst. If the catalyst is removed, then the MEMS will report a fault, and the high-performance cam profile is locked at as a engine-safety measure. A 'MIL' light will also illuminate on the dash.

Even if you could remove the cat, it is questionable (with a standard tune engine) whether it would be worth it. Paul Sharpe's RR session showed that removing the cat could even REDUCE output, depending on conditions... see http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/catalysts.htm

So Stephane, the answer is not to bother with this - as there are better performance mods available that actually work!
Rob Bell

Such as? What't the general consensus on the essential TF160 mods without really, really invalidating the warranty?

1) Airbox, Viper or ITG?
2) Strip skin off lower arms to a) reduce weight b) unplug the exhaust 'flap' operation, maybe.
3) Sort out the suspension (come on Mike!)

Any other thoughts?

Darren

I too would like to know which is better of two - Viper or Maxogen. I have an inkling that it'll be the former, but no more than that until we perform a comparative RR test.

Both will almost certainly be an improvement over the standard paper filter element in the boxy standard airbox - but a high-flow replacement panel filter should result in significant gains.

Disconnecting the exhaust flap, as Per brought to our attention, may help. But maybe a MS Daytona exhaust would be better still? Again, awaiting RR testing.

Suspension-wise, better dampers would help (use MGF adjustables, or talk to Techspeed about their Bilsteins). And I know that Mike is also working on some ideas - we'll have to wait to see how these developments pan out.

Other ideas may have to wait until your warranty expires Darren... ;o)
Rob Bell

Two years to go.....feels like a jail sentence...
Stephane

Rob,
wouldn't the abilities of a low cell metal catalyst overcome the the MEMS trouble ?
I was told mine should even be better in environmentals then the standard ceramics cat .... and it has huge flow through ;)
http://www.mgfcar.de/catalyst/index.htm
Dieter K.

Dieter, yes, almost certainly :o)

We didn't see much of a power gain with a sports cat (spot the difference in the matrix - standard left, sports cat right: http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/Std_vs_sport_matrix.jpg ) - but at least it was a gain. More of an improvement would probably be seen with more tuned engines of course.

A sports cat really is THE way forward for MY2000 and later cars (those keeping the standard ECU in any case).

Janspeed also do a nice compact unit - so plenty to choose from for those who are interested.
Rob Bell

PS - Dieter - did you get that picture of the broken cat I sent you?
Rob Bell

<<< Two years to go.....feels like a jail sentence...
<<<

It's an MG, why complaining about warranty ?

;-)
Erik

catch 22 situation...would love to get some tuning bits but would hate to loose the warranty...classic, eh?
Stephane

This thread was discussed between 13/01/2003 and 15/01/2003

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