At the last MOT in Aug, the engineer checked the emissions twice as he didn`t seem to believe the readings the first time. He commented that the exhaust gas was just "fresh air" after realising there was a cat. He did suggest that a cat was not strictly required being a 92 car and that it is permissible to remove it. My local specialist does have special exhaust section to replace the cat, and I wondered if anyone has any experience of doing this, and what the implications are ?

Chris

If I recall correctly, Catalytic converters are mandatory on petrol powered vehicles registered from 1 Jan 1992 onwards. A J-reg will be registered between 1 Aug 1991 and 31 July 1992. If yours is before 1 Jan 1992 you can remove it.
Removing it might give you an extra 3-5 hp.
HTH
/john

oops- - I meant if your car was registered before 1 Jan 1992 (NOT 1991)

/john