Qld Mod Plates

[rian]

Hey RC,

 

Before I get flamed, this is not a "oh does my car need to be engineered if I changed the engine" post, I know it needs to be engineered, and yes I'm going to call an engineer, but I'm chasing some info first.

 

So I'm about to get my 4AGE conversion in my KE70 engineered in QLD, preferably somewhere in Brisbane, and I was looking to get some pointers/advice from people who have done it before.

I've never gone through the engineering/mod plate process before so I don't know what to expect, but I have a copy of the National Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Modifications and I have read it.

 

Basically I want to get the following things engineered under these codes:

 

- LA (Engine): It's just a stock 4AGE; it retains the factor airbox; uses factory AE71 crossmember, AE71 metal and rubber mounts; has a custom exhaust on it but still has a catalytic converter, muffler and resonator.

 

- LB (Transmission): T50 gearbox, AE86 gearbox crossmember where only 2 of the 4 bolt holes line up. This is the bit that I'm worried about, would I likely get knocked back on this? The 2 holes that line up are inline with the actual gearbox mount so there is no twisting in the crossmember, but it looks a little dodgey.

 

- LG (Brakes): ADM AE86 brakes, ADR approved braided lines. I don't think this will be a problem, however they are mounted onto AE86 adjustable coilover struts which are not legal as far as I know.

 

- LM (Fuel system): Basically I just want to get the surge tank engineered, I can't see this causing any problems.

 

Does this all sound good? Is there anything I have missed or should change to make sure I pass engineering?

 

Other questions:

Can I get knocked back by things that aren't related to the engine conversion, like coilovers or rust or any of that crap?

Does the engineer want to see photos or documentation of the engine conversion?

And the main reason I made this thread which is to see what other people have paid to have their 4AGE KE70s engineered, and to see if someone can recommend an approved engineer in Brisbane.

 

Sorry for the long post.

 

Thanks,

Rian.

Edited January 26, 2013 by rian

[It's_AUDM_Yo]

Yeah the gearbox cross-member is a bit sus. If your admit its strong enough you should be alright.

Otherwise you might have to swap it over.

 

Coilovers could cause you grief as they are illegal. If your lucky they can overlook that as they're are only "engineering" the brakes.

 

Just make sure it all looks neat and tidy and the car as a whole. They will more likely let coilovers go if they don't think your gunna be getting pulled over and going thourgh qt inspections.

 

Doubt they would want documentation on such a simple conversion.

 

Can't really help on price but I would say if its cost over $500 its too much.

The guy I use doesn't like doing it because of the paper work. haha.

 

I've know of two people that went through http://modplate.com.au/ and said it was good. It was more minor stuff though.

Edited January 26, 2013 by It's_AUDM_Yo

[B.L.Z.BUB]

I keep on hearing about people getting away with not plating 4AGEs and registering the engine because the AE71 had a 1.6

Might be just other states. Anyway, subbed to thread as I'll need all this info but I think I'll go through a mates hot rod workshop to 'smooth out' the process.

[RainWarriorDregs]

My mate uses a loophole that he found. Now i don't believe this but he swears by it. He has a 1969 Cortina mk1. It has a yb engine in it with a pinto efi system running a turbo with a megasquirt. Apparently because one of the later cars came out with the same engine turbo charged then he doesn't need to have it engineered. He also runs escort struts and rack and pinion steering. I've been in the car when hes been pulled over with the laptop on my lap and they were sweet with it. If you want some more info man he's got the clause that outlines the rule and stuff. PM me and i might be able to get some info. Might be helpful with the whole 1.6ltr to 1.6ltr loopwhole.

[It's_AUDM_Yo]

^Hes going 1.3 to 1.6

 

 

If its a AE71 you could get by with that because 4ac's and 4age's have the same engine number right? And you would just have to go to tmr and fill out a replacement engine serial number change.

Edited January 26, 2013 by It's_AUDM_Yo

[B.L.Z.BUB]

AE71...KE70...same chassis, same brakes, if its legal in a 71 it should be in a 70. I suppose the only way to get correct info is going to be talking to an engineer. But yeah with an AE71 having a 4A engine it'd make life a shit load easier.

 

EDIT: Ill ask a mate who works at QT.

Edited January 26, 2013 by B.L.Z.BUB

[oh what a nissan feeling!]

yeh i agree those loopholes do exist, you are allowed a % increase in the same series of engine, ect.

 

I haven't read all the new rules that came in this year but you used to be able to upgrade say from 6cyl in hq holden to the v8 providing all the v8 brakes ect were used, without mod plate.

 

Just get it engineered for the engine anyways, then you know its all good.

 

What admyo said is good advice, often if they spot one sub-standard bit of work and they look very hard after that. Also the presentation of the vehicle overall as well. If it presents like a junk box they know the cops will be all over it when it hits the road.

 

I doubt you will have any dramas at all, if that rear crossmember is factory thats all the engineer needs to hear.

 

For you fuel system, some engineers will not allow a surge tank in the boot, some do.

[LittleRedSpirit]

If some things are borderline they may cover their asses by just not offering a certain approval code.

 

If there is good justification for not needing one, I.E. if your diff is a jdm ae86 or t18 unit that bolts in with no mods it wont need approval.

 

With 4ages, you can just go change the engine number from a 4ac number, but if that is your excuse when you kill someone drifting in your 2x the stock power corolla with stock brakes then it wont stand up in court potentially.

 

Cost me around $200 to have a plate with the three codes I needed fitted. I think I'm mod plated for seats, engine, and brakes, but Ill have to check.

[B.L.Z.BUB]

For the price of peace of mind and retard cop protection $200 is nothing. Even if it's unneeded I'm definitely getting mine plated for the engine, plus brakes and seats.

[LittleRedSpirit]

Rians surge tank is under the floor, so he should be fine.

[ke70dave]

Ring Randall from modplates.com.au, real nice guy and will tell you all you need to know. I've chatted to him a few times in the last year just about crazy proect car ideas. My mate got his sierra midplated for 1.3 Darby to 1.6efi and it was $120 I think.

[cicca_294]

if you can grab yourself a ae71 gearbox crossmember that might help you out a bit.

 

That you grab your old k series one, drill new holes and cut the excess off. Looks m in t

[oh what a nissan feeling!]

For another idea of price, the local guy i used to use charged $50 per code.

 

The guy i used recently is mobile $200 for the call out and first code, and then $50 for each code after that.

 

My brother used another guy, he supervised the build, and came to his place approx 4 times, full written report and cert. $600

 

it is pretty inexpensive really.

[rian]

^ Exactly what I wanted to hear guys, thanks very much for the price estimates and recommendations.

 

I should add that I definitely want this thing engineered, instead of looking for a 'loop hole' in the system. Just incase I do get into an accident or a police officer really wants to fine me.

 

Yes as LRS said, my surge tank is under the car where it should be. And it will be presented nicely when it goes for the certificate, ie. stock wheels, normal ride height etc.

I may try and find a KE70 gearbox crossmember and mod it slightly,thanks for the tip Cicca.

Cheers guys, I'll give an engineer a call soon.

[Stenzel]

I should have a ke70 gearbox crossmember, free if you want to drive to Toowoomba again haha.