Engineers and Fee Schedule

[infotechplus]

OK so the time is rapidly approaching where I need to consult someone regarding getting my Hilux back on the road and registered so a quick search on the WWW revealed the following two documents which are relevant to many Toymodders.

Vehicle Inspector's Bulletin (VIB No.18) This includes information on the schedule of fees for pink and blue slips, as well as defect clearances. It's a PDF, 4 pages, 96Kb. Issued December 2005.

Vehicle Standards Information (VSI No.15) This has a list of RTA recognised engineers nationwide who can perform inspections etc. It's also PDF, 11 pages, 151Kb. Issued April 2005.

Also there is one guy on the list who has a website. He is Terry Toomey. This is not a recommendation of this person, just listing him because he is accessible via web, and has an online form you can use to contact him. Note that most engineers in VSI No.15 have email addresses as well as phone numbers.

Cheers,

Peter

[infotechplus]

Further to my previous post, I rang around six engineers from the list (in Sydney Metro area) and only managed to get onto one of them. As it happens it was Terry Toomey.

This is a summary of my conversation with him:

I have to enclose any pod type filter in a box (or use the original airbox) to reduce induction noise.

I cannot exceed the wheel size by more than 15mm otherwise I will require a speedometer correction done.

Any allow wheels (that are non-standard) will need to be checked for compliance and load rating.

I have to book my vehicle in to an Emissions Test at either Penrtih or Botany through the RTA. I must have a catalytic converter fitted as I am running unleaded gas. Make sure my vehicle was properly tuned - eg. he suggested new plugs

Info on Emissions testing here.

"The RTA offers free emissions testing for petrol vehicles so customers can compare how their vehicle performs with the standard it met when new. f you would like your vehicle tested, please call the RTA Customer Service Centre on 137 AIR (137 247) for a booking. A test can take up to 30 minutes. As well as testing for the general public, these facilities have been used to test modified vehicles, smoky vehicles and LPG vehicles."

I had to provide current vehicle details and details of engine/vehicle the replacement engine came from, as well as details of any brake upgrades.

I was asked to verify that I was running a standard ECU.

I have to get my vehicle weighed, and provide Front Axle Tare, Rear Axle Tare and Combined Axle Tare weights certified at a public weighbridge.

I will have to submit the vehicle to a noise test as well.

How does all this tally with other people's experience?

Cheers,

Peter

[takai]

The last half sounds about right. The first half i didnt have to go through. Especially the enclosed filters (mine was quads). I had to do a brake test though, which was 10 (12 in the case of me not being able to count) heavy braking/acceleration runs from 5-100-5

[infotechplus]

I booked an emissions test at Penrith as Botany seems to not be doing them at the moment. There is a four week backlog, so I got April 30th (which was the day I wanted funnily enough )

Thanks for that info Takai. I shouldn't have any trouble with the brake test (Skyline GTS-T fronts, MA70 Supra rears). Just gotta make sure the bias is right, new brake fluid, and handbrake correctly tensioned.

Cheers,

Peter

[Screamn_Sleeka]

Makes for a good read for us who haven't engineered before.
Does the emissions test have to meet the EPA's value for the year the car was made or the year the engine was made?
Also wouldnt mind to see some prices when its all done

[kewp]

I don't see why you would need an emmisions test as long as you are running factory computer and pollution gear... I've had 3 cars go through engineering and havn't had to emissions test any of them...

[infotechplus]

I don't see why you would need an emmisions test as long as you are running factory computer and pollution gear... I've had 3 cars go through engineering and havn't had to emissions test any of them...

Emissions test is free so seems a reasonable thing. Not sure of the consequences if it doesn't pass however

I am running a cat and muffler in original positions, and using 5M-GE y-pipe, with all new tubing so shouldn't think it would be a drama.

It could be that whatever engineer you choose, his/her personal preference might dictate what tests he/she requires before issuing you with the requisite paperwork for registration.

Not sure of what regulations you have to meet but will keep everyone informed along the way. As for prices, ditto for that.

Cheers,

Peter

[infotechplus]

I don't see why you would need an emmisions test as long as you are running factory computer and pollution gear... I've had 3 cars go through engineering and havn't had to emissions test any of them...

Did you upgrade from carby engine to EFI in any of them?

Could be his social conscience

Cheers,

Peter

[allmtr]

That is a lot more than I have been told I need. I suppose whatever it takes to get it done, huh.

[jeffro ra28]

Very helpful thread.
Although i thought an emision test was only needed if you couldnt prove which vehicle the engine orginally came from, and if it is complied in Australia.

[allmtr]

Oh and fees?

[Youngy]

My experience was as follows:

a) had to show that rear diff conversion and hence hand brake conversion could hold the car on a 15 degree incline - both ways
b) had to prove that the speedo was accurate to within 10% of factory reading due to wheel size change and final drive ratio change
c) emissions test - but only because the computer is after market (such a grey area)
d) had to show front end pulled down to the spindle - he took pictures of everything
e) had to do three brake tests all measuring above a certain limit (which escapes me right now)
f) show master cylinder upgrade
g) measure and show all brake caliper piston sizes
h) front wheel track measurement

There were some more, I'll have to look at the cert to trigger my memory. The whole process took about 2.5 hours and cost just under 400 dollars.

[infotechplus]

My experience was as follows:

a) had to show that rear diff conversion and hence hand brake conversion could hold the car on a 15 degree incline - both ways
b) had to prove that the speedo was accurate to within 10% of factory reading due to wheel size change and final drive ratio change
c) emissions test - but only because the computer is after market (such a grey area)
d) had to show front end pulled down to the spindle - he took pictures of everything
e) had to do three brake tests all measuring above a certain limit (which escapes me right now)
f) show master cylinder upgrade
g) measure and show all brake caliper piston sizes
h) front wheel track measurement

There were some more, I'll have to look at the cert to trigger my memory. The whole process took about 2.5 hours and cost just under 400 dollars.

Thanks for that Youngy. Good work.

I shouldn't be suprised but everyone I talk to, both non-professional and RTA engineers, have a different story about what is required and what's not. Another RTA guy I spoke to yesterday said he didn't think I needed an engineering certificate - just go and get a blue slip! The reasoning was:

1. My new engine woyuld have met more stringent pollution standards than my old one
2. It's a 2.0 as opposed to a 2.4 and even taking into account the supercharger I'm allowed a 15% increase in capacity
3. It's standard - no blowoff valves, no handmade engine mounts, standard box and diff.

I'm ringing the RTA today to see if I can get a definitive answer otherwise I'm just going up to the local inspection station and asking for a blue slip (change of engine details etc) and see what happens.

Cheers,

Peter

[Screamn_Sleeka]

That happened to me as well, one RTA guy said it was fine, but i asked another on the same day and he said i needed an engineers certificate!

So im going to try go along with the first guy, as long as the rego papers state the correct engine number etc then i haven't done anything wrong!

If anyone is wondering, a 3S-GE in a SA63 is completely legal! now if only i can fix the dizzy problem...

[ReQuieM]

My experience was as follows:

a) had to show that rear diff conversion and hence hand brake conversion could hold the car on a 15 degree incline - both ways
b) had to prove that the speedo was accurate to within 10% of factory reading due to wheel size change and final drive ratio change
c) emissions test - but only because the computer is after market (such a grey area)
d) had to show front end pulled down to the spindle - he took pictures of everything
e) had to do three brake tests all measuring above a certain limit (which escapes me right now)
f) show master cylinder upgrade
g) measure and show all brake caliper piston sizes
h) front wheel track measurement

There were some more, I'll have to look at the cert to trigger my memory. The whole process took about 2.5 hours and cost just under 400 dollars.

What computer are you running? I heard that after market computers that wern't locked (IE still editable) were non roadworthy/un-registerable etc? Seems stupid because thats the point of an aftermarket computer

I'm interested because I'm running a PFC and I want to get all my mods at some point engineered so its all 100% legal.

[Xistant]

requiem, victoria had made all aftermarket fully programable ecu's illegal.


which is bollicks

[ReQuieM]

Thats what I thought. I was just hoping they'd seen the light. Pisses me of because a good tune will give BETTER emisions.... oh well WHATEVER! lol

[Youngy]

It is such a grey area!

The ADR (79 I think it is now, used to be 37 from memory) which sits above state state legislation in effect is not very clear on the matter of after market computers. In fact it almost leaves it to the discretion of the engineer if indeed anyone at all.

Then you have to admit that the rules\rulings and so on don't keep up with the technology (you have seen this before in other arenas). Most factory computers can be tuned or jacked or hot rodded by some method. So strictly speaking they are 'tuneable'.

If you have the option of blue slipping it only give it a try. The fact that different people at the RTA and indeed the EPA give you different stories etc only makes this less black and white!