Don't put words in my mouth, I don't fear engineers, I have visitted the engineers 3 times in the last 4 years for various things and the next time I go to get a green slip for rego I will sort it out with him. But I just don't think it's that big of an issue to warrant a day off work to drive my car over to hand money over for.

From what you are saying, it isn't a big issue at all as you say it "was easy as and quite cheap" to do.

FYI: The last time i went to visit so called "Mr Engineer" to change my engine number to a 1330cc (more than 21% capacity increase from a 1098, 6% over threshold) Mr Engineer did not check disc brakes, or anything else for that matter. He lifted the bonnet to view the engine number and signed my paper. Didn't drive it or jack it up or anything.

Mind you, it wasn't a substantial modification to the car, but I was quite bemused as to where my $130 or so went towards...

So at the end of the day, by all means if you have welded your own subframe or swapping in a VTEC or Hyabusa, get an engineers certificate. I will make my own judgments on what I deem is unsafe enough to warrant a call to Mr Engineer.

EDIT: If the accident is that bad that it warrants inspection of the seats as being the source of issues, I think you'd have more to worry about than insurance!!!

_________________
Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

Why are you trying to make things look harder than they really are?

What do you think they mean by 'Owner Certification'?

The thing I found here with DOT is that most of the" inspectors" are not qualified engineers. They just have a list and check off the various points. Any doubts they refer to head engineer of DOT.
The only time it gets nasty is when someone turns up with a car that has a different engine and has had major structural work done to it. In most cases the overall structure might look pretty but is structurally poor. That's when they require a engineer's report.
As for seats if you buy a after market seat that has a Aust std. for it's design they will accept that but require that the seat is mounted by at least 4 x 8mm bolts. Many after market seat have a folding back and not tilt like original seats.
Even when I went thru the exersise with finding requirements for my 60 car there are NO seat belt mountings in the car. If it is kept original I do not have to fit them as it is classified as a vintage car.

_________________
Research is the difference between speculation and investment. Anyone who copys some one else will always be second
www.minisprintgt.com

Yay! My turbo is bolted on... bucket seats are bolted in. Phew... thought I was in trouble.

If you mod it, expect to pay for Certs and Engineering... simple.
If unsure, get an Engineer to check it and tell you.

Arguing over the documentation is useless because its all contradictory here and there.
Unless you KNOW the clauses, loopholes, rules and regs. .. seek professional advice.

Pete

_________________

Click here for the Turbo Conversion Thread!

Just finished getting a SAAS high back rally seat certified in another car, the engineer measured all the dimensions to make sure you sat in the same place as per the original seat, took photo's and cars details. Copied the certification certificate for the seats ADR compliance. Fitting was only 2 pieces of 50mm angle bolted to the original seat frame using the original bolts. Cost was $350, i get a copy and Vic Roads get a copy. Visits my area regulary from near Castlemaine, he's the closest VASS certified engineer for here. It's a 1970 model sedan, i now have documentation for the change if it gets pulled up by police while away, and if in an accident is covered by TAC and insurance. Just a pity they won't except a 6point 3"harness as safer than a 40yr old lap sash.

_________________
Cheers
PeterN
3x Leylands
1x 850
Mildura,
Victoria.

So after following this topic for the past few days I was starting to be a little concerned about the mods I am doing with my current project. So I did the right thing today and spoke with an engineer and asked for his advise on my mods to a 1978 mini clubman.
1/ I have replaced the seats with later model mini type,
answer - should be no problems as long as they use the original brackets and mounting points. Only need to be engineered if they require a new mounting bracket, welding or cutting.
2/ So I am also fitting a Supercharger.
Answer - Because it is a later than July 1976 mini it must comply with ADR 27A, which therefore means I will need to have the RTA measure the exhaust emissions. Hmm could be interesting, but engineer advised this is not too hard to pass and I will need to obviously have the engine setup and "detuned" to pass this test.
I also need to advise of any upgrades to teh brakes to compensate for the extra power. This is OK as I am fitting 4pot calipers and new disks.
3/ I am fitting 13x7" wheels
Answer - This is a problem, The RTA will only allow +1 inch wider than the standard fitment for my car. So on examination of the tyre plaque I find it states the car was fitted with12x5" wheels. Probably means I can only fit 13x6" legally.

_________________
1969 Cooper "S"
1967 Mini Deluxe
1973 Clubman Van (the fleet spare)
1978 ex 1275 LS ("Wizard" Eaton Supercharged)
2015 HSV GenF GTS(occasional drive & tow car)
2019 MINI F55 Cooper S

Can you PM me your engineers details please. I have some work for him.
Also have you checked the ruling about CAPACITY to WEIGHT restrictions?

Turbo or Supercharger is classed as 1.6 to 1 on capacity to weight.
That means a 998 is 998 x 1.6 meaning it's approx 1.6litre. This is a prob because a 70's mini never came with a 1.6Lltr.

Also don't confuse the CAPACITY to WEIGHT with POWER to WEIGHT. By law you can fit a 1.3ltr Hayabusa motor to a mini as long as it's engineered bexusse the CAP to WEIGHT matches.
I'm happy to be corrected on these by the way
You are right on the emissions etc though. I thought it was pre 1972 that didn't need emissions test. Everything after needs one. Many 1976 models had the charcoal canister for emissions. Even though is was a load of rubbish as they produced more pollutants than no canister or something like that.


I presume you are Newcastle area?

Thanks,
Pete

_________________

Click here for the Turbo Conversion Thread!

Hi Pete

I will PM details tmrw

my car is 1275 so should be OK. Engineer didnt ask this question.
and I am at Gordon, Sydney.

_________________
1969 Cooper "S"
1967 Mini Deluxe
1973 Clubman Van (the fleet spare)
1978 ex 1275 LS ("Wizard" Eaton Supercharged)
2015 HSV GenF GTS(occasional drive & tow car)
2019 MINI F55 Cooper S

Morris 1100 said recently that ADR27A had been repealed. So the air pump etc is no longer needed (fuels are different now anyhow).
is this correct, or not?

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Yes and no.

Yes - It has been repealed but only for newly constructed vehicles, post 1st October, 2006, however

No - Vehicles so built to comply with ADR27a must continue to do so

_________________

Did you tell him that the late-90's sportspack Minis came out with 13x6 wheels from the factory? The braking systems and suspension on a late sportspack are the same as your LS, so in Vic that is enough to allow you to fit 13 x 7's. ie: 13 x 6 + 1 inch.

Cheers,

_________________
Brett Nicholson
Greendale (near Ballan) VIC.
1971 Morris Mini Moke
1966 Austin Mini
1965 Morris Mini Traveller
1973 LR Series 3 88
2007 LR Freelander 2

I did, but he said 7" was probably too wide and would make the car difficult to drive due to the size of the wheels. I wasn't going to argue and at this point I will just want to register the car and then worry about what changes I can do afterwards.

_________________
1969 Cooper "S"
1967 Mini Deluxe
1973 Clubman Van (the fleet spare)
1978 ex 1275 LS ("Wizard" Eaton Supercharged)
2015 HSV GenF GTS(occasional drive & tow car)
2019 MINI F55 Cooper S

I was right about most of it... follow the process but it all comes down to what you are doing

From the RTA PDF regarding Light Vehicle Modifications

Emission standards for replacement engines
1972 and later model vehicles with substitute engines must meet the intent of the later of the Australian Design
Rules applicable to either:
a) The original vehicle; or
b) The substitute engine.

and

All vehicles originally having an engine with up
to 4 cylinders or a rotary engine as the largest
optional engine and with a tare mass up to
1100kg

Normally aspirated
In cubic inches:
Original tare mass (kg) x 0.183
In millilitres (cc):
Original tare mass (kg) x 3.0

Supercharged or turbocharged
In cubic inches:
Original tare mass (kg) x 0.153
In millilitres (cc):
Original tare mass (kg) x 2.5

So in short, seats and all that stuff works out fine.
Power adders or replacement motors are a different kettle of fish.

Its 1300 (CC) x 2.5 (Turbo/Supercharger) = 3250cc which means its out of the question.

The ADRs are pre-1972 for emissions not pre July 1976 according to RTA.

If you engineering was done BEFORE the capacity to weight laws and it was REGISTERED before that then its fine... aka, my mates Porsche 911 with 350 Chev in the back... totally street legal.

Like I said, throwing in a Hayabusa motor that is 1.3ltr revving to 18000rpm - fine, adding a S/C or Turbo to a 998 is no longer allowed.

If you go down the custom manufactured vehicle (ie/ Not modified production vehicle) you need to meet 2011 ADR, safety, etc...

Thats NSW anyway, not sure on other states.

So my point in all this to the original poster. Get someone who KNOWS what they are doing, take the car there and get it engineered... otherwise its all fluff due to so many variations and rules.

Cheers,
Peter

_________________

Click here for the Turbo Conversion Thread!

Not quite correct Pristic, it's the tare weight you need to multiply, not the CC of the engine.

The CC you are allowed is :
- tare weight x 3.0 for N/A
- tare weight x 2.5 for Turbo/Supercharged.

If a Mini weights 650kg tare, that gives:
1950cc N/A
1625cc Boosted.

So a 1275 turbo is fine (once engineered).

Cheers,

_________________
Brett Nicholson
Greendale (near Ballan) VIC.
1971 Morris Mini Moke
1966 Austin Mini
1965 Morris Mini Traveller
1973 LR Series 3 88
2007 LR Freelander 2

Confused now So can I turbo my car or not?

_________________
Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K