National code of practice for light vehicle modifications! - engine size limits

Baja Wes · 2005-10-27T02:04:19+00:00

EDITED - 18 Feb 2014 A new national code of practice for light vehicle modification is basically here. On the 1st of January 2011 Version 2.0 of the NCOP (VSB 14) was released; http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_regulation/bulletin/vsb_ncop.aspx In the preface of the new code it says; In August 2006 the Australian Transport Council endorsed the inclusion of VSB 14 in the Australian Vehicle Standards Rules (AVSR) as a source of guidance for vehicle modifications. The consolidated amendments to the AVSR published in 2007 reflect this decision in Part 3 Australian Design Rules. Each jurisdiction has adopted the AVSR in its legislation, either by reference or incorporation in regulations, and there may be variations in some the rules or rule numbers. For the purpose of clarity, the terms Australian Vehicle Standards Rules and (AVSR) will be used throughout VSB 14 to indicate both the AVSR and the variation used by each jurisdiction I take this to mean that the NCOP is referenced by the AVSR (in 2007), and that now each state/territory has adopted the AVSR in it's legislation. This means the NCOP should now be usable Australia wide. There is also this interesting paragraph on the ncop site; Where a jurisdiction is unable to nationally recognise an element of VSB 14, the individual difference/s are highlighted within VSB 14. In these instances, users should contact the responsible Registration Authority for further advice. I would like confirmation from each state / territory, but that is a painful process. This is what I have been able to figure out so far. VIC - 18 Feb 2014 Vic uses a modified version of the NCOP, info here http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/9B3A858D-15A0-4572-90BF-3D08214BF7BE/0/VSInumber8Guidetomodificationsformotorvehicles.pdf NSW - 18 Feb 2013 - The NSW light vehicle mod guide now references the NCOP http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/registration/downloads/vsi/vsi6.pdf QLD - 18 Feb 2014 - Queensland has adopted a MODIFIED version of the NCOP, explained here; http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Vehicle-standards-and-modifications/Vehicle-modifications/Light-vehicle-modifications.aspx Luckily it seems to relax the NCOP, like waiving the IM240 test since it can't be done in QLD. SA - 24/3/06 - "Although the administrative arrangements vary from State to State, SA essentially endorses the Code for light vehicle modifications as now available on the DoTaRS website. It is important for SA residents to apply in advance to DTEI, Vehicle Services Section, Vehicle Standards Unit, phone 1300 882 248 for assessment of major or more extreme modifications. For minor and intermediate level modifications, the Code is the appropriate guide. If in doubt, it is always good value for your members to consult with the Department first for advice, which is provided freely and at no cost." TAS - VSB 14 is reference in the TAS modification application form, and therefore is in use http://www.transport.tas.gov.au/pdf/standards_publicatons/Modification20Application20Form20revised202820May20061.pdf WA - VSB 14 is reference in the WA modification application form, and therefore is in use http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/mediaFiles/lic_modform_prodveh.pdf NT - 26/7/06 - VSB 14 has been adopted in the NT as a guide to light vehicle modifications that can be accepted, and is used by the Technical Advisory Committee when assessing applications, however, modifications outside the scope of the code may on exception be considered on a case by case basis by the Committee subject to appropriate technical assessment and/or certification. www.ipe.nt.gov.au/whatwedo/mvr/vehiclestandards/pdf/ib-v32-2007-03.pdf ACT - 26/7/06 - The ACT is accepting vehicles for registration that have been modified in accordance with the national code for light vehicle modifications 01/02/09 - ACT has fully accepted the new code - http://www.rego.act.gov.au/assets/PDFs/Light%20Vehicle%20Modifications%20in%20the%20ACT.pdf Also I have noticed that the ADR's are available online; http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/motor/design/adr_online.aspx I also found this little bit of info on the NCOP from the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association Submission to the Federal Government Review of the Australian Automotive Industry dated the 14th of May 2008; http://www.innovation.gov.au/automotivereview/Documents/65%20AAAA%20140508.pdf "In an effort to move towards more consistent national regulation, the state transport authorities developed and released a National Code of Practice on Light Vehicle Construction and Modification (VSB 14) in late 2005 following input from industry stakeholders including the AAAA. The group formed to manage the content and implementation of VSB 14 is the Motor Vehicle Certification Working Board which includes representatives from all the stakeholders detailed above. At this stage both Queensland and Western Australia are proactively implementing VSB 14 into their state legislation with the other jurisdictions working to a…

helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body

7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 11 Feb 2011, 7:30 pm

#825865

I had our bus engineered only last year VASS. It did not have to have a heater, but it did have to have 2 speed fresh air vents blowing onto the inside of the windscreen. The heating part is irrelevant.

EJ22 into Bay Microbus - Finished project build thread- click on this spot here for info

General_Failure Use your head, don't abuse it!

1,036 posts · joined Jun 2004 · 11 Feb 2011, 7:41 pm

#825867

helbus wrote:I had our bus engineered only last year VASS. It did not have to have a heater, but it did have to have 2 speed fresh air vents blowing onto the inside of the windscreen. The heating part is irrelevant.

That;s interesting. But this one is January '11. I think perhaps it may have changed.
Was just going to do a quote but the doc is gone from the infrastructure website. i was only looking at it this morning!

If at first you don't succeed. Build, build again.
Vehicle: 1975 Special order delivery walkthrough panel based LCA pop-top camper. Motor: Nippon 1.8L Single port Wasserboxer, Transmission: 3 rib 002.

helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body

7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 12 Feb 2011, 10:55 am

#825958

A car at work was passed VASS just late last December. It had no heater demisters at all. Although it had no roof, no soft top and no door window glass. Built as an open top roadster.

EJ22 into Bay Microbus - Finished project build thread- click on this spot here for info

habib99 Casual Dubber

33 posts · joined Feb 2011 · 12 Feb 2011, 5:19 pm

#826017

nice thread.

I'm new to Aus and am SCARED of the regulations here - I love modding VWs and fear for the future of my hobby - it's a red tape (and expensive) minefield!

Ozzyash Casual Dubber

31 posts · joined Dec 2010 · 15 Jul 2011, 11:59 am

#851828

So....reading the posts quickly i can fit up to a 6.37L normaly asparated engine into my 71 lowlight (1275kg)..OMFG!!!🤓

TCR7 Casual Dubber

37 posts · joined Jan 2010 · 5 Sep 2011, 10:08 am

#860318

Hey guys,

Does anyone know if the NCOP has been adopted in QLD as yet? I've checked the QLD Transport Dept website, and they are still making reference to their QLD Code of Practice documentation.

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/b3ea8c53-b6a1-489e-933d-dac4054f21ba/codeofpracticelightvehiclesreductions.pdf

Would really like to do a Subaru 2.0L Turbo conversion to my Sabre MK2, but only if I can get it engineered for road use.

TCR7 Casual Dubber

37 posts · joined Jan 2010 · 8 Sep 2011, 4:41 pm

#860916

^^^ Anybody?

Lovebuggy Seriously Crusin Dubber

156 posts · joined Dec 2008 · 9 Sep 2011, 9:07 am

#861019

I don't believe so, but would confirm with an engineer.

I have no affiliation with this, but here is a start - http://www.dbautotech.com.au/id2.html

www.meyersmanx.com.au

"More Smiles Per Mile"

TCR7 Casual Dubber

37 posts · joined Jan 2010 · 12 Sep 2011, 10:30 am

#861578

Thanks for the link. Might give him a call to find out the latest.

General_Failure Use your head, don't abuse it!

1,036 posts · joined Jun 2004 · 1 Nov 2011, 10:03 pm

#869915

Excellent info. Still doesn't really affect my conversion it would seem, bar one or two possible minor snags. I was worried this update would hit like Thor's Hammer as the govt is wont to do, but it really seems quite reasonable.

If at first you don't succeed. Build, build again.
Vehicle: 1975 Special order delivery walkthrough panel based LCA pop-top camper. Motor: Nippon 1.8L Single port Wasserboxer, Transmission: 3 rib 002.

Jinx Learner Dubber

8 posts · joined Dec 2010 · 28 Dec 2012, 7:21 am

#937235

Just in case anyone in Qld doesn't know about the new NCOP.
http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Vehicle-standards-and-modifications/Vehicle-modifications/Light-vehicle-modifications.aspx

Only in bloody Qld 🙅. Still doing the same things I did 30 years ago only much better. Too old to change now.

Baja Wes V6 Baja Pioneer

3,119 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 18 Feb 2014, 1:26 pm

#983693

I have updated the first post showing NCOP accepted everywhere now.

My super administrator privileges have been taken away from me so I can't delete the superseded posts from this thread to keep it tidy and concise.

Wes - www.offroadvw.net - 200HP Quad Cam V6 in a VW Baja - with climate control... 🙂
www.taylorcycles.com.au - My DH MTB racing brothers shop.

meminiau Learner Dubber

3 posts · joined Jan 2016 · 13 Jul 2017, 10:42 am

#1036699

I think I am going to have some problems soon when I register my car in the future in NSW....

I pink slipped it a couple days ago and he mentioned that there were no Engineer report numbers on the papers, but luckily he still passed it. When I bought the car abut year ago I was aware that it was modified : 4 wheel disk brakes, big rims and tyres, a 1916 engine, lowered etc. All the work was done in the ACT and I have a copy of the Engineer report, but it was all done 17 years ago. Before I bought the car I called RMS (RTA at the time) and I was advised that their records don't go back that far ( I bought a rego report and it showed none of the changes) but because it was engineered in another state and it was then registered in NSW I would have no problems. Should I bbe concerned?

pete wood 23 Windows of Awesome

6,828 posts · joined Jan 2004 · 10 Oct 2018, 8:46 am

#1041190

meminiau wrote:I think I am going to have some problems soon when I register my car in the future in NSW....

I pink slipped it a couple days ago and he mentioned that there were no Engineer report numbers on the papers, but luckily he still passed it. When I bought the car abut year ago I was aware that it was modified : 4 wheel disk brakes, big rims and tyres, a 1916 engine, lowered etc. All the work was done in the ACT and I have a copy of the Engineer report, but it was all done 17 years ago. Before I bought the car I called RMS (RTA at the time) and I was advised that their records don't go back that far ( I bought a rego report and it showed none of the changes) but because it was engineered in another state and it was then registered in NSW I would have no problems. Should I bbe concerned?

Just take your engineers report with you. That should be sufficient. The NSW govt are being silly about reports at the mo, but if you have paperwork to demonstrate the car is engineered and has been registered since you bought it, you should be fine.

BTW, I think I heard a while back that pre-89 or pre-76 cars have an emissions exemption or something? So if we fit a late model engine it has to satisfy the year of the car, not the year of the motor. Can anyone confirm this?

"stoopid is stronger than axles"
http://drivingnotpolishing.blogspot.com.au/

barls Administrator Causer of Chaos and Mayhem

9,473 posts · joined Jun 2004 · 10 Oct 2018, 11:59 am

#1041197

pete wood wrote:
meminiau wrote:BTW, I think I heard a while back that pre-89 or pre-76 cars have an emissions exemption or something? So if we fit a late model engine it has to satisfy the year of the car, not the year of the motor. Can anyone confirm this?
ive heard its the year of the which ever is later.

“We all pay for life with death, so everything in between should be free.” Bill Hicks
the chaos project - click me