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;
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.
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."
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
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 range of
different implementation timeframes. In Queensland the AAAA actively participates on the
Queensland Automotive Working Party which includes representatives from QLD Transport,
Police, MTA, IAME and RACQ. This group is working through the implementation of VSB 14
section by section and it’s work is likely to set the precedence for implementation of the code
nationally."
Baja Wes ·
for the QLD offroad boys, vw body lift kits can now be approved with a mod code rather than having to get approval from Queensland Transport themselves.
"Bodies can be lifted up to 50mm using spacer blocks on the chassis mounts and can be approved under Codes LS3 & LS4 and LS5 & LS6."
1303Steve ·
Hi Wes
Thats better than before. Still cant run a 2.5 WRX in my 1303 though,
870 x 4 = 3480 cc NA or 870 x 2.75 = 2392.5 cc Forced induction.
What do late Type 3s weigh? Over 1100 Kgs?
1100 x 5 = 5500cc NA or 1100 x 2.75 = 3025 cc Forced induction.
Hope its introduced.
Steve
Dasdubber ·
Hmmm....interesting reading (I'm being serious)....pity the maximum allowable tyre width still restricts us VW owners significantly. See quote below:
Tyres fitted to passenger cars or passenger car derivatives must not be more than 30% wider than vehicle manufacturer’s widest optional tyre.
The rim width must not exceed the recommendations for the tyre fitted.
For example, if the original widest optional tyre is 185mm, the maximum tyre width is 1.3 times 185mm = 240.5mm, i.e. a 235mm wide tyre. The maximum rim width for a 235mm tyre is 9 inches if the aspect ratio is 60 or below.
Therefore for a VW beetle, with a 155 maximum tyre size as standard, a 195 tyre is the max....if you say 165 tyres were used, a 205 tyre is maximum.
1303Steve ·
Hi
I just read the same thing, imagine having all the power that they allow, going through such skinny wheels & tyres. Still its only in draft form.
Steve
[ Edited on 27-10-2005 by 1303Steve ]
Baja Wes ·
Dasdubber wrote:Therefore for a VW beetle, with a 155 maximum tyre size as standard, a 195 tyre is the max....if you say 165 tyres were used, a 205 tyre is maximum.
The thing with this code is you have to know how to read it. Those tyre sizes are for "modifications without certification".
If you read on to "FRONT SUSPENSION & STEERING CONVERSION (DESIGN) - CODE LS3" it says "Approvals that are allowed under this Code include 6. Alternative wheel and tyre specifications for vehicles with modified axles or suspension;"
rear suspension code LS5 says the same thing.
So I think this will mean that if you ensure the suspension is strong enough to handle the extra loads of larger wheels and tyres, then there probably isn't any limit on the size.
The question will be how will the approval engineers interpret the code and what if any suspension mods will they ask for in order to fit larger wheels. Maybe a simple brace on the front beam and some gussets on the rear trailing arms would be sufficient, some might even argue the standard vw stuff is strong enough and will just look to ensure the tyres have enough clearance and don't rub on anything.
MickH ·
Kombi's are classed as commercial vehicles..
2443TT ·
Well i'm in shock this is so cool! According to this my car is actually legal with the 2332 turbo and my 205 wide tyres. Shame tho as Dasdubber said cause I wasn planning on turning them into smoke and upgrading to 225's. 😀
1303Steve ·
Hi
As the site asked for comments I sent the following question to the NSW representive, no response yet.
Steve
==================================
I have just been reading through the Draft National Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Construction and Modification (NCOP). As I’m already building a modified car that I will be submitted some time next year, I found that the allowed wheel size increases were very small.
The vehicle I’m building is a 1972 Beetle which had an optional size rim of 5.5 inches, with the draft as it stands now I would only be able to run a 7.15 inch wheel.
The regulations that are in place now allow vehicles, which were not built to comply with ADR 24 (pre 1973) to have the wheel width worked out on a finished weight basis. My finished car will weigh just over 1000 kgs so it will be able run an 8-inch wheel under the present regulations.
Do you see this area of the draft regulation changing?
Thanks very much for your time in reading my email and the work your doing on this new legislation, regards Steve Carter.
choppa ·
My 1969 IRS Notch weighed in at 960kgs with the turbo Liberty conversion. The inspectors said that that was close to original weight.
And they wanted me to keep the 165 tyres on standard rims.
Obviously the inspectors didnt take it for a spin when I asked . But they passed it no probs.
Interstingly with the new regs. I could fit a 2.5 turbo now.
Would be intersting on 165 recaps!
kevo ·
great, i might even be able to legalise my V8 baywindow!!!!!!!!!!
i could even put a 7.7L big block in there and have it legal if it was installed correctly hahaha
malcolm ·
last time if you had your car registered with a engineer they gave 2 years grace to get your car finnished.I,m using the later pan under the oval body to cover the weight multiplier different front & rear to cover wheel size issues.
What happened when the car past the brake test you could use any size motor .
newoldmanx ·
well im still slotting the 13bt side fed pp with a large shot of laughing gas 😀 into my manx and its gonna be legal 😀
StephenM ·
Who knows off hand what a 69 stock beetle weighs? I'm hoping i can still slot that 13BTT in her one day.
barls ·
700-800 kgs without looking it up
1303Steve ·
Hi
I'm pretty sure a 1500 bug weighs about 820 kg.
I'm not sure where you are but the new laws are still not in affect in NSW.
Under the old NSW law it was 2.5 X (your cars factory weight for forced induction) So 2.5 x 820 = 2050 cc A 13B Turbo is rated at 2600 cc, so its out for you car.
Under the new laws its 2.75 x 820 = 2255 cc so still no go.
The old rules for non turbo motors is 3 x 820 = 2460 cc Maybe go 12A non turbo?
Under the new laws you can go 4 x (your cars factory weight) non turbo which is 3280 cc, some very interesting possibilities open up now.
Steve.
1303Steve ·
Hi
I've just been reading the suspension section. The wheel and tyre area looks more lenient tah old NSW regs.
I will take my 1303 as an example.
Stock radial tyre on a 1303 is 155. They then multiply it 1.3. So 155 x 1.3= 201.5, so if you run below 60 series tyres you can run 7.5 wide wheels.
Optional tyre on sports wheels for a 1303 is 175. So 175 x 1.3 = 227.5 So that means I can run 8.5/9. inch wheels.
I'm liking these new regulations already, with wider wheels allowed and bigger engine sizes as mentioned in my previous post.
Steve
StephenM ·
I in Tasmania, now these new rules;
If what i understand is correct these are without being engineered aren´t they?
What would I have to do to get it engineered? Would i be able to do it even with strengthening stuff and better stopping gear?
Stevie
1303Steve ·
Hi
These new rules apply as to what an engineer can pass. I have no experience with Tassie modified car rules, it would be best to talk to your local rule makers or an approved engineer.
Steve
bugzla ·
finally .....well hopfully some good news for qld i might even see a 13b bridgy in one of my projects yet series 5 here we go ...........................
vwvic ·
Does anyone know if it will be legal to have air-bag suspension in QLD after these laws are introduced,they wont let you do it at all at the moment.
Baja Wes ·
I've updated the original post with some recent proposed changes that will be worse for us VW people when it comes to engine size.
666bug ·
Hey Guys,
I have a 1974 super looking to put a 2ltr STI engine into it I also have a set of 17" turbo twist rims will this pass in QLD? any help would be great 🥷
johny rotten ·
if you lie about the weight of the car like others on here have done then maybe 😁😁
helbus ·
Last car I had engineered had to have a pre-modification weighbridge ticket, and a finished weighbridge ticket. The weighbridge has front and rear axle and total weight.
johny rotten wrote:if you lie about the weight of the car like others on here have done then maybe 😁😁
Baja Wes ·
Version 2.0 of the NCOP has been released. I have updated the first post.
h ·
thanks wes.. interesting reading there
Pickpocket ·
I just spent a little time reading and attempting to interpret these laws.....man I feel for you guys. If I had to jump through this many hoops to get my project approved for street use I wouldn't bother to start. On a positive note, you most likely end up with a safer-to-drive car than most of the projects we build here in the States.
helbus ·
A current wild project I am working on has my Engineer referring to all of the engine size, weight and suspension dynamics relating to VSB14. If they pass the guidelines, then he is accepting them. This is in Victoria under the VASS scheme.
General_Failure ·
i just wish a lot of the BS we have to go through would be dropped. Seriously are there any stricter countries?
If I had the funding and actually thought that for once the authorities weren't petty minded sadists I'd love to get one of those Red9 double wishbone bus beams. But seeing ...who was it? going through so many hoops to get the drop spindles for their beetle approved I figured that anything remotely interesting is a lost cause.
By the way has anyone noticed in the VSI2 the requirement for a working heater? I think it even had aircooled vehicles in brackets for the example. Someone seems to have it in for converted VWs. This is a pain because my bay hasn't had a remotely complete heating system since it was converted to a camper probably shortly after manufacture.
helbus ·
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.
General_Failure ·
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!
helbus ·
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.
habib99 ·
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 ·
So....reading the posts quickly i can fit up to a 6.37L normaly asparated engine into my 71 lowlight (1275kg)..OMFG!!!🤓
TCR7 ·
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.
Thanks for the link. Might give him a call to find out the latest.
General_Failure ·
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.
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.
meminiau ·
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 ·
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?
barls ·
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.