[nickireland1]

Hi everyone,
I just got off the phone with the engineer who does all the local landbruisers and pootrols in Port Macquarie, and he has problems with some very common mods:
- Vitara LWB disc and calipers with the ben t rear disc kit (transfer hbrake).
- 31 inch tyres, which I understand, but its so common and i know he has approved a mates patrol on 35s. An increase of more than 7% diameter(?) needs to undergo full adr.
- GTI conversion itself is okay because I used the factory ecu, but should I run a catalytic converter because of the newer engine or not due to being 1985 model?

He said that because he personally hasn't seen these mods tested and passed he cant sign off on them without testing, which can be expensive and inconvenient, but an engineer who has done the tests on a previous car can pass them by showing its the same setup as another car.
Have any of you NSW people got an engineer you recommend?
Stuart at Signatory engineering is the one i have been speaking to, he seems like a good guy but hasn't done a lot of suzuki stuff.
Cheers, Nick.

[Gwagensteve]

Engineer is correct, 31’s aren’t legal. Engineers will require testing for any brake modifications. Most likely you’ll need a catalytic converter.

Just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s legal.

Engineers will pass a combination they’re familiar with without testing if they know the outcome, but I don’t think that applies to brakes- each vehicle will require a test report

Can’t help with choice of engineer, only that your information is accurate.

[nickireland1]

Thanks Steve,
I thought as much, he is happy for me to revert to standard wheels and brakes and just approve the engine swap. I was hoping to drive it without worrying about the defects but its not to be.

[alien]

Keep in mind if you engineer on small tyres then run large and have a major incident, you're personally liable for injury/death if they can show the larger tyres contributed to the incident (lack of grip / not enough brakes / higher COG etc) Which puts you back to "might as well not engineer it".

Try calling the DoT and ask them to send you their list of engineers. Then it's a case of calling each one to ask about their suzuki experience / willingness to approve with minimal testing.

Mine underwent the lane change test and multiple inspections, but I was lucky to avoid brake testing under the old laws. I've since upgraded the rear to full floating with rear discs anyway (made a massive difference). I don't think I'd have any issues passing a brake test, particularly running the KL71s as they're so light compared to other muddies.

[MrRocky]

Keep in mind even with engineering cops will still slap a defect notice on you if they feel like it. At least in WA anyway

[303zuke]

alien wrote:

Try calling the DoT and ask them to send you their list of engineers. Then it's a case of calling each one to ask about their suzuki experience / willingness to approve with minimal testing.

No need to call, it's on the interwebs:

https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/bu ... ifiers.pdf

[alien]

MrRocky wrote:

Keep in mind even with engineering cops will still slap a defect notice on you if they feel like it. At least in WA anyway

This is true... cost me a day off work, $350 inspection and some perished fuel lines needed replacing (Also replaced steering box rather than tightening it more). All up not a cheap experience, but at least some maintenance items ticked off and back on the road that day.

Note for next time: Film the entire interaction with the police.

[nickireland1]

Thanks for the advice everyone, Im going back to standard brakes and tyres and have a date with the engineer next Friday, as having it legit seems unlikely to keep unwanted attention away and its never going to be a daily anyway. Cheers