VicRoads and engine conversion

Franco Cozzo · 21-01-2013, 09:25 PM

Hey guys, I'm looking at moving onto my next project once the Falcon is on the road and I've been eying off a particular car which an easy engine conversion can be done, problem is:

Project car was built in 2003, new engine is from 2001-2002 but from the same series of car.

New engine is 2L, old engine is 1.8L.

Power from the new engine is 127KW, power from factory engine was 91KW.

Only optional in Japan, wasn't offered here in Australia (But there was a 2L engine offered in Australia, different engine though).

Now, the new engine in question actually has the same block, just different internals and head to the factory engine, so there is no need to modify anything structural for getting the engine into the car, even all the accessories fit on, same with gearbox, sensors, ECU, loom etc.

Looking at VicRoad's website we have three options here:

Quote:

Change of engine:

1. Replacement engine is identical to the original engine, or is an option allowed by the manufacturer for the same model vehicle

The optional engine must be offered in Australia by the vehicle manufacturer as an option for that vehicle (or certified variants). The change of engine may be recorded by VicRoads provided that the registered operator or a motor mechanic, or dealer in that make of vehicle or an Automotive Engineer signs a declaration certifying the engine is optional for the vehicle model, and that all modifications made by the manufacturer for the same vehicle model with that optional engine have been completed.

You will need to attend a VicRoads Customer Service Centre to have the vehicle's engine inspected to confirm the new engine details. No appointment is required. You will also need to complete a Change of Vehicle Description form.

2. Replacement engine is not of a type offered by the vehicle manufacturer as an option for that vehicle or where alterations, or changes to the vehicle's frame or structure are made, and/or specially fabricated supports or structures are used

You will need to attend a VicRoads Customer Service Centre for an inspection of the vehicle to confirm the new engine details. You will also need to complete a Change of Vehicle Description form and provide VicRoads with:

a VASS Approval Certificate from a VicRoads Vehicle Assessment Signatory
an original receipt for the purchase of the engine as proof of ownership of the engine

3. Replacement engine is not of a type and/or make offered by the vehicle manufacturer as an option for that vehicle, but is equivalent in general configuration, power, mass, and emissions standard to that of the original or an optional engine for the vehicle model and can be installed without any structual alterations.

The change of engine may be recorded by VicRoads provided that the registered operator or a motor mechanic, or dealer in that make of vehicle or an Automotive Engineer signs a declaration certifying that all modifications made by the manufacturer for the same vehicle model with that engine, have been completed.

A Change of Vehicle Description form must be completed providing new engine details. An inspection to confirm engine details is also required unless a Certificate of Roadworthiness or VASS Approval Certificate including the new engine number is provided (only for a currently registered Victorian vehicle). An original receipt for the purchase of the engine must be provided as proof of ownership of the engine.

When a VASS Approval Certificate has been supplied for a replacement engine, then an equivalent replacement engine can be fitted without another VASS Approval Certificate being presented (eg 350 c.i. V8 engine replaced with 350 c.i. V8 engine).

Options 1 and 3 look like what I'm covered by, with option 1, maybe since they have the same capacity (2L), they could be convinced the Jap engine is the 2L ADM one which was optional?

Option 3, does it still need to be engineered?

Thanks much guys, this is a bit of a HF.