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Modifying a car in Australia for road use is subject to Australia Design Rules which cover safety and emission control standards. Your car from new should have an ADR compliance plate on the firewall & the build date should be stamped into that. When swapping engines, brakes or other major parts, an engineer will oversea the work and supply a new compliance plate (aka mod plate) to prove the changes have been approved.
Run any changes by an Engineer before you start!
Additionally, aftermarket parts like lamp lenses, seat belts and glovebox doors must be approved.
Be sure *any* aftermarket parts you buy are approved!
Pay an engineer to design any modifications so that you will be sure to pass inspection.
compliance plate
State Rules for Engineeering
In addition, your state may implement vehicle safety rules. For example, automobile customization regulations differ between Queensland, SA and WA.
New South Wales
Maximum engine size normally allowed is related to the official listed weight of the vehicle (not by your measurement). For a Datsun 1200 in NSW a maximum size is allowed:
- 2-liter engine (naturally aspirated)
- 1.8-liter turbocharged
- 13B Rotary (20B is too large)
Emission Controls
- ADR 27/27A requires the first batch of controls starting in 1973
- ADR 37 requires the catalytic convertor
When transplanting engines, refer to vsi06: http://www.shoeys.com/docs/vsi06.pdf
Emission standards for replacement engines
1972 and later model vehicles with substitute engines must meet the intent of the later of the Australian
Rules applicable to either:
a) the original vehicle; or
b) the substitute engine
<p>To ensure continued compliance with emission standards, any replacement engine should come from which is subject to the same or more stringent emission control requirements. An alternative is for an earlier to be upgraded during reconditioning to more recent engine specifications. All anti-pollution devices should be fitted and functional. Vehicles manufactured prior to noise and/or exhaust emissions related ADRs must meet certain minimum and emission requirements if the engine modification is to such an extent as to require certification by an engineering signatory. Engineering signatories will be able to give you more information about these requirements.