Legal issues for power mods?

emexfive · Post by **emexfive** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 3:37 pm

Probably irrelevant since I probably will only spend a year or two in NZ and thus won't have a chance to do many power mods. But let's say I leave the US for a long time (which I'll be inclined to do if Obama doesn't win and change A LOT of things) and want to put forced induction on an MX-5 are there pollution specific regulations/inspections? Will they be looking at such mods when I get my WOF inspection?

Here in California it's very restricted what you can legally change on your engine.

Post by **zorruno** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 9:46 pm

emexfive wrote:forced induction on an MX-5 are there pollution specific regulations/inspections? Will they be looking at such mods when I get my WOF inspection?
Here in California it's very restricted what you can legally change on your engine.

In a Warrant of Fitness check (WOF) they won't specifically check emissions (well, at the moment anyway as far as I know - but I hear it is likely soon) - there is just a set (long) list of "safety" items they check for. I think they fail overly 'smokey' vehicles now though, and also overly loud exhausts.

Power mods may effect your insurance (you need to tell them - although insurance is still not mandatory in NZ), and anything that they think is a structural change the WOF might knock you back on. If this is the case you'd need to get a vehicle cert first (LVVC?) which involves engineers reports etc.

People here have failed for such changes as inductions through the cowl area (they say it is a 'firewall'), aftermarket rollbars (head danger...) etc. Mine fails as I don't like to use sun visors... I have to put them back for the test (they impede my vision).

WOFs can be are done by specialist companies such as VTNZ and OnRoad (I think owned by same outfit now anyway) and they are strict - erring on the side of safety. Warrants can also be done by any 'WOF Registered' Mechanic or workshop... and it is their call whether to pass/fail you obviously.

In fact... I should have just googled... this will tell you more:
http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/vehicle-ownership/warrant.html

cheers

emexfive · Post by **emexfive** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 6:47 am

Great, that gives me a much better idea of what to expect from a WOF check.

How do they feel about after market brakes, shocks and springs? As long as it's a quality product installed correctly will that be OK?

Post by **zorruno** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 9:42 am

emexfive wrote:How do they feel about after market brakes, shocks and springs? As long as it's a quality product installed correctly will that be OK?

I've never had a problem with my aftermarket shocks (Koni) & springs. Not to say others haven't though...

I have stock brakes, but aftermarket pads.

After all, if we had to buy all our replacement parts direct from Mazda, we'd go broke

If you had modified or replacement callipers or other brake parts, there may be questions - or at least issues with insurance if it ever caused a problem. Stainless brake lines are not warrantable, and they fail on that unless it has a cert.

emexfive · Post by **emexfive** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 11:08 am

That's funny. Here in California I can do just about anything I want to my car without any problem.... as long as it doesn't affect emissions related equipment. So stainless lines and forged calipers are no problem. Chassis braces and roll bars, no problem. I can't believe they'd have an issue with stainless lines. Proof the US doesn't have a patent on stupid regulations (But we sure have our share).

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 12:56 pm

zorruno wrote:
emexfive wrote:How do they feel about after market brakes, shocks and springs? As long as it's a quality product installed correctly will that be OK?
I've never had a problem with my aftermarket shocks (Koni) & springs. Not to say others haven't though...

I have stock brakes, but aftermarket pads.

After all, if we had to buy all our replacement parts direct from Mazda, we'd go broke

If you had modified or replacement callipers or other brake parts, there may be questions - or at least issues with insurance if it ever caused a problem. Stainless brake lines are not warrantable, and they fail on that unless it has a cert.

My reading of the LTSA web page as it pertains to stainless brake hoses suggests they may be ok..........without certification. Not to say I have them.......
Went for a WOF last week for the first time after a move south. Passed, but only after some fast talking! They didn't like my Lexan hardtop window, my Konis (as soon as I mentioned the word 'adjustable') nor my Willans seatbelt eyebolts! Both the later 2 items were in place for the previous WOF which reinforces how subjective the inspectors can be....
Ian

emexfive · Post by **emexfive** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 7:24 am

Man, they didn't like a known reliable shock like Koni?! A bit draconian if you ask me, but at least it sounds like there is wiggle room to just find a more agreeable inspector.

Post by **jif** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 8:29 am

I've never had problems with Konis in 7-8 years ... it's always covertly grubby under there tho!

I think the issue is more that people with adjustable suspension could lower it under the 100mm ground clearance allowed...?

emexfive · Post by **emexfive** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 11:10 am

jif wrote:I've never had problems with Konis in 7-8 years ... it's always covertly grubby under there tho!

I think the issue is more that people with adjustable suspension could lower it under the 100mm ground clearance allowed...?

Ah, more a coilover thing, not so much an adjustable dampening thing.

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 1:12 pm

Yes.....as soon as I mentioned that the konis were adjusted for bump under the bonnet (hood in 'US speak', he lightened up!I didn't mention adjustable perch heights on the NA konis for fear of another 'discussion'.
In my experience, there is some merit in going back to the same testing station/garage and it helps if you are of advanced years, I suspect!

poison · Post by **poison** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 2:01 pm

Could be an opening for a weekend job for senior citizens…. Taking in MX5’s for WOF’s lol.

I got asked about my Koni’s and said they were made for various models and they were factory set and required spring removal to be set, they seemed to buy that.

SLYDIT · Post by **SLYDIT** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 7:09 pm

Ive been through the turbo certifiction issues and basically learned this.

there are NO emmissions laws in New Zealand, if it doesnt smoke and isnt waaaaaaay loud then its ok.

KONI SHOCKS ARE NOT A CERTIFIABLE ITEM!
ONLY threaded spring perch adjustables such as teins are.