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skillionaire

Member Since 14 Aug 2008
Offline Last Active Yesterday, 10:32 PM
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Topics I've Started

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIXE_XT

02 May 2012 - 05:51 PM

Hi Mike,

So glad you made it to sixteen. You're now legal.

See you at MDSC my nurgaaa.

Cheers,
Nik

Changing Badge Colour?

28 February 2012 - 08:49 AM

Hi,

Saw this by Mark;

Posted Image

I've seen it before. Just wondering how hard it is, and perhaps if there is a DIY that someone knows about?

I want to go black.

Cheers,
Nik

05 3.0R Exhaust

15 February 2012 - 09:32 AM

Hi,

On advice, I'm looking to change out essentially from the diff forward on my Outback. I've heard some straight pipes and some with modified muffler and they sound like a fart in a MILO tin.

Does this sound right to you guys?

05-3.0R-Outback.

I really just want her to have some throat when being driven, I do a lot of long trips so I don't want any drone if it can be avoided.

Getting it made custom - so I can pretty much do anything.

Cheers,
Nik

[WA] Modifying a Vehicle - What can I modify without approval?

22 January 2012 - 08:55 AM

Hi,

This question comes up a bit, and this way we'll all have the firm answer easy to find. We all know how much fun it is to navigate government sites. Ugh.

All information posted is from the Western Australian DOT and is accurate at the time of posting.

For full reference, see here; http://www.transport...20500.asp#20555


Quote


Getting started - do you need approval?

Before making any modifications, you should check whether our approval is required. Generally no modification may be carried out if it:
  • Reduces the strength of the vehicle body
  • Reduces the controllability of the vehicle
  • Otherwise reduces the safety of the vehicle
  • Causes a nuisance or danger to other people.
Modifications that don't require approval



Many minor vehicle modifications can be carried out without specific approval, as long as they comply with the applicable legislation. Modifications that don’t require approval include:
  • Tyre size and aspect ratio
  • Additional lighting
  • Single tone air horns
  • Air conditioners
  • Air shock absorbers
  • Alarm systems
  • Badge bars
  • Gearbox (pre 1976)
  • Mud spats and pebble guards
  • Mesh stone shields for wind screens and lamps
  • Body markings and speed striping
  • Rear-view mirrors
  • Roof racks
  • Radio and stereo systems
  • Sunvisors
  • Optional manufacturer seating
  • Seat belts for pre 1969 cars (no full harness types)
  • Stabiliser bars
  • Torque rods and traction bars (not semi-tramp types)
  • Venetian blinds and other internal screening systems are allowed, subject to a clear view to the rear.
What to do if your proposed modification is not on the list



A list of modification that do require approval, and how to apply, is provided below.

If what you want to do is not on this list, or you are unsure, contact us. By contacting us first, you will ensure that:
  • You don't waste time and money on a project that subsequently proves to be illegal
  • You avoid the inconvenience and expense of removing a vehicle compliance notice (yellow sticker)
  • The vehicle's insurance remains valid
  • The modified vehicle will be safe.
Please note, if you modify your vehicle without the necessary approval you may be issued with a compliance notice (yellow sticker) and void your vehicle insurance.



Modifications requiring approval - limitations and conditions
For information on the following modifications please refer to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government's Vehicle Standards Bulletin: National Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Construction and Modification (VSB14):
  • Engines
  • Transmissions
  • Brakes*
  • Body modifications
  • Seating and occy protection
  • Motorcycles
  • Fuel systems
  • Suspension and steering
  • Test procedures
  • Alternative power
  • Electric drive
  • Trike guidelines
*Note: Modifications to the braking system of a motor vehicle are permissible only where listed by the vehicle manufacturer as an option for the particular model. However, the fitting of a suitable power booster unit to a brake system is in order where it is an option listed by the vehicle manufacturer or is recommended by a qualified brake specialist. Passenger vehicles and their derivatives manufactured to comply with ADR 31 - Hydraulic Braking Systems, and ADR 35 - Commercial Vehicle Braking Systems, must not be modified without prior written approval from the department.



On from there, I compiled this which is specific to Wheels/Tyres in WA. I did compile this two years ago, but I cannot see any changes except for perhaps the lift kit stuff?

Quote



What do you need to consider when fitting aftermarket rims and tyres to your Forester in WA?

Alternative road wheels are permitted under the following conditions :


a. Rim width must not exceed the maximum rim width specified by the manufacturer by more than 25mm (1") (for passenger vehicles manufactured after 1st January 1973, the manufacturers rim width shall be taken as that specified on the tyre placard).


In any event, rim width shall not exceed 177.8 mm (7") unless specified by the manufacturer as standard equipment for the vehicle in question. No increase in rim width is permitted for vehicles fitted with original equipment rims in excess of 177.8 mm (7") width.


b. The wheel is contained completely within the body work of the vehicle which includes acceptable flares.


c. The wheel does not foul any part of the body or suspension under all conditions of travel


d. The vehicle handling is not impaired in any way.


e. The tyre to rim fitment must be in accordance with the Tyre and Rim Association Manual.


f. Rim diameters must be the same as specified by the manufacturer.


g. The wheel must be one designed for use with the vehicle with respect to bolt pitch circle and wheel nut tapers


h. The track must not be increased by more than 25mm (1") over the maximum specified by the manufacturer.etc.


i. All wheels must be the same size, profile and bolt pattern.


j. Vehicles required to comply with Australian Design Rule 24, "Tyre & Rim Selection" must continue to comply with this Design Rule (contact the Department of Transport and Regional Services for more details).


k. The fitment of so called "plus one" and "plus two" and tyres is acceptable providing :


- the overall diameter of the large rims fitted with the lower profile tyres do not exceed the overall diameter

-all tyres and rims fitted to the vehicle are of the same size and profile

-with the exemption of item (f), the tyres and rims are in conformity with the requirements specified above in items (a) to (j).


l. Reducing the wheel track less than the original manufacturers specification is not permitted, as this may reduce vehicle stability.




If there is anything you'd like to add, feel free.

Cheers,
Nik


Subaru Unveils "SUBARU BRZ"

29 November 2011 - 12:20 PM

Subaru Unveils "SUBARU BRZ"

.....again? I suppose. But offiisshhoooo dis tyam!




Subaru Unveils "SUBARU BRZ"

Tokyo, November 30, 2011 - Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, announced its world premiere of "SUBARU BRZ (display model)" at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011. (Open to public from December 3 to 11 at Tokyo Big Sight)

SUBARU BRZ is a rear-wheel drive sports car featuring the Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine. It was developed as a joint-project between Subaru and Toyota Motor Corporation, to bring to the world a sports car with superior steering response and driving pleasure that everyone can experience. The Subaru Boxer engine in the BRZ was positioned even lower than other Subaru models so that the BRZ has one of the lowest possible centers of gravity s on the market today. This low center of gravity produces astonishing handling character and combined with a light-weight chassis BRZ realizes Subaru's aim for "Pure Handling Delight" -- the driving experience taken to a new level.

Major Features

Concept

The product concept of BRZ is "Pure Handling Delight." The Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine has inherent qualities of low center of gravity, lightweight, and compactness. These attributes are maximized by placing this engine even lower and closer to the center of the chassis. These factors contributed to BRZ's low center of gravity -one of the lowest possible. The BRZ is a fun sports car that any driver can enjoy driving with peace of mind.

Design

"Ultra-low Center of Gravity Package"

The BRZ has a low-mounted Boxer engine on a specially designed sub-frame that forms an "ultra-low center of gravity package". With this arrangement, BRZ achieved a low driving position typical of a sports car. Overall height of BRZ is 1,300 mm and it has a wide and low body of a stylish coupe at 1775mm. Yet, it allows for 2+2 seating and a trunk with ample space. Not only is the BRZ a sports car, but it can also be a suitable partner for long tours with its unexpected utility.

Exterior

Subaru aimed for a sports car design that instinctively conveys the car's fun-to-drive character. In addition, it was detailed to be instantly recognizable as a Subaru.

Front fascia

The "ultra-low center of gravity package" also allowed a low hood design. This low hood and bulging front fenders raise expectations for the BRZ's drivability. Also, to communicate the Subaru identity the Subaru six-star ornament, headlights and hexagon lower grille follow the Subaru design motif common across new Subaru models.

Side

The low center of gravity enhances BRZ's sensuous beauty with its shapely fender flares. The aesthetic beauty is combined with functional beauty that advances aerodynamics through such areas as the C-pillar shape, rear glass inclination, trunk lid layout. As would be expected from a sports car, the front and rear overhangs were shortened to express the BRZ's liveliness. The front fender is accentuated with a distinctive garnish.

Rear fascia

The projecting rear wheel arches sit by way of contrast to the compact cabin and emphasizes the beauty of the BRZ's rear view.

Interior

Details were carefully designed to allow a new level of fun-to-drive experience in which the driver and vehicle become one.

- The steering wheel was made smaller to achieve sports car maneuverability.

- A tachometer with digitally displayed speedometer is placed in the center of the gauges so that the driver can instantly see information without diverting attention from the road.

- Bespoke sports car seats were designed to hold the driver and passenger and feature lowered sitting positions to match the "ultra-low center of gravity package".

Mechanisms

Engine

Making full use of the design concept of the new-generation Boxer engine, the newly developed engine made exclusively for the BRZ is highly efficient with superior output and environmental friendliness. It realizes an exhilarating high revving nature of a naturally aspirated sports engine.

- It has square bore and stroke of 86 X 86 mm.

- Due to the joint development with Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota's direct injection and port injection technology "D-4S" was incorporated in the BRZ's power unit.

- To achieve the "ultra-low center of gravity package", the engine as a whole has been made more compact by such means as adopting the shorter intake manifold and the shallower oil pan.

· Transmission

The joy of sports car driving was realized through a transmission that focuses on shift feel and response.

- The 6-speed MT employs a short stroke shift lever. The lever was optimized in rigidity, shift quality and weight application in its pursuit of a superb shift feel.

- The 6-speed AT has "S mode" for better shifting response and "M mode" for optional shifting. Also, with the paddle shift and downshifting blipping control, this model can respond faithfully to the driver's inputs.

Body

The lightweight yet highly-rigid body was developed exclusively to maximize the advantages of the "ultra-low center of gravity package".

- Low center of gravity and low driving position were achieved by the perimeter type body frame layout.

- The body has a rigid and durable frame structure that also works in balance with the vehicle's light-weight. The rigidity is optimized for high drivability and appropriate durability is maintained for collision safety.

- High tensile steel was used in the body to contribute to weight reduction. Effective use of this material in the upper structure of the BRZ contributed to its low center of gravity.

- The front hood employs aluminum for lightness. The structure was fine-tuned for a low styling that also improves pedestrian protection performance.

Chassis

Excellent maneuverability and stability of the "ultra-low center of gravity package" offers direct and sharp response to steering and enhances driver's connection to the car

- The front suspension employs struts for light-weight and high rigidity, while a double wishbone layout is adopted at the rear for better shock absorption.

- To gain a low front hood from the "ultra-low center of gravity package", the front strut mount was lowered while maintaining the stroke.

- The tires are 215/45R17 combined with lightweight and highly rigid aluminum wheels.

- All models are equipped with electronic stability control to provide both driving pleasure and safety.

Source [Autoblog via Subaru]

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Cheers,

Nik