RubyRS4

Well I'm heading out the door now for the 10 hour drive to Phillip Island. I don't really follow the V8s, but guess I got the best seat there ... and thank God they've got some Australian Superbike racing there too Got my SAU hoodie. If I see a TV camera (no doubt I will), I'll be sure to represent See all you lads again when I get back on Monday night.

Rory Thompson did my 1600. Was great to talk to and very helpful in all areas of modification and ADRs.

Fixed.

Looks porn!

Good to hear minimal damage and un-toasted.

Updated the pics:

Might be a week or two before you hear back. The list of requirements will come via snail mail, and you'll have 12 months to carry them out.

Thanks for that info Too true. When I had a cage installed in my 1600 I had a massive debate over the stupid $1200 charge for a chassis test, to prove the roll cage improved (minimised) the flex of the chassis. I argued its quite obvious that a roll cage would improve the its rating on the chassis test. Ended up tracking down an engineer who had done just the test to the same vehicle and same 4 point cage. It was like saying "we need you to pay $1200 to prove those Brembos improves the braking of your vehicle". Its kinda bloody obvious isn't it? Why do I need to spend lots of cash to prove how stupid your request is?

Thanks Krishy. I just didn't want to waste a lunch break taking a dead end.

Quick (dumb) question ... Where is a good place to buy one of those baffle inserts for JunBL mufflers? (approx 5" outlet) Ebay? ... or just go to someone like AAA. They should have something in stock yes?

Watch out if you're caught not wearing ADR approved sunglasses too!

I think its silly that you are more commonly expected to replace a (say) 15 year old R33 seat with another 15 year old seat. To fit a new (aftermarket) seat, you need to jump thru hoops. To my knowledge, there is only one brand of reclinable seat with ADR approval? I had fixed back seats in my 1600, but I had that engineered anyway (to go with the roll cage - needed a certain head-to-cage clearance), and can't recall the details of getting it approved. BUt as far as I recall, reclinables were not an option. It had to be fixed back seats.

Its funny that the seat belt (preventing you from exiting thru the windscreen) is not part of the seat assembly. There is however the concern about back injury if you're hit hard from behind and the backrest part of the seat collapses. I'm really considering fitting aftermarket seats in the car. Anyone know of any ADR approved fixed back seats?

I've filled out those Application to Modify forms many times when it came to my CA18DET 1600 and SR20 supercharged 200B. Its a form where you basically state what modifications you have or intend to have. Lodge it, and you'll be sent a list of requirements for any engineer to certify. I know when I did the CA18DET conversion they requested a chassis strength test, brake upgrade balance test etc. Cost me like $1000 to get the Engineer to certify all that. I remember it was a nightmare getting approval for my adjustable radius rods and control arms, roll cage, and massive 330mm brake upgrade on the 1600, then there was the top-mount VG30BB. When I did my SR20 supercharged conversion to the 200B, I didn't need the chassis strength test for whatever reason. But it had to have a Regency inspection for brake upgrade, wiring etc ... without needing an Engineers report. The inspectors were doubtful, but they passed it. Mostly because I filled the forms required and I was trying to do the right thing. I've never been questioned on those cars ... However I did get another 200B defected before that. Had a L20B punched out to 2.2 litres, big cams, twin webbers, big brakes etc. Had an Engineers report, but the two bike cops wanted to defect me anyway. They couldn't touch a thing on the list, so they did me for tyres (80% at the time btw) which was rubbish, and put me down for a Regency inspection. Drove straight to the cop shop, showed them my eng cert and the rubbish defect. They promptly removed it immediately without charge. I had the right documentation to go with my car, and they had no right to defect it. The short answer is: if you have submitted an application to modify and have the mods approved/certified, then the cops should be satisfied with what is on the list.

Yeah ... wonder how the media will spin it? "Hoons turn to new wave of crime!"

I'm in. Might be a +1 ... but Tracy is a nurse and may be working. Can I let you know closer to the date?

Ben, Shane is off to Japan tomorrow, and I'm off to PI the day after. Let me sort this out on my return Tuesday next week? Got too much on my list atm. But put me in, for now, as a maybe for already having my own accommodation, a maybe/yes for the saturday brekkie.

I promise you there is no 26 in this 4 door 33

Yep. Def series 2 reo upside-down.

Yeah, nice try

Heck, I might go for a set too. How hard are they to get?

Can't keep everyone happy all the time

Yep ... nice pics Gotta get some decent ones of the Stagea one day

There are lots Kye. What, specifically, did you have in mind? Look hard enough and you can find a 32 GTR in need of some TLC. I know of a 4 door 33 for sale

Well I've only started on a few items on my list and already better. Since fitting the stock FPR back in, the Stagea has ran better. Today we repaired the CAS and checked the timing ... and the stag is running like new! All the problems started a week or two before the dyno day when I fitted (amongst other things) the adjustable cam gear and Malpassi FPR. Turns out the FPR was one problem and the CAS was the other. When removing the timing belt cover, and leaving it off to tune the timing, it is wise to pack the CAS out with 2 washers. I didn't and it appears the shaft/bearings started to press themselves out, rubbing the disc inside badly on the signal pickup. We used the guts of the spare R33 CAS I had to rebuild the Neo CAS and the timing is spot on now. A new (suspected) problem I had confirmed today was a leaking stock BOV. Borrowed the R33 BOV to fit to the Stagea and no more leak! Too bad its out of rego now. I'll be driving the 33 for the next few months, while I get the Stagea a bit more sorted.