Thanks guys for the support. The only down side of this project is going to be the drive across the the Jeep muster next year!
So a bit more info...
Yep, the build is happening in Perth
Timeframe: I would expect to be another few months. It could have been a little earlier as we initially intended to stick with the standard diffs and do the upgrade as “Stage 2” once the engine was complete. We only decided to do the diffs about two – three weeks ago which means ratios, install kits, lockers and all the externals parts, spring perches, upper and lower control mounts etc need to be ordered and shipped. The easy part was finding the diffs but that’s a direct result of talking to Brian. For a build like this, you need a good team of people!
The person who gave me the idea regarding the diffs was Wooders, who even though is extremely busy, gave his time and was a great help in getting over a few hurdles. (Wooders, I hope you recognize the side steps which I now class as collectors items!)
I’m not putting a timeframe on it as this stage, and it’s probably too early to estimate with accuracy, rather we are just letting the work follow a natural progression. When I teamed up with Rodge to get this project started, my only direction was that it needed to be done properly (which is the only way he will have) so if we need to wait for some part to arrive, or we need to drive to Albany to have a MAFless tune and the torque curves reprogrammed, then that’s what needs to be done. But rest assured all the parts are ordered, and until it’s finished it’s taking up room in his garage so it’s definitely sooner rather than later.
Pre-build Permit: In W.A. there are minor modifications that can be completed without a permit. A few include:
• Additional Lighting
• Alarm Systems
• Roof Racks
• Stereo Systems
• Sun visors etc
You can also change the tyre size and aspect ratio within certain guide lines.
Anything else needs to be approved. The pre-approval systems ensures that the intended modifications, if done correctly, fall within necessary criteria, namely:
• The modification doesn’t reduce the strength of the vehicle body;
• The modification doesn’t reduce the controllability of the vehicle; and
• The modification doesn’t reduce the safety of the vehicle.
My intended modifications have been assessed by DPI to fall within the capability of the vehicle and the strength of the chassis and the long arm kit was assessed (on paper) to improve handling (anybody who has one can probably attest to this). In order to be approved, an engineer will assess each modification against a set of pre determined criteria. As part of his assessment he will calculate if a handling test is required (lane change test or similar) to ensure suitability which is subsequently submitted to DPI as you go over the pit’s where they inspect your workmanship and adherence to the National Codes of Practice. Then once you have done all that, you get a letter confirming your approval which you keep in the glove box to show anyone who questions your modifications legality.
This is a very onerous process to follow, but I’m going through this for a couple of reasons
1. I don’t want to do all this work to get a yellow sticker and then try to get it registered retrospectively. This would be a complete nightmare;
2. I want it insured;
3. I want to keep this baby for as long as I possibly can; and most importantly
4. This process will actually ensure the projects safety. Whilst it will be cool to have a V8 under the bonnet, nobody wants to be driving around a death trap.
But bottom line...it will be cool.
Cheers
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