Question about emissions

Beelzeboss · #1 11-06-2009, 05:20 AM

Hey,

Just checking out a possible donor car and had a question about whether or not it will pass ADR37/01 emissions testing (I'm in NSW). It's a 1998 Commodore VT SS 5.0. I read that 1998 and later cars should pass 37/01 but I'm not sure.

Also, is 180,000k's too many? Keep in mind I'm on a cheap budget, a rebuild in the future when I have money is an option.

Cheers,
Andrew

Beejay · #2 11-06-2009, 01:49 PM

Hello Andrew,

If you are in NSW you need an engine that is within 3 years of your registration date. ie. if you plan to register in 2010 you need a 2007 or newer motor.

There are rumors that the standards might be relaxed, but I would not count on it!

If I was starting again I would get a 6 litre wreck and sell of all the other bits.

Hope this helps.

Ben

Merv and Sharon · #3 11-06-2009, 02:49 PM

What state are you in Andrew? In QLD you can still use a Ford small block.

Merv

Beelzeboss · #4 11-06-2009, 05:19 PM

Cheers Beejay, but there is someone on another forum I frequent, OzClubbies, who has a letter from the NSW ombudsman stating that emissions testing for new ICV's (in NSW) has been changed to an IM240 test to 37/01 standards.
On that basis, does anyone know if it will pass? I'm fairly certain I'll keep looking for a different donor (I'm making a Lotus 7 copy), it's just that if this wrecked car I'm looking at is cheap enough then I may go the V8 route. MX-5's, the donor car of choice, are pretty expensive...

Merv, I'm in NSW.

400TT · #5 11-06-2009, 05:39 PM

Yes, NSW is now accepting ADR 37/01 for ICV's.

I doubt that engine would be 37/01 compliant.

37/01 was phased in during 1997-1999 period.

Manufacturers were given time to phase out old models. All new models during that period were then required to be 37/01 compliant.

Holden introduced the LS1 in 1999 and dropped the old 5.0 lt. I expect part of the reason the 5.0lt was dropped was due to it's emissions compliance.

So look for a 1999 onwards engine to be safe. So that means Holden LS1, LS2 and onwards. And Ford Falcon AU 5.0lt & 5.6lt.

To get any more specific information than that you would need to contact Holden directly and get appropriate supporting documents.

*Cobber* · #6 11-06-2009, 06:07 PM

Interesting, if you now only need to pass an IM240 you could probably get the 5.0lt through with some new cats and a tune.
It's a mine field out there with regs and no clear direction so get advise directly from the relevant dept before buying anything.

The IM240 test was pulled here in the West due to some issues with how it was introduced so we are still on ADR3701 as far as I know.

Merv and Sharon · #7 11-06-2009, 06:49 PM

Getting tougher and tougher. Has anyone had a reply from the letters sent to various Ministers about impending stability control requirements?

Merv

Zedn · #8 11-06-2009, 07:09 PM

Merv i am posting a response in the ECS thread to bump it back to the top.

Rob. Smith · #9 11-07-2009, 04:22 AM

Beezleboss, Have you got an engineer involved ? This man should be able to tell you exactly what you can or cannot use. We all have opinions...I would recommend a ford big block to make that car of yours a truly SCARY Monster. Not a bankrupt wheezy gm thingy.

400TT · #10 11-07-2009, 04:57 AM

Actually if you are keen to stick with a Holden engine, it would be a great idea to at least get into an LS1 engine. Just so much more performance potential in that engine. Plus the LS1 is significantly lighter than the old 5.0lt Holden.

Makes the question on Holden 5.0lt emissions rather moot.

Beelzeboss · #11 11-07-2009, 05:37 PM

Cheers everyone, I'll pass on the Holden 5.0. The only reason I was considering it is that it will be quite a bit cheaper, but it's not worth it.

I'll just keep looking out for a newer MX-5 or Commodore SS. My first choice is the MX-5 because many more components can be used for the build (engine, gearbox, diff, driveshafts, wheels, gauges, steering components, spindles, rear suspension, mirrors, seats, brakes, etc.), but if a cheap SS comes up then I may just go that way.

Rob, I have talked to an engineer and he is highly dubious about shoehorning a V8 into a Locost. He says he's driven an alloy V6 engined one and the handling was very different (in a bad way), and that a V8 would be even worse. I'm not too fussed as this car will mostly be driven on the road, but I think I will go with a 4 cylinder just because thats what the car's designed for and what everybody recommends.

Here's a pic of the chassis I'll be fabricating, if anyone's interested, but it will be slightly modified for IRS:

Merv and Sharon · #12 11-07-2009, 06:38 PM

There are some road tests of the Elfin with a V8 (Streamliner - I think) and they are not too complimentary. I also considered a Clubman at one stage, but with Honda 2000 motor. Plenty of power with little weight.

Merv

Zedn · #13 11-07-2009, 09:29 PM

Heres a cheap Gen3 with warranty.

http://holmart.com.au/online/prod283.htm

Beelzeboss · #14 11-07-2009, 09:37 PM

Wow that is cheap, but I know I can get an NB MX-5 for less than 4 grand, and that has pretty much every mechanical part needed for the build. Not to mention some extra parts to sell to recoup some money. Everything I've read says it's cheaper to buy a donor car than to buy the parts individually.

Merv, I'd love to have a complete S2000 for my build but they are very expensive (comparatively).

Cheers,
Andrew

400TT · #15 11-07-2009, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beelzeboss

Everything I've read says it's cheaper to buy a donor car than to buy the parts individually.

Definitely.

You also get a lot of the smaller parts in a donor as well. I've used front cuts before and it's amazing how useful a lot of the parts are in the build.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zedn

Heres a cheap Gen3 with warranty.

http://holmart.com.au/online/prod283.htm

Yeah, I saw that as well. Nice price. Doesn't the warranty thing just mean it was pulled for warranty, I didn't think it meant it had warranty. Shrug.