Certification requirements for wheels and engine

[explode64]

Hi I have a few questions that I would like help with as I plan some work on my car. I don’t want to end up getting the car certified multiple times if I don’t have to.

1) The car is currently certified for the adjustable suspension using a defined size of wheel on the cert plate.
I am now in the position that I want to change the wheels on the car as my old tyres need replacing. I don’t want replace tyres on wheels as I have another set at home but they are wider.
I realise that I will have to get the car re-certified as the size has changed. Is there a certifier in Auckland that will not charge a full $600 to allow me to just change the wheel size?

2) I also have plans to modify the car’s engine over winter (or may be next winter) which may require a “Mod” Cert. If the car is modified but is kept less than 50% more than stock power will it require the “Mod” Cert?
3) Is there a list of engine modifications that can be done to a factory turbo car that will require a “mod certification” even if the power is not increased by 50%
I.e change to an aftermarket turbo that is internally wastgated or change to an aftermarket turbo that is externally wastgated?

4) If I do require the Mod cert what safety additions do I need to make to the car other than the drive shaft loop?
Do I have to replace all the brakes, or do the brakes just need to pass a test? Are there any other things?

[Leon]

Good morning,

I can't quote for certifers, they are all independent businesses, so you will have to call some certfiers to get get prices from them.

In Auckland you've got a lot of certifiers to choose from.

www.lvvta.org.nz/contact.html#certifier

For the engine modifications, have a look at the LVV Certification Threshold, which contains all you will need to know. If you're changing the wastegate on a turbo, yes, that definitely requires LVV cert.

No, you don't necessarily need to upgrade your brakes, it really depends on the car.  Some cars have overkill brakes, other cars have barely adequate brakes.  They just need to pass the cyclic braking test (either 3 or 5 x 100kph to 0, depending on your level of power increase).  Yes, driveshaft loops are likely to be needed.

(13-1 Engine & drive train)
LVV Certification is always required for any engine or drive-train-related modifications unless specified below: (if modification
does not appear below, always refer to LVV Certifier)
Fitting of or modification to: LVV Certification is not required provided that: (refer to LVV Certifier if beyond threshold below)
Substitution of engines  when compared with the OE engine, the replacement engine:
 is of the same or less cubic capacity; and
 has equal or less weight; and
 has the same or less power output; and
 uses the same fuel (petrol, diesel, LPG, CNG); and
 uses the same unmodified attachment points and system (ie bolts-in); and
 uses the same family of block and cylinder head from the same vehicle
manufacturer; and
 is of the same configuration.
Minor modifications to OE engine  the modifications result in not more than 20% more power than the OE engine,
which may include the fitting of:
 extractor or free-flow exhaust manifolds, big bore exhaust systems; or
 changed intake manifolds; or
 changed or multiple carburettors; or
 modified fuel injection systems; or
 changed ignition systems; or
 alternative cold air box induction systems.
Note: LVV certification is always required for the fitting of a supercharger or turbocharger as a
modification, or the upgrading of a supercharger, turbo or wastegate, or the re-chipping of
electronic engine control units on turbo vehicles.

www.lvvta.org.nz/documents/suplementary_information/LVVTA_LVV_Cert_Threshold.pdf

The same information is repeated also on NZTA's VIRM pages.
vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/in-service-wof-and-cof/general/miscellaneous-items/engine-and-transmission

See the tables and images tab (which I can't link directly to sorry).


www.lvvta.org.nz/documents/standards/LVVTA_STD_Braking_Systems.pdf
Braking standard, in which it talks about the brake test(s).


www.lvvta.org.nz/documents/infosheets/LVVTA_Info_07-2016_Drive-shaft_Safety-loop_Requirements.pdf
Driveshaft safety loop infosheet (recently updated)