Victoria, adjustable coilover question

[MCiN7]

Hi all, tomorrow I'm getting a MKIV Golf GL.

I've seen mixed feedback about Engineers Certificates and Adjustable Coilovers.

Are they illegal in Victoria?
If not;
Confirming they do require a Engineers Certificate?

Has anyone got an engineers certificate, and what was the price to get the certificate and the car tested?

Cheers, just looking for an answer.

[Jace]

You'll get more hear-say than anything from a car forum. Best to ask the RTA or cops or something if you're really concerned about it.

I'm not, so I don't have an answer for you.

[mikinoz]

I am sure your VicRoads crowd have a document like this...

http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/registration/downloads/vsi/vsi_06_-_guidelines_for_light_vehicle_modifications_nov_2007.pdf

In NSW, they are legal, this is the guideline...

Besides assuring a comfortable ride, a vehicle’s suspension system controls wheel movement for handling and road holding. Manufacturers conduct extensive test programs to develop suitable suspension settings. Adjustments, such as lowering the vehicle, can upset the suspension characteristics and cause unpredictable handling. Generally, roll stabilizer bars, axle locating rods, upgraded shock absorbers or upgraded springs may be used provided they are suitable for the vehicle and are properly fitted. However, the following suspension modifications are not acceptable:
␣ Welding forged components such as stub axles or control arms.
␣ Fitting longer, non-standard shackles to leaf springs.
␣ Fitting any additional components or altering the suspension so that the wheels or tyres may contact any component under the full range of suspension and steering travel.
␣ Fitting any additional components or altering the suspension ride height so that any part of the vehicle other than a wheel or tyre can contact the road in the event of a tyre deflation.
If major changes to the suspension (such as substitution of a non standard front cross member) are carried out, they should be done under the strict guidance of an engineering signatory.

Best of luck.

[dylan8]

As above, you will have to check with vicroads.
Have heard of people getting defected for it, other cops dont even know what they are...
I have them, never being pulled up or checked for having coilovers, only for being low.

[The_Hawk]

I rang the RTA, then an engineer to try and find out what was what in NSW a while back now. I can tell you in NSW there is no such thing as an engineers certificate for suspension. It's either legal or not. Period.

The rules say you must maintain 2/3rds of the original suspension travel AND be no lower than 100mm. Measured from the wheel centre to the guard.

There is an online tool they/you can look up the "allowed" drop (don't recall anymore where it is), but it only cover 2004+ vehicles (or there abouts). The old ones are still in books on paper somewhere. Mind you, when I was looking it listed one of the VW's I was looking at at something like 1mm allowed drop. There was also one that the allowed drop showed the stock "sports" package to be illegal so there is definitely issues with the list. That said, the 2/3rds and 100mm should always apply.


Of course that doesn't help you in Victoria now does it.

[mikinoz]

Of course that doesn't help you in Victoria now does it.

My Grandma's views on car modifications are more progressive than VicRoads.

[MCiN7]

Cheers, those are good enough answers!

Guess I'll order a set!

I'll post an intro when I get my car.

Thanks again.