The future for aftermarket performance specialists...

[4Vman]

With current spectre of engineering requirements for modified suspension looming in NSW this raises an even bigger question.. what does the future hold for aftermarket performance specialists if "non factory mods" are effectively outlawed, or at the very least controlled and made very expensive due to compliance? Is this engineering requirement the first of many future rules and requirements? whats next? randon roadside electronics inspection where a computer is hooked to your car to check for tunes? Non OEM tyre fitment?
I get the feeling that for legal reasons new vehicles will be required to remain ADR compliant and factory spec for their entire life, or maybe the authorities are trying to stifle car enthusiasts...
Scary times ahead unfortunately, will this put more pressure on the need for "factory" performance where if its factory its legal?

[Hords]

They surely can't let it get to out of hand. Think of how many companies would fold.

[platinumXR]

It will be interesting to see where this goes. I would be hesitant to think it will end up going too much further.

I used to manage an Autopro, and that I can think of; there would not be too many parts that would not be illegal to put on any vehicle SHOULD this idiotic legislation be introduced let alone passed. Most of the suppliers whilst meeting ADR compliance and ISO Standards, would have trouble justifying why their components should be of benefit over factory standard other than for PERFORMANCE benefits.

If you want to get into very specific letter of law, in NSW at least: modifying your car in any way from factory specification is contrary to compliance and therefore illegal [regardless of certain engineering inspection and approval - but that's for another thread and too specific for here] however it is excessive and unsafe modifications are what are supposed to be, being targeted I suspect, and not spring height travel of an EL XR6 after a full esky is put in the boot like the 5mm cited in this legislation this Dribbler Daley wants to implement.

[Falcon Coupe]

For those who do not browse the Sponsor forums, Pedders have already taken action:

http://fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11266794

[platinumXR]

Originally Posted by Pedders

We are currently drafting a letter that will be sent in the next 24 hours requesting an immediate meeting with the Minister to highlight both the shortcomings in the policy and the gross misconceptions raised in this press release.

Got it in one, nice work Pedders.

[DJR-351]

Originally Posted by 4Vman

With current spectre of engineering requirements for modified suspension looming in NSW this raises an even bigger question.. what does the future hold for aftermarket performance specialists if "non factory mods" are effectively outlawed, or at the very least controlled and made very expensive due to compliance? Is this engineering requirement the first of many future rules and requirements? whats next? randon roadside electronics inspection where a computer is hooked to your car to check for tunes? Non OEM tyre fitment?
I get the feeling that for legal reasons new vehicles will be required to remain ADR compliant and factory spec for their entire life, or maybe the authorities are trying to stifle car enthusiasts...
Scary times ahead unfortunately, will this put more pressure on the need for "factory" performance where if its factory its legal?

I and a few of my close mates firmly belive we are seeing the old "Supercar" scare of the seventies cycling around again, albeit with a slightly different slant, and a lot more involved.

ADR has never being more stronger than it is today, vehicals have to be built to conform to ever stringent emission standards, when we are talking about impact survivability nearly every component in the car comes into play, insurance companies are coming down hard on modified vehicals involved in accidents by using the modification as an excuse not to pay out on the claim, ie: the modification contributed to the accident or its outcome, and we insured an ADR compliant vehical, your vehical no longer complies to ADR so your policy is void.

Expanding on 4VMANs example , the vehical was tested and met ADR requirements with the supplied suspension from factory, you have modified the suspension which has not been tested/approved to ADR so said vehical is illegal in the eyes of the law.

Cars these days are being built to conform with so many regulations that producing aftermarket performance upgrades will become non-viable due to the costs involved to make them compliant.

The manufacturer is playing a leading role in this by making it extremely cost prohibitive on the aftermarket producers, but on the same hand they have to pay the costs for the rigorous testing to get ADR.

At the end of the day it comes down to liability and who pays up in court, and to have the ability to prove the vehical is not ADR compliant so easily will save the insurance companies on payout, and make it easier for the law to affix blame....

My 2c worth

[Brendo_GSUte]

Well done pedders! Teach the fool something!

but this wont be the last i think, now that a 300Kw car is quite easy to come by (for some of us!) the authorities will start to clamp down on how much power a car can have. All it takes is a naieve "suit" and our hobbies will be over :(

[BJ]

Well going by what i saw last night people are now more than ever pepered to fight for there hobby.