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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - NSW RTA

Hi guys,
The question is mainly for Australians;

Has anyone converted a 1800 C/B B or GT to Rover v8 in New South Wales?
I have been told it can't be done due to RTA rules!
I know I will need an engineer on my side but for such a well documented conversion there must be a way.

Cheers, Warren.

Sorry (RTA-Road Traffic Authority )THE FUN POLICE!!
Warren

I can't see why not. Unless they've changed the rules recently. You will need an Engineers certificate (about $400 or $500. It is pretty much a rubber stamp job because The MB GT V8 was a factory car. The RV8 (early ninties)
was also factory. Plenty of those driving around NSW's. Also plenty of V8 conversions around.
There are a couple of people from Sydney who post here. They should chime in. I've read (not sure how true) that if yo use the "RV8 style, through the guards" extractors (and you really do want to I promise, more power and solves the overheating problems for good) you must obtain the RV8 hole reinforcing surrounds. You can get those from Clive wheatly in England for about a hundred dollars. Show them the receipts, genuine MG part.
If you stick to the standdard bits and pieces you should be fine.


Dellow automotive (based in sydney) sell conversion Bell housings for supra/rover motors (along with a whole lot of other motor bellhousings and bits.
Step one-ring the Authority and get them to refer you to their list of engineers. Go talk to him. Doesn't hurt to make a preliminary contact and even if he/she charges you $60 for a preliminary consult(most don't) well worth it to ovoid expensive mistakes, and he may know where to buy brake upgrades , tyres etc to save $

Peter

Warren,

Yes you will need an engineer and fitting the GT with an engine of the same type and capacity as the original (Rover 3.5 V8 in other words) is the most straightforward way to go from the legal stand point.
This is fitting an engine which the factory fitted as an option.

There is a 12 page guide on the RTA NSW website telling you in brief about what is legal and what isn't.
It is in pdf form.
Go to;
http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/
Use the search facility and enter "modified vehicles"
It is document number 58.

Cheers , Pete.
Peter Thomas

Warren, first find an RTA approved engineer who is willing to certify for your conversion, assuming it meets with the neccessary requirements.The RTA "rules", for engine conversions, which appeared in 1994, are "guidelines". so the final decision rests with the engineer. A couple of new V8 coversions showed up at the recent MG concours day in Sydney,so it's still possible. Email me if you have any other questions. Barrie E
Barrie Egerton

Warren,

There is one on ebay for sale with engineer's plate

item # 150175547660


Bob
Bob Fisher

Thanks for your help guys,
So far I have found there is a big difference in the way NSW RTA looks at modified cars in comparison to Vic or QLD.I have read the documents and guide line from the RTA and originally thought there would not be a problem.So over the past couple of years I have collected all the parts required,sebring body kit, 3.9 Rover with a cut down EFI and a good LT77.I spoke to an MG company in Sydney where they told me that my dream car could not be made.I pushed the issue and at one stage had four people leaning over the counter telling me I was wasting my time and money. I found out this car can be made in Vic and probably Qld and therefore once made there can then be re-registered in NSW. Monday mornings job will be to interograte the RTA to find a sympathetic engineer or sell up and move wife and child to a new state. once again thanks for your help and input. I will update when I find an engineer.

Cheers
Warren
Warren

This thread was discussed between 24/10/2007 and 27/10/2007

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