ratbox wrote:something else, as yor in NSW you didn't have any engineer probs re: the front end/chassis construction? as i've spoken to an engineer before with a simular idea but he said it would then make the car full home made chassis and would the be classified as indivdually construcked vehicle.
P.S i wasn't serious about how long it took just being a dik

Technically you are right, Engineer terminology is vastly different from 1 engineer to the other. Some say you can do this , some say you can't. I have done quite a few vehicles in my time and have had different engineers look at them, what 1 engineer will say is ok for that another will you can't do it. I found out in my situation that if the firewall has not been modified more than 5-10% and the vehicle retains at least 2 of the original subframes it is not classed as ICV, now due to the fact that the EK is an actual monocoque body and the front subframe bolts off I did in fact retain 2 of the rear tie subframes and the front tie subframes, the welding of the new floor and the chassis rails are add ons to the original body, and tie everything as one unit.
(when I return form Syd I will get my car on the hoist and take some pics for you to see what I'm on about)
But in saying all of this the main thing to do, is talk to your engineer before embarking on your project or stay in full consultation of the 1 engineer who is inspecting your vehicle and discuss with him all the mods your doing and have the vehicle inspected at various stages as I did.
The only problem I had that when I 1st had my 350 chev insitu for the chassis inspection the engineer said it was OK to run that size motor, that was in 2004, but in Feb 2006 RTA change the regs so engine size fitted is according to kerb weight of the original vehicle so I had to adjust my engine size to 305CI due to original weight of the EK sedan is 1145KGS.
I could have mentioned that I had a 327 cause the formula allows the maximum engine size as 329ci but the only problem is that the Vortec motor never come out in that size so 305 was the option.
I needed the norm as in retratable seat belts front and rear + lap sash for middle position on rear seat, 2 speed wiper motor + washers. Heater demister with on screen control. Collapsable steering column and laminated front windscreen. Tyre and wheel size are also affected to handle the current weight of the modified vehicle.
Hope this help you,
Regards John.