New to ACC and on the hunt for an AC Cobra replica.

[ICETOO]

Hi ACC members,

My name is Adam an I live on the central coast of NSW.

I am on the hunt for AC cobra replica as a replacement pride and joy.

For many years I have considered bolting together a kit car of this type but with the new certificate of compliance scheme introduced by the RMS compliance with ADR requirements for a 2012 ICV will extend the build cost in excess of my budget.

Accordingly, I am looking to source a quality used replica, but am having difficulty finding a NSW registered or previously NSW engineered option from interstate (that will still satisfy the six month sunset clause on the previous certification scheme).

I feel the question is.... apart from the traps out there from sellers looking to make a quick buck on a lesser build quality vehicle.... has anyone imported and registered an AC replica from interstate (that did not have NSW recognized Engineering certification previously) and what hoops do we have to jump through to get a currently registered and engineered interstate AC certified in NSW.

Will this be considered as a newly constructed ICV regardless and subsequently required to meet 2012 build regs (ie, ABS, side intrusion, emissions, air bags, etc)?

I have contacted RTA (RMS) technical services and they seem to think that noting legislation for the new certification scheme has not been specifically considered for interstate certification, that the previous engineering considerations will remain extant and therefore noting nil NSW engineering certification that the vehicle will need to be certified under the new scheme against current standard, irrespective of build date ...but they did say they were not 100 percent sure.

I appreciate any insight that those who are clearly experienced with this type of vehicle can provide.

[boxhead]

If your looking for a new car, contact PhilM.
He is building a Classic Revival (being painted at the moment) and is looking to sell the car with NSW rego.

And welcome along.

[ICETOO]

Thanks Box...will do...

still interested in any interstate rego transfer info too.....

[ICETOO]

Hi all, as the research continues, I have found this thread.....

have you registered a cobra in NSW?

..... and initial interpretations appear similar to that advice provided by the rta in my previous post.....

....still nothing concrete as per year of construction certification requirement though

[boxhead]

Check this one out, with new info over the past few days.
My assessment of the ICV Rego process in NSW

And Phils car is affectionatly known as "The Orphan"
Orphan

[ICETOO]

Cheers Box...caught that one...still this interstate thing is hard to get to the bottom off.....

....as their are some great interstate buys, but it is a lot of cash to invest and then have some Cert IV Auto eng (yes I know there are a few ME qualled guys but cert iV was the min stipulated by rta req) who has done the cert rta cse, folked out funds, got a certification ticket and having bad day who determines I now got to spend another 15K making a 1997 car compliant with 2012 build

Now I do know there are some engineering certifiers onboard who are going out of their way to get this info across and I am sure their efforts are appreciated by all as well as myself..but I really got to measure twice to cut once here...especially when the NSW regulating body does not appear to be fully conversant of all the legislatory changes.

[Beejay]

Icetoo

What is your rough budget?

Ben

[ICETOO]

Lets say around 50K.

I know there are some unreal late model builds about for the 100K mark, but I am hunting for something in good condition, that does not have to be brand new......from a reputable kit manufacturer that still supports its product or is supported by other manufacturers.

Basically, an AC replica, 5.8 liter plus (302 strokers, LS1 and LS2 OK too), 5 slot manual (tremec for eg) definitely not an auto fan, reasonable suspension and steering set up (not keen on the Toyota crown, torana donor type set ups), with reasonable engineering integrity that I have half a chance of getting engineered and regoed in NSW.

I am in no great rush, but as much as I would like a fire breathing 7.0 liter plus with a six speed, the wife will not provide financial approval of this scope.

At least this way I can still get some hands on enhancements with left of budget (with in NSW regs that is ) and have a great weekender.

Thanks to the guys who have PM'ed so far and wet the appetite, but I got to be realistic so I do not waste peoples time...but at the same time get my own VFM too

[Treeve]

G'day big fella,

Give me a call on 0429 450 222 tomorrow, and I'll guide you through all you need to know. The new scheme means nothing has changed except the name, the insurance requirements, and who can participate. The rules are the same.

I'm a signatory, but I'm an enthusiast first, and genuinely want to help dispell a few myths. It appears from what you have said that someone has fed you a line - from where I'm sitting I now have clarity about what you need for an ICV and should be able to certify it for about $3k.

Call me and I'll help you where I can.

Cheers,

Treeve

[boxhead]

At $50k budget, you will have to look at older NSW approved cars only.
As you say you will have too re engineer any other state vehicle to meet NSW regs.
If your willing to wait, you may get lucky, but I think you will struggle to get what you want and complied at that price.
Maybe something older with standard 302 that needs work will come up, then once you have it registered in your name, you can rebuild with stroker motor?

[ICETOO]

Cheers Box and Treeve, sorta along the plan I had and was also considering a little bit of Eaton enhancement of a 5.0 too down the track that is.

Treeve will send you a PM to organize a time for a chat.

[Philm]

HI Adam,
I see you have the disease now, so there is no hope for you.

Good luck with your search and thankyou David for suggesting the Orphan.

but I think the Orphan is looking at a different buyer, and for the people who know me well, I may not sell it!

Phil

[ICETOO]

Originally Posted by Philm

but I think the Orphan is looking at a different buyer,

Phil

Cheers Phil, appreciate the feedback...the "Orphan" will be a lot more than my proposed budget LOL I get it and fair enough with all that work.

I have had the Bug for years, just the first time I have been in a position to start the patient hunt for a Cobra rep. i think I have loved these since the old Ampol advert back in 86, when I must of filled in 1000's of those Ampol tickets to win one

In the mean time I will continue hunting, doing my homework to ascertain the do's and do nots, hopefully after chin waggin with Treeve come up with a certification plan...and keep tweaking the commuter to outrageous levels of 4 pot performance

[RMD]

Can I put in my five cents worth. Im from South Africa, very close to where the Bacdraft cars are built. I am friends with Tony Martin and John Scott at the factory. My car has often been used by them as a demo car for interested overseas buyers.

My input is, be carefull what you buy. In order for the car to be truly worthy in my opinion it must be manual. I have an LS1 coupled to a Supra gearbox and a BM diff. The car is absolutely stunning to drive and never ever gets old. It has so much grunt that you never can get complacent with it. I have seen cars with more hourse power but the combination I have seems to be the greatest mix. The motor mapping has been tweaked just a bit and it never fails to impress.

I cant say I have pushed the car to its absolute limits but I have done some track time and been well happy with its performance.

So these are the important bits for me.

Fuel Injection would be one. As it just makes it reliable and hassle free. I have other carb fed cars and they always need a tweak.

Manual shift. Make sure the gearbox is strong enough because they can break. Landcruiser or supra gearboxes are great and ratio's are very similar.
If anything. I would have had a ratio with not so long legs as I hardly ever need to use 5th, just not enough road.

Diff: Personally I would prefer limited slip, but that is debatable and depends who's driving.

Do not buy a Jag supensioned car. ( there are many of them for sale over here)That was as good as we had back then but just doesnt cut it today. I have a Jag suspensioned hotrod and there is no comparison.

Backdraft are developing a car with uprated BM suspension which should be even better than whats available now , But I assure you the BM suspension we have now is very good. The car is planted and its only the right foot at the wrong time that gets its crossed up.

As for the laws your side of the world, they are simply nutty. Talk about Killjoy!.

[Rob. Smith]

HEY RMD...don't knock the jag suspension. there's lost of things to do with those set-ups. They can perform very well indeed. I've got a Jag set-up but I will admit that there many other "better" and easier set-ups. If you just want to "bolt one in" then you can expect standard Jag performance......race jags don't leave em standard.

[Beejay]

I wish you well mate.

For that kind of budget I think you are going to end up with an older or lower spec car.

You never know, you might get lucky though if you are prepared to wait.

Ben

[boxhead]

Originally Posted by Philm

and for the people who know me well, I may not sell it!

Phil

I reckon thats the first time you have admited that.

King and Queen next Nationals?

[Tenrocca]

Originally Posted by Treeve

from where I'm sitting I now have clarity about what you need for an ICV and should be able to certify it for about $3k.

Sounds good - Ill pop mine in the next time Im up visiting Moulder St.

[*Cobber*]

The Jag suspension works fantastic when set up correctly and very adjustable. Able to run deep dish wheels etc. Do your homework and find out how each kit sets up the suspension / sway bars front & rear etc. Many of the 50k cars will have Jag suspension.

[Treeve]

By all means. Give me a call and we can arrange something.

Treeve