Importing a built kitcar

[conrads57nz]

First a hello to you all. 'Fraid I'm another import from the UK and an honoury Jaffa...

I've been reading the threads about importing a TVR and in disappointment I've set my sights on a Westfield XRT2.

If a kitcar built in the UK has passed the UK SVA would I be right to assume that it would pass the NZ Low Volume tests? Would the LTSA have a clue? Actually being a Westfield would I have to worry about the 200 model build rule?

Cheers
Conrad

[jamieheasman]

This could be a problem. Despite the kit-car tag I believe the > 200 output per annum of Westfield would be an issue. I'm not sure if you could import the parts and build it here - the Low Volume boys may well regard it as a scratch-built. Best to talk to the LVV boys.

They're certainly nice little bits of kit and I love the idea of driving a car with a big bike engine screaming behind me without the fear of god that goes with it (I used to own a Yamaha R1 and still can't believe I had it for 2 years without tasting tarmac!).

[Kiwi XTR2]

Not sure if you're still thinking about this but . . . just because a car got SVA in the UK does not mean it will be easy in NZ.

I imported a factory demo Westfield XTR² 11 weeks ago and am still having trouble :
- Front lights
- Rear lights
- Fuel tank mounting
- Brake hoses
- Universals
- Wing end plates
- Ride Height
- Rear brake calipers
etc etc etc . . . .

However it does go like an absolute demon

[Esprit]

I can imagine that it would be a minefield..... more red-tape than you could poke a stick at..... would certainly be interested to hear how you get along addressing each of these issues one by one.

[nztrev]

If there over 200 pa and don't meet our regs,strip it partailly,and sratch build over here.
Email me if you would like some contact details of low volume complience engineer's who should be able to help you.
Paul











>> Edited by nztrev on Wednesday 8th December 06:11

[Roger A]

see Kylie's note about lotus club on my posting re fraser 7 for when you sort out the logistics-i imagine it would leave my fraser for dead.

[Esprit]

Roger A said:

see Kylie's note about lotus club on my posting re fraser 7 for when you sort out the logistics-i imagine it would leave my fraser for dead.

I'd imagine an XTR-2 would leave almost everything for dead.... road OR track.

[nztrev]

There might be a few things out there that would keep up,but i'm not going to blow any trumpets till the cake's baked.

[Esprit]

450bhp TR7 anyone? :P Nah.... I'd get slaughtered.... although if I could get ahead I should be able to leave a cloud of tyre smoke thick enough to blind him :P

[Kiwi XTR2]

Blind and DEAF . . . there is a very loud sucking thing next to my left ear.

I've been advised that the best solution is to take a passenger and then you don't hear the induction noise over the screams.

I believe (rather naively) that we are now only 2 weeks away from being legal.

Another thing was the harness. I had to throw away a FIA rated Willans Pro 4x4x3 harness and replace it with some 2-inch rubbish ! ! !

[Esprit]

Yeah the law is not only an ass sometimes but it is also most of both buttocks and the upper thighs too.... I mean WHY?!?!?!

[kylie]

Kiwi XTR2 said:

I've been advised that the best solution is to take a passenger and then you don't hear the induction noise over the screams.

I will be happy to scream my lungs off for you to blag a ride, one day when compliant

I heard about the new safety harness regs through the club, the ones who race are gutted.

[jamieheasman]

Hi Kiwi Xtr2

Nice choice of car - I've always fancied a bike-powered machine.

I'm a little concerned that your car is being allowed on the road at all. Westfield easily exceed 200 cars a year and my understanding of the rules were that scratch-build or factory as soon as 200 chassis numbers were produced by the manufacturer their products became ineligible.

I'm not saying this to sh*t on your strawberries, I'm just concerned that you'll end up going through all this development and expense only to have your registration revoked at a later date. This happened to one of our fold with his TVR.

Good luck - I too would love to blag a ride when it's ready!

[Kiwi XTR2]

Thanks for that advice, I'll check it out.

I did think the critical number was 500 rather than 200 ???

[Esprit]

Kiwi XTR2 said:

Thanks for that advice, I'll check it out. I did think the critical number was 500 rather than 200 ???

Nope..... definitely 200

[jamieheasman]

Confirm with whoever it is that is taking your car through the compliance process that the frontal impact aspect is sorted. It seems to me that they let you do all the hard (expensive) work first then deny you compliance when you present the paperwork.

Also remember that just because one engineer passes it, it doesn't mean to say that any mistakes or differences in interpretation will not be picked-up on at a later date.

Once again I don't want to sound negative but the experience of most people's contact here with the LTSA is not too favourable to say the least!

Personally I think NZ can only benefit from more LM prototype-styled wailing banshee type cars on the road! Good luck.

[Esprit]

I agree with Jamie... we need more of them..... mind you, I'd not like to be behins a SUV in a XTR-2.... they could just decide they wanted to reverse without having a show of seeing you behind them and then CRUNCH.... good luck though, let us all know how you're getting on because if you can beat the system, it might show us all other loopholes we can creep through.

[turbospud]

youll be lucky if westfield have sold anywhere near 100 let alone 200 xtr2s in kit or fully built form

[jamieheasman]

It's total production, not per model.

I believe Westfield easily exceed 200 total production per year.

[venom500]

What ever,I wish you all the best,it,s a very stressful road but "if" your car meets all the regs then no worries.But don,t be fooled into thinking the "system" will be flexable.Even with our own car recently it was a very stoney path,and common sence was not the issue,it is all about regs if your car hasn,t got everything 100% then forget it.Just make sure you speak to the right people at the LTSA and get an accountable name of someone there.Our car will also be going back through compliance again soon so we can have the "safety" devices put back in.(F.I.A. approved,seats,roll bar,harnesses,fire suppression system all had to be removed or replaced with original fittings!will feel safer once these are back in the car,as the Viper,s never came with roll over protection)Good Luck...and we all look forward to how you get on...its one serious car!....how,s the ground clearance ? We find with our Viper we have to use wooden scaffolding planks to get it from road to garage as the gullies at the edge of the roads here are so deep/cambered.