Requirement to pass SVA

[orac69orac]

Hi,

I am going to import a 2002 GTS final edition from the US to the UK.

I understand that the lights have to be modified so it will pass the SVA test.

Can anyone please advise the complete list of things that will need to be modified to make it UK legal, how much it will likely cost (excluding the SVA test) and also the best dealer / garage to get this work done in the midlands/south.

thanks in advance

Jason

[viper_larry]

This might help:

www.ukviperclub.org/page22.html

There are a few people on here gone down this route so I'm sure they'll provide more detailed information.

Look forward to seeing it

[Viper]

www.ukviperclub.org/page21.html

goes with this page

>> Edited by Viper on Friday 27th August 12:04

[orac69orac]

Hi, yup I read that article previously - but it doesnt give too much info on exactly what the mods were - apart from the lights..

I'll give the garage she mentioned a call I guess.

[orac69orac]

Ive found it...

Full info is on

www.teslaynengineering.co.uk/amcar/

cheers

Jason

[Viper]

one of the clubs guys also had problems with the passenger mirror not giving the correct view needed, and a non standard exhaust (to noisy) never go to Southampton for your SVA test, they seem to be very strict

[peterd]

Hi,

The MOST important thing to establish before the car leaves the US is what exhaust system does it have?

If it is fitted with a Borla or Corsa it will NOT pass the UK noise limit of 101Db. You will need to borrow a UK spec exhaust system for the SVA. You can then refit your own system, as the MOT is NOT concerned with noise.

If the car has a standard US exhaust system all should be OK.

You will need to fit some sort of "side repeater" indicators. It seems to depend on which SVA station you take your car to as to what style is acceptable.

Refocus the headlights by using your friendly MOT station "beam setter", get a rear fog light fitted, mine is in the rear light cluster (some owners have it suspended underneath the car) and you are away.

If you do not need to sort out your exhaust, the total cost to get your car ready for the SVA should be no more than £200.

[Joelism]

Actually, you can change your headlights from right dipping to left dipping. It involves loosening the four screws holding the dip beam light units into the headlights and rotating the light units by about 1/8 turn to the alternative position. Becomes evident when you take the back off the lights and study it for a few minutes.

[g_attrill]

Viper said:

never go to Southampton for your SVA test, they seem to be very strict

Bugger! I was planning to take my Impala there when it's done. I might try the Hayes one, it's only a 1h40m drive.

To be honest I suspected the Southampton one probably spends 99% of their time testing (and passing) Jap imports from the same dealers and probably likes a Yank as something different to enjoy failing!

Gareth

[Viper]

One of our club guys, had 3 tests to get his viper to pass, they seem to find different things to fail on as well each time it went in, you'd think they would give you a list of problems to put right for the next time you visited.

Probably being one of the bigger SVA places they are watched more closely and are less felxible, others at different centres have flown through the test without the same 'problem' areas ever been mentioned.

>> Edited by Viper on Monday 30th August 16:05

[g_attrill]

Sounds like a drive to Kent or London is worth the effort then, although I probably want to be a little more sure on a few aspects that are a grey area for me at the moment (eg. headlamp alignment!) and be sure the car is ready for a long drive (ie. fix that leaking valve cover!)

I'm still waiting for replies from a couple of Yank SVA specialists on whether they have dealt with Impala headlamps, if there is no joy I'm gonna start drilling the mounts out from the rear and visit the local hardware shop for some large bolts to make my own adjusters, and then take it for an MOT and see what the tester thinks.

Gareth