Defective Vehicle :-(

[my_mad_z]

Hi guys,

 

I wasn't sure where to post this, hope I've picked the right place.

 

My 240Z got a defect sticker two weeks ago for not having a VASS for the turbo upgrade. I'm going through the process of getting the VASS at the moment; the engineer seems to be happy with everything I have done so I'm hoping I don't have any drama's getting the VASS/Roadworthy.

 

I'm down to the last three items to fix and I've hit a brick wall with one of them; my current wheels rely on a set of hub adaptors which are not roadworthy - I have four sets of wheels and none of them fit without spacers/adaptors! I've upgraded the front brakes using the Toyota caliper so the standard 14's wont fit. I have a set of Z31 15's but they hit the strut without a spacer, same with the set of 16's I have and the 17's need hub adaptors.

 

I was hoping to get something temporary so I can pass a brake test for the VASS and then get a roadworthy - then once I get the car back on the road, was going to buy a set of wheels that will fit without spacers/adaptors. I know I can do this now but I can't drive the car anywhere to try wheels on and see how it looks and I'm running out of time to get the defect removed; needs to be done by the 3rd of June.

 

Does anyone in Melbourne have a spare set of wheels lying around that I could borrow until I get the defect removed?

 

Thanks.

 

Marc.

 

 

 

[C.A.R.]

I've got a set of 16x7 / 16x8 Simmons you are welcome to try Marc, but they'll need tires fitted...

[my_mad_z]

Appreciate the offer Locky. Happy to put some rubber on them if they fit. I'm going to check with the engineer to see if he will pass 16x7 / 16x8; I have a feeling I came across something that says wheels have to be the same size all round???

 

Marc.

[Scoota G]

I've got 14 x 6 on my black one and i'll be in Melbourne today if you have something that can be fitted to replace them. They fit over Hilux calipers no problem.

[my_mad_z]

Hi Mark,

 

Thanks for the offer - the only thing that I have with good tread are my 17's with the hub adapters; I'm happy to swap but you need longer wheel studs on the rear to fit the adapter so I'm not sure if they will fit on your car.

 

I'm at work as well and by the time I get home, it will be 6-7pm so I'm not so sure that will be convenient for you.

 

Marc.

[dat2kman]

Be aware, the VASS guy may take pictures of the car, and keep detailed records.

If you then, after his sign off, further modify or change, ie refit the hub adaptors,and, there are future queries, or worse, an accident, which may get investigated, the VASS guy may be approched to verify what he approved/inspected.

 

Fit the rims that are acceptable and approvable.

The hub adaptors/spacers are for the ricer/flatbrim brigade, sell them off.

 

There are plenty rims in 15" at close to 0 offset that will fit with no issue.

[Gordo]

Hi Mark, if you can measure the back space I may be able to help you.  From the hub face were the wheel bolts up to .  To the coil spring.  In other words, how many mm do you need to clear the spring. I have lots of wheels. 14,15,16,17, and 18.

[my_mad_z]

Thanks Gordo.

 

I'll measure it tonight when I get home and get back to you.

 

I'm not sure how to interpret this:

 

"All rims fitted to a front axle or a rear axle must be of the same diameter, offset, width and mounting configuration (except for spare wheels used in an emergency situation)."

 

Does this mean all wheels must be the same width or does it mean front wheels need to be the same and rear wheels need to be the same?

 

Marc.

[nizm0zed]

It means the wheels on each axle must match,

Eg, in simple terms, the front wheels need to be the same dimension rim and tyre.

The rears need to be the same dimension rim and tyre.

The front axle and rear axle do not need to be the same.

 

As a practical example, look at many expensive sports cars, porsche ect, Even the Chrysler Crossfire has different size rims front to rear (Diameter and width)

[gav240z]

So staggered offsets are fine but the wheels must be the same on each respective side of the vehicle with the exception being space saver emergency wheels?

[PB260Z]

"All rims fitted to a front axle or a rear axle must be of the same diameter, offset, width and mounting configuration (except for spare wheels used in an emergency situation)."

 

Does this mean all wheels must be the same width or does it mean front wheels need to be the same and rear wheels need to be the same?

 

Marc.

Front and rear can be different. The key word is "or" if it said "front axle AND rear axle......" Then all 4 would have to be the same.

 

For absolute clarity you could / should confirm with VASS signatory before spending any cash.

 

Cheers

 

PB

[my_mad_z]

Thanks Alan; that's initially how I understood it but the more I read it, the more I doubted what I thought. Thanks for clarifying.

 

Marc.

[dazzed]

Hi guys,

 

I wasn't sure where to post this, hope I've picked the right place.

 

My 240Z got a defect sticker two weeks ago for not having a VASS for the turbo upgrade. I'm going through the process of getting the VASS at the moment; the engineer seems to be happy with everything I have done so I'm hoping I don't have any drama's getting the VASS/Roadworthy.

 

I'm down to the last three items to fix and I've hit a brick wall with one of them; my current wheels rely on a set of hub adaptors which are not roadworthy - I have four sets of wheels and none of them fit without spacers/adaptors! I've upgraded the front brakes using the Toyota caliper so the standard 14's wont fit. I have a set of Z31 15's but they hit the strut without a spacer, same with the set of 16's I have and the 17's need hub adaptors.

 

I was hoping to get something temporary so I can pass a brake test for the VASS and then get a roadworthy - then once I get the car back on the road, was going to buy a set of wheels that will fit without spacers/adaptors. I know I can do this now but I can't drive the car anywhere to try wheels on and see how it looks and I'm running out of time to get the defect removed; needs to be done by the 3rd of June.

 

Does anyone in Melbourne have a spare set of wheels lying around that I could borrow until I get the defect removed?

 

Thanks.

 

Marc.

Hi Marc are you sure you need a vass or a roadworthy certificate? as for wheels Section A VSI 26 rim width no greater than 25mm , rim diameter maybe increased, but the overall diameter of the wheel and tyre combination must not be more than offered by the manufacturer, wheels must be in accordance with australian standard As1638 or .DOT , ,JIS, .JWL, I found this info from the vic roads centre for automtive transport an engineering dept for vehicle safety standards, hope this helps?

[my_mad_z]

Hi dat2kman,

 

Thanks for the heads up; I'm not going to put my 17's back on the car. The engineer said he doesn't mind what goes on their for the test, so long as it's legal and roadworthy. Believe me, the last thing I want is an excuse to get defected again!

 

Marc.

[my_mad_z]

Hi dazzed,

 

Definitely need a VASS and roadworthy... increase in power by more than 10%/fuel injection/turbo charging all fall under the requirements for a VASS. The office noted I need a VASS and road worthy on the defect notice. He also put down emissions but I advised him the car was pre-pollution so he crossed it off. As for the wheels, I've read what the engineer is working off, VSB 14 Section LS (Tyres, rims, suspension and steering) and it says that you can go 1.3 times wider than the widest OEM standard offered. From memory, the 240Z had 175 so this works out to 227.5 and I won't run anything more than a 225. In regards to the overall diameter, it cannot be more than 16mm larger or 25mm smaller than original.

 

Thanks for the heads up, appreciate it.

 

Marc.

[dat2kman]

Let your engineer know, these Datsun S30 cars ( 240/260Z) were sold brand new in the domestic USA market as a Scarab, fitted with a V8 engine.

That should account for the "more than 10%" thing.

As a 280Z ( no not a ZX) they were fitted with a 2.8 litre with fuel injection.

 

 

[my_mad_z]

Hi Mark, if you can measure the back space I may be able to help you.  From the hub face were the wheel bolts up to .  To the coil spring.  In other words, how many mm do you need to clear the spring. I have lots of wheels. 14,15,16,17, and 18.

 

Hi Gordo,

 

I've measure the distance between the hub have and the spring and I've got about 120mm which leaves a few mm between the tyre and spring (5mm at a guess).

 

With my 17x7.5 wheels (225/45 R17) I took a measurement of the rear of the wheel hub (with the adaptor connected) and measured to the edge of the tyre and that was 120mm as well.

 

I've got a friend bringing over a set of R31 Skyline interceptor wheels tomorrow to see if they fit; hopefully they do and I won't have to trouble anyone.

 

I really appreciate the offers gents, nice to know there's many helping hands out there.

 

Take care.

 

Marc.

 

[my_mad_z]

Let your engineer know, these Datsun S30 cars ( 240/260Z) were sold brand new in the domestic USA market as a Scarab, fitted with a V8 engine.

That should account for the "more than 10%" thing.

As a 280Z ( no not a ZX) they were fitted with a 2.8 litre with fuel injection.

 

Hahaha... he's pretty switched on with the Z's as his son is restoring one. Unfortunately they only take the Australian market into account when comparing power increase/injection/etc.

[dat2kman]

The R31 Skyli rims are at 35 mm pis offset, they will foul the spring perches/struts.

Look for something in a 15" with around 15-20mm ffset pisitive, or a backspace ( no hub adaptor or spacers) of 100 to 110mm

[Gordo]

My 15x7 are zero off set will measure when I get home tonight.

[Agno]

The R31 Skyli rims are at 35 mm pis offset, they will foul the spring perches/struts.

Look for something in a 15" with around 15-20mm ffset pisitive, or a backspace ( no hub adaptor or spacers) of 100 to 110mm

 

Having used 14" R31 stockies to push my car around on while waiting for new wheels I can definitely say they will fit.

 

R31 wheels are 14x5.5 +25 or 15x6 +30

[my_mad_z]

Ok, the skyline 15" wheels didn't fit as you mentioned dat2kman....  This is really starting to annoy me 

 

I can't recall if I used 260Z 2+2 struts in my car or if I stuck with 240Z struts; it's been too long - not sure if this has altered the hub position.

 

Gordo/Locky, if your offer still stands, I'd be extremely grateful if you have something I can use.

 

Was hoping to redo my exhaust tonight but somehow I don't think my neighbours would appreciate the lovely sound of a drop saw at this time of night.

 

Marc.

[Gordo]

Watching the footy, will go down the shed at half time and muesure the wheels.

[Riceburner]

Ok, the skyline 15" wheels didn't fit as you mentioned dat2kman....  This is really starting to annoy me 

 

I can't recall if I used 260Z 2+2 struts in my car or if I stuck with 240Z struts; it's been too long - not sure if this has altered the hub position.

 

Gordo/Locky, if your offer still stands, I'd be extremely grateful if you have something I can use.

 

Was hoping to redo my exhaust tonight but somehow I don't think my neighbours would appreciate the lovely sound of a drop saw at this time of night.

 

Marc.

 

260 hubs are thicker and completely round, 240 hubs are 9mm thinner and have four scalloped cut outs on the outer edge of the hub face.

[my_mad_z]

Enjoy the game Gordo  Appreciate it mate.

 

Thanks Gareth; that does ring a bell.... Definitely have 260z stub axles; will check what I did on the front.

 

Marc.