138 replies to this topic

[Heath]

I've read some of the official documentation for LPG installations and they have the same rule as you've encountered. Can't help you with a solution though. Although I don't think I would have got it engineered haha

[ls2lxhatch]

I have been worried about this since I read page 5 of the Fuel Systems NCOP, I think you will find that the factory tank does not fit within the departure angle specifications either.

If I was pulled up on the tank then I was going to try to argue that the drop tank fits within the departure angle created by the factory tank. Maybe get the engineer to talk to Brown Davis.

[GML-31]

my understanding is the Brown Davis one is engineered so ask for a copy of their report for your bloke.

[Statler]

Hmmmm.......i've seen this rule enforced before in Qld.
I've also seen some very rough hatchet jobs on tanks to make them comply.
I was also of the impression that the Davis Brown tanks were certified, i remember reading it in their literature somewhere.
I think it comes down to the individual engineer.....& their interpretation of the rules.
Let's face it....these tanks have been fitted to registered cars in every state of Oz....& certified!



This was passed in Qld [strictest state for compliance] a few weeks ago.
Good luck m8!

[76lxhatch]

alter the departure angle by fitting a towbar!

And fit some higher springs to the rear end so the wheels are lower in relation to the tank

[Toranavista]

Here is some additional info from NSW code of practice 2004. May not be up to date but at least is made in reference to Australian Design Rule (ADR43.4.4)
I think Brown Davis have certification for the fabrication not the instalation.
From the info I think you need to be able to demonstrate that the exhaust is used in the interpretation of the lowest and rearmost extremity of the OEM permanent body work.
As other's have said it will come down to the interpretation of your engineer regarding his willingness to certify the modifications.
http://www.oldgmh.or...4BAE85FE0C731FC

[ls2lxhatch]

Adding a tow bar will make no difference to the departure angle as it is not permanent body work.

Original Equipment Manufacturer's (OEM) permanent body work

It would be helpful if someone with a single system and standard tank could post a picture showing if the standard tank does or does not fit within the departure angle.

If the standard tank does not fit within the departure angle then you may be able to use the angle created by the standard tank for the drop tank.

Edited by ls2lxhatch, 06 June 2009 - 11:49 AM.

[Ruts]

If you need a report for the car with the tank fitted there is a engineer in Berrima (southern highlands) that should pass it. That is unless you want the car to be COMPLETELY legal.

[Bart]

I think the previous post is the simplest, ie higher springs. Saves modifying the tank. Or get a different engineer.

[ls2lxhatch]

Judging from the angle difference of the tank and the bar i dare say they designed it to fit to a torana that sits higher in the rear than yours. I would have thought the fuel tank would be considered a permanent part of the car. If you take yours off to go to the shops then your doing better than me....

A fuel tank is not "permanent body work".

I think the previous post is the simplest, ie higher springs.

Even if it was a monster truck the tank near the beaver panel would not be inside the angle. It is this point on the orginal tank tank I am not sure fits within the angle.

[wot179]

Were A9Xs or any Torana fitted with similar drop tanks from the factory?If they were,I dont see the problem.
Otherwise I think the solution is a more understanding engineer.
They all have the same rulebook,but some read it differently to others.

[lxsstorana]

I think a number of GHM-Torana members have raised valid points in relation to engineering.

It is a very subjective matter and relies upon the interpretation of the regulations by the engineer (abit like lawyers).

Some engineers will pass a drop tank and some will not.

The rebuild of this hatchback is of the highest quality and I personally know the owner and have inspected the car.

No shortcuts have been taken and cost has never been a factor.

In my opinion this car is 100% legal and hopefully things will work out.

Mick.

[mitchg]

who is your engineer chris? I used one out at penrith who was a little lenient. When mine had but springs, it sat really low, and the lowest part was 90mm from the ground. He did pass it though, and since then it has been raised in the rear.

[axistr]

 torana_1083.JPG   343.07K   79 downloads

Engineer said nothing about my tank departure angle, but we didn't mesure the angle either.

[ls2lxhatch]

Bomber, thanks for posting the picture. Unfortunately is shows that the standard tank is within the departure angle.



I will talk to my engineer tomorrow however as far as I can see there is no wiggle room in the NCOP which is used in WA.

The engineer is required to answer each item on checklist LM1. Question 1.7 on page 10 asks if the tank is within the departure angle.