What Are The Laws On Intercoolers?

[rwatkins]

Hi guys...I am considering purchasing a Process West intercooler...maybe Stage 1 or Stage 2...however

I am concerned about breaking the law as this could very likely effect any insurance claims I may have

to make...anyone know exactly what the rules are?...any official links to this information?...thanks.

[our06t]

depends what state you live in and which insurance company you use.

with nrma atm but that will change too shannons as the mods increase

Edited 05/11/10 10:42 AM by our06t

[Henz]

Don't know about the official design rules, but Just call your insurance company and ask. Don't mention it's to increase power, just say it's a better looking one or something.

[Zerosignal]

In NSW if it didnt roll outta the factory like that and mr policeman doesnt like you then anythings pingable. If your concerned you can get the PW cooler and piping in black to maintain the stealthy looks.

[Redback]

As a consumer you cannot be forced to purchase a particular product to replace an OEM one. It's your choice to use what ever brand you like. Would you spend say $ 700 on that factory cooler? The fact that you have chosen to replace your factory intercooler (which got a hole in it from something flying into it at high speed??) with an aftermarket replacement is your choice. As long as it doesn't affect emissions, take away from the vehicle structual integrity or mess around with the vehicles safety.

[fordboy1981]

in victoria, you can have ONE inlet modification. So a stage 1 PW where you still use the stock airbox would be legal.

Just Cars still let you have as many mods as you like...

[rwatkins]

This link may be of interest...

http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/registration/downloads/vsi/vsi_06_-_guidelines_for_light_vehicle_modifications_nov_2007.pdf

...I am unable to locate any information relevant to SA (where I live).

[Benny]

Interesting read. Looks like you need an engineers certificate for non oem brake upgrades.

Benny

[rwatkins]

Here is another useful link...

MotorActive - The Gateway to Customising your car for Street or Show

...I reviewed the information relating to SA...I don't see any rule that would make fitting a bigger

intercooler or air-intake system illegal...so it should be fine...

Regarding brake upgrades...the SA rules seem to state it is legal provided the new brake system is an

improvement on OEM.

It would be nice if all states had the same rules and that these were easily accessible and clear to

those wanting to modify vehicles.

[Dyno Junkie]

As a consumer you cannot be forced to purchase a particular product to replace an OEM one. It's your choice to use what ever brand you like. Would you spend say $ 700 on that factory cooler? The fact that you have chosen to replace your factory intercooler (which got a hole in it from something flying into it at high speed??) with an aftermarket replacement is your choice. As long as it doesn't affect emissions, take away from the vehicle structual integrity or mess around with the vehicles safety.

Many years ago when I worked in the performance exhaust industry this was also a concern.

For a time the police targeted vehicles with non standard exhaust manifolds ie: extractors.

A simple fix was that we invoiced customers for a replacement "tubular exhaust manifold".