jamesinc;105746 wroteI'm pretty sure though that
@Spac is right. E.g. if you put a 1989 B230 in your '81 244 you need to fit a cat and use the '89 computers.
That is the recommended process in the Commonwealth document VSB 14, but not necessarily the compulsory one...
https://infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_regulation/bulletin/vsb_ncop.aspx
From NCOP3, Section LA (Engine) V2 :
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[...] Generally when an engine of different design is substituted, the gaseous emission control system of the donor vehicle, from air intake right through the engine to the exhaust outlet, should be utilised as a package.
A modified vehicle must continue to comply with the ADRs applicable to that vehicle, including
exemptions allowed for in the AVSR.
(emphasis added)
To determine the ADRs that apply to the vehicle in question, refer to the applicability tables in Section LO. Vehicles manufactured on or after 1 January 1969 and prior to 1 July 1988 need to comply with the Second Edition ADRs, while vehicles manufactured after this date need to comply with the Third Edition ADRs. Section LO has separate applicability tables for each edition. [....]
3.1 GASEOUS EMISSIONS AND FUEL SYSTEMS
3.1.1 Background
The requirements to limit gaseous emissions were introduced in ADR 26 in 1972 when passenger vehicles were required to be fitted with a positive crank case ventilation system (PCV). [...]
[...] All passenger vehicles built on or after 1 July 1976 were required to be fitted with an effective evaporative emission control system to comply with ADR 27A. This system comprised a carbon canister connected to the fuel tank and induction system.
All passenger vehicles built on or after January 1986 were required to be fitted with an engine that complied with ADR 37 and ran on unleaded fuel. These vehicles were required to be fitted with a narrow fuel filler with a flap to prevent incorrect refuelling. The need to fit a narrow fuel filler with a flap is now no longer mandatory. [...]
3.1.2 Alternative Replacement Engines for Pre-1986 Passenger Vehicles
Because of the difficulty in identifying the year of manufacture of some replacement engines or the unavailability of replacement emission control equipment for ADR 27 engines, it is recommended** that a replacement engine designed for use with unleaded fuel and complying with ADR 37 be used where possible. Where this is impractical the following alternative is acceptable** for replacement engines for pre-1986 passenger vehicles:
* Convert the replacement engine to run on unleaded fuel (now a necessity);
* Fit new catalytic converter(s) where appropriate;
* Fit unleaded fuel filler with flap (optional);
* Operate the vehicle on unleaded fuel; and
* Ensure the engine is well maintained – alternatively overhaul and retune the engine.
(** = emphasis added)
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Presumably, the recommendations and alternatives mean you don't have to get the car smog tested. The way I read the requirement however is that the vehicle has to comply to the ADR standard applicable on its compliance plate, which means smog testing if you cannot prove the whole bundle isn't from a complying vehicle.
Which is basically what they
seem to be saying when it comes to the ECM -
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3.1.3 Aftermarket Engine-Management Computers
The use of aftermarket engine management computers (not OEM) does not guarantee compliance with the relevant ADR unless that particular computer/engine combination has undergone ADR emission testing and the evidence of compliance is available (refer to Code LT3). If no evidence is available, the vehicle must be tested in accordance with the applicable ADRs.
(emphasis added)
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Each section of VSB 14 also basically says that each state or territory determines the rego requirements in their own bailiwicks.
So it may be time for me to drop the NSW mob an email and get clarification.