Are TEIN Flex Actually Illegal on the MX-5?

vrmmmpshhh · Postby **vrmmmpshhh** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 3:23 am

sorry cant help you with NSW.

when i was getting a road worthy check after compliancing my car here in SA my Japanese bilsteins even at the highest perch did not pass. The inspector asked me if i have coilovers and to just use them to raise the car.

Matty · Postby **Matty** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 10:03 pm

If you're talking about the legality of adjustable strut-top camber plates, it's an irrelevant point because the MX-5 doesn't have them nor does it need them. The MX-5 has double wishbone suspension with full factory adjustment of the camber and caster provided at the lower wishbone. The top of the shock (NB not strut) does not do any locating of the wheel, other than vertically.

The Flex does however have adjustable shock tube length and adjustable spring preload, either of which possibly might be illegal, though it'd be more to do with the set ride height and available travel (I believe, don't quote me).

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 7:20 am

Matty wrote:The Flex does however have adjustable shock tube length......

That's the reason they aren't road legal - as told to me by Fulcrum reps.

Matty · Postby **Matty** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 10:44 am

JBT wrote:
Matty wrote:The Flex does however have adjustable shock tube length......

That's the reason they aren't road legal - as told to me by Fulcrum reps.

Any reason given why?

AJ · Postby AJ » Mon Nov 27, 2006 3:57 pm

Rival wrote:Off Topic:
Good to see all the replies from the 170+ views of this forum are from owners of sexy red MX's.

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 4:24 pm

Matty wrote:Any reason given why?

At the time, yes. It was along the lines of the bottom part of the adjustable shock tube not meeting Qld Transport (and ADR?) rules. OK for a track only car though.

I can't remember the exact reason because I was so disappointed my eyes probably started to glaze over and I could only hear blah, blah, blah.

The SS is fine though.

jules · Postby **jules** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 11:29 am

Is plod really going to notice, or is there another reason you ask?

Jules

Juffa · Postby **Juffa** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 12:22 pm

While it does not explain why, the instructions for my Japanese Spec Flex coil-overs does state that they are not legal for road useage.

J

Garry · Postby **Garry** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 1:16 pm

Ring up the RTA and ask them then report back. Hopefully someone at the RTA will know, but being the RTA you will probably get a different answer from everyone you talk to.

Could they be illegal because they allow the car to be lower than the mimimum legal ride height?

CT · Postby CT » Tue Nov 28, 2006 2:14 pm

Why does it matter? Any aftermarket part is technically illegal unless it comes with a stamp stating ADR approval. If you are worried, don't use them - bit like fitting a pod filter really. The statement on the Tein paperwork is more for litigation than anything.

Postby **orx626** » Thu Nov 30, 2006 6:42 pm

No

There are no ADR's for shock absorbers or car suspension, only ride height. The car may not meet the ADR's if ride height is lowered excessively.

All states have agreed to implement the NCOP (National Code of Practice) for light vehicle modifications. The following link contains all requirements for the LS Code - Tyres, Rims, Suspension and Steering.

http://www.dotars.gov.au/transport/safety/road/bulletin/pdf/NCOP11_Section_LS_Suspension_and_steering_3Feb2006.pdf - link fixed!

Tein Flex shock absorbers are manufactured for MX5's. MX5 Plus are importing a set for my car.

The car may not meet the LS Code requirements if they are adjusted so that the suspension movement is reduced by more than one third.

I would also like to know where in legislation/code of practice that having an adjustable shock tube length is not compliant/illegal!!! Maybe it's a local marketing ploy to deter people from importing directly from Tein dealers in Japan?

I hope this assists you with your decision making.

Regards,
Danny

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 6:35 am

Finally got the answer you wanted.

16bit · Postby **16bit** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 9:08 am

get super street ones then - would they be legal?

AJ · Postby AJ » Fri Dec 01, 2006 6:16 pm

aaaaaah......engineers......so anal retentive, they need to know the structure & validity of a sandwich before they eat it :lol:

they also send more dirty jokes across the internet than any other group :mrgreen:

Postby **Okibi** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 10:59 pm

I have tein flex on our NB8A, it's got W.A. permits so 100% legal (as long as I keep the height it was measured at having then I got the permits which met ADRs).

There's no way i'd lower it anymore than that anyway.