New Zealand Lift, Tyre and Bullbar Legality

[kiwifoz]

In New Zealand, we have fairly restrictive legislation as to what you can do to your vehicle to modify it for offroad usage.
Because the Forester (and Outback) are car-based vehicles, there are very limited options available without requiring a certification.
This thread shall be written for the SG5 Forester, as that's what I own and have researched.

Tyres:
In NZ, tyres must "have an outer circumference that is no more than 5% greater than OE" - which rules out 215/70r16s or 215/75r15s.

There is nothing that stops the fitment of AT or MT type tyres however, but if snow/ice tyres are used the minimum legal tread depth is 4mm not 1.5mm and they must be fitted to all wheels in contact with the road.
Source: http://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.n...eels#table1011

Suspension:
In NZ, only a spring lift of less than 5cm (2") is legal. No body lift whatsoever is legal without certification, which also precludes the fitment of 'strut spacers' which fall under the body lift rules.

ANY form of aftermarket "coilover" adjustable type suspension requires certification.

If a body lift is undertaken, the steering shaft cannot be extended by welding unless undertaken by an appropriately qualified person. Crush tubes and boxing, as well as tying some blocks together, will almost certainly be necessary for a certificate to be issued.
Source:http://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.n...ension-systems
http://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.n...stems#table911

Bullbars:
In NZ, the Forester SG is classified as a class MC vehicle (although this is probably debateable), placing it in the 'Offroad vehicle' category and making the fitment of bullbars legal. "As with Class MA vehicles, bullbars are only allowed if the vehicle has been crash tested and has met the requirements of the relevant frontal impact standard with the specific bullbar already fitted. You'll need to get this confirmed by the vehicle manufacturer."
SO basically it's going to bloody hard to satisfy that requirement, even with something like a Subaxtreme bar.

Unfortunately for an SF owner, the lower ground clearance/reduced angles class it as an MA or 'road' vehicle, making the fitment of bullbars difficult - unless you get a base-model version with no airbags (but even then this is questionable as the relevant legislation also states "you can't fit a bullbar to a vehicle if the bullbar would adversely affect the performance of any frontal impact protection features (eg airbags or crumple zones)." and the crumple zone would most likely be deemed as 'affected').
Sources:http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/fa.../bullbars.html
http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/ru...001-index.html
http://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicle/clas...rds/class.html

Hope this helps, or at least makes for an interesting read.

[Ratbag]

That's some good research there, KF.

I haven't looked at the sources, but you have certainly explained things clearly.

Over here, the legislation and plethora of (sometimes conflicting) regulations and standards make it all but impossible to adequately assess what the position is with regard to most things.

My touchstone is whether my comprehensive insurer is OK with it, and puts it in writing on the policy document (which they send me a new copy of).

[legover]

Hey KF, I'm just wondering if the BG Outbacks are classed as MC vehicles? I cant find any specs regarding approach, breakaway, departure angles but surely it fits the requirements?

Also, seeing as a GC-GF Impreza would not be classed as MC, could I lift it on BG OB or SF-SG foz running gear, and cert it as MC class?

Basing my questions off this link here http://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicle/clas.../class.html#ma

AFAIC if the glove fits.....

Cheers

[ABFoz]

Sorry for reviving an old thread.


I noticed that my SG is classified as MA but the SH is classified as MC. Both pass the requirements of MC except for the approach angle which need to be at least 28 degrees. My Forester as 22 degrees from stock while the SH has 25 degrees.


I wonder if these classes are subjective during compliance. What if they had been processing a lot of Cross Sport models and when they see another SG, they just assume that they are of the same class?

[NachaLuva]

Originally Posted by ABFoz

I noticed that my SG is classified as MA but the SH is classified as MC.

Do you have a photo of the compliance plate? In Australia, all Foresters & Outbacks are MC class

[ABFoz]

I just have the registration details. I will make calls tomorrow about such. Cheers.

[ABFoz]

I called the compliance center and check with them about the MA vs MC class issue and they said that my vehicle has the correct class. I asked them about another SG which has an MC class and they said that the NZ new ones are categorised as MC while the JDM Foresters are MA.


I think they generalised the JDM ones as MA as we have more lowered imports than standard height ones. The Cross Sport models are very popular and they are about 15 to 20mm lower than stock.


I just told myself, "Welp!"

[NachaLuva]

Originally Posted by ABFoz

they said that the NZ new ones are categorised as MC while the JDM Foresters are MA.

Very interesting! I wish we had JDM Foresters here though. Or even better, the Gravel Express WRX

[ABFoz]

Yes. Most JDM ones have a slightly higher trim than NZDM ones. The JDM have the more aggressive SportShift 4EAT, where it holds the gear even down to 1400rpm, while the NZDM ones have soupier shifting and gate shift.


The JDM SG Cross Sports, which may be the reason why JDM SGs are classed as MA due to their lower factory stance, even have the factory liquid resistant bucket seats.

[Beachworm]

Originally Posted by NachaLuva

Very interesting! I wish we had JDM Foresters here though. Or even better, the Gravel Express WRX

What is the gravel express wrx? Sounds interesting.