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Semi spaceframe in a mk1 Astra, will it need sva?
ashtal - 31/7/13 at 07:14 PM

I'm converting my mk1 Astra into rwd using 200sx running gear.

This is my first mock up of the rear spaceframe section to give you an idea of my plan.



I want to know if I can complete the car and just mot the car or will it need an sva test?

imp paul - 31/7/13 at 07:37 PM

should be fine zcars do this all the time with no sva hope this helps

stevebubs - 31/7/13 at 08:42 PM

strictly speaking, yes...as you're altering the chassis....

Slimy38 - 31/7/13 at 09:14 PM

quote:
Originally posted by imp paul
should be fine zcars do this all the time with no sva hope this helps


I have wondered about some of their work though, their mini bodies over spaceframe chassis seem a significant enough change to warrant an iva. But as you say they seem to avoid it.

matt_claydon - 31/7/13 at 09:54 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Slimy38
quote:
Originally posted by imp paul
should be fine zcars do this all the time with no sva hope this helps


I have wondered about some of their work though, their mini bodies over spaceframe chassis seem a significant enough change to warrant an iva. But as you say they seem to avoid it.


That's because nobody checks though. This can be a grey area, but significant chassis mods, particularly combined with engine, drivetrain and suspension alterations would definitely constitute a 'radically altered vehicle' and therefore require IVA. However, because the MOT tester will probably go with the 'looks like a mini - is a mini' approach, and wouldn't actually know whether it had been IVAd or not, this kind of thing goes unnoticed until you have a nasty accident

JoelP - 31/7/13 at 10:11 PM

I would say it would need an IVA. A spaceframe alone would too, seeing as its a significant modification to the chassis, but changing it to RWD is well into 'radically altered' territory.

Didnt zcars have some bother about this a few years back?

ashtal - 31/7/13 at 10:34 PM

Iva it is then! That will put a few quid on the build cost. Is there a check list for iva?

Slimy38 - 1/8/13 at 05:34 AM

The downloadable IVA manual is your best bet, although as long as you keep the outer shelf as Vauxhall intended you'll already be halfway there. With exterior protrusions being a common failure point, you'll just avoid the issue completely!

blakep82 - 1/8/13 at 08:34 AM

Link for the manual below

Yeah, to make it rwd, you'll almost definitely need to cut out sections of the floor (bigger tunnel for a front engined car, boot floor for a rear engine) so 100% 'should' be iva'd