Car modifications

Transportation, Travel and Trips
1
So I'm giving up on my idea of using a rickshaw on the next rally, but will actually attempt a timed challenge.

That means preparation.

Which means modifying the car.

It won't be drastic, but my initial shortlist is:

- uprated brakes

- 3.5cm-5cm suspension raise (found a kit already for both)

- EGR + fuel tank + diff bash plates (car already has an engine skidplate from stock)

- snorkel

- smaller steel wheels, with bigger tires (total diameter should remain "roughly" the same)

- strip interior (MAYBE some bucket seats, lets see)

- rollcage? (maybe - depends on rules, tbd)

That said, I have no idea how to declare modifications in CH. Some parts (e.g. wheels) I can fit at the last minute when I leave.

Some of the parts (e.g. pedders suspension) I would need to source abroad and fit beforehand.

How do I get these "approved" for Swiss use? Using pedders as an example, they are Australian... and have no presence here...

2

You favorite lecture for the next few days:

ASA Richtlinie Nr. 2a - Abändern und Umbauen von Motorwagen.
https://asa.ch/wp-content/uploads/on…-2a/index.html

Further information:
https://asa.ch/it/biblioteca-online/direttive/
https://asa.ch/it/biblioteca-online/promemoria/
https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/de/cc/internal-law/74
https://www.astra.admin.ch/astra/de/…dokumente.html
https://unece.org/un-regulations-addenda-1958-agreement
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en

3
Thanks!

One thing I forgot to ask - does anyone know (or better, can recommend) any organizations that can help navigate this mess?

I'm happy doing the work myself of fitting the parts, but procuring them and the legal cr@p is beyond my skills...

4
So based on my research I can tell you the following:

- uprated brakes

/// pads you can do whatever you want, if you change calipers/discs you need papers. If you can get better calipers/discs from same model that fits right on the same brackets, it should be OK as it's OEM. Changing discs means different dimensions or changing type (from standard to drilled or slotted)

- 3.5cm-5cm suspension raise (found a kit already for both)

/// forget about it without expensive DTC process

- EGR + fuel tank + diff bash plates (car already has an engine skidplate from stock)

/// should not be an issue

- snorkel

/// should not be an issue

- smaller steel wheels, with bigger tires (total diameter should remain "roughly" the same)

/// wheels are quite easy to do, you get whatever fits, and you just make sure to get papers and arrange an MFK visit. If you get wheels directly from CH it's more straightforward as the seller will hook you up. If you get wheels from abroad, you'll need to find the brand seller here to get you papers (at a cost of 150-250 CHF). I think there are a couple of shops that can give papers for "any" wheels you can get, but I haven't tried it myself. I'd stick with a known brand and try to source locally TBH.

- strip interior (MAYBE some bucket seats, lets see)

/// as long as seat belts and original airbags are in place, you are OK. I took one of my cars with a bucket seat through in September, no issues since the car did not have an airbag in the original seat.

- rollcage? (maybe - depends on rules, tbd)

/// if you go for full cage, I would very strongly suggest to forget road usage. I would not drive a fully caged car without a helmet - it's just too dangerous. Also I don't even know if you can get a DTC approval for full cage on road.

Best bet is get a garage that does race/rally preps and do everything with them. They can guide you through the process. If you're a DIY guy, it's going to be more difficult to manage the admin side.

If you don't mind me asking, what car and what rally are you talking about? I'm thinking my options for some offroad/rally-raid stuff this year on a very amateur level, but with next steps later on in mind.

5
I'd take off some of those stickers as well...

6

Thank you!

It's the Budapest-Bamako, but in the "race" category. I have ~12 months to prepare.

The car is a Duster; have done a few other things with her and she's plenty capable, but as this is timed... I know I will be pushing it.

The shocks are a must - as on the corrugate normal oil shocks foam and overheat, and stop working within hours. Part of me is considering getting all the parts, fitting them, and leaving the car in a garage in Germany until the event.... then reversing after (with the exception of the snorkel, as that requires permanent modifications).

7
Oh man, you're so lucky to do it. I've wanted to participate since 2015 and discussing it all the time with a couple of friends. Best thing I can hope for is a couple of time-distance off-road rallies in Greece in the mid-term

8
Any idea what papers I need? I actually already have the discs... and they are drilled. Same brackets, same size, but drilled (18 holes). Based on what I can find on the 2a form, they need a declaration from the manufacturer. The manufacturer has told me that they are happy to help with this, but have no idea what they need to declare In the appendix of the 2a, there are sample declarations (in French); but I cannot find one in English. Is it a case of requesting a formal form, or can I just translate the french one to English, and ask the manufacturer to sign/stamp?

I've done the Sahara "a few" times across multiple events (and thrice solo)... but never successfully crossed on a race... (but did successfully break 5 bones on a race)

9
I have Golf 7 gti and I want to put new brake calipers from Porshe Macan, they fit without any adapters etc. Do you know is it possible or will be hard to pass MFK with it? Calipers are OEM, works with original discs.