Hello I'm new to the forum but I've read a few post-event threads in the past as a guest and you seem like a top bunch of blokes. I have a question about bonnet rules for NSW- am I allowed to run c/f on the street? Some threads i found here says that as long as their properly reinforced then it should be okay but those posts were from members in other states. Is this the same in NSW and can i use backward facing vents too? Have any of you NSW people been pulled over by the cops for this? I found this ne: on www.300zx.com.au and it says it c/f on top of fibreglass but is this adr approved? Its called the UAS BORDER STYLE BONNET FOR NISSAN 300ZX Its a bit exxy but i rekcon it will look good on my dark blue Z. Any tips?
I have that same bonnet, as do a few other NSW members. They're supplied by Unique Auto Sports (as the website shows). Particular C/F bonnets are indeed legal, and can be certified so long as they conform to the ADRs. I personally haven't enquired about this as my car will be destined for the track. Regarding the ADRs themselves, don't forget that they're federal-based, and not state-based - however, if your state has a law that explicitly stipulates the illegality of C/F bonnets, then that particular law is the one you must adhere to. AFAIK this isn't the case in NSW. For NSW, there is a General Guidelines to NSW Modifications document here (though I'm not sure if there are newer revisions) that you may want to consider when modifying your car. Your best bet, though, is to seek written advice from your local RTA regarding any modifications you'd run on the street. There can be many problems with a C/F bonnet in the event of an accident on the street. If it is dislodged, shattered, and ends up going through the W/S, you'll be in pretty bad shape. Pedestrians involved in an accident (in fact, even onlookers) will be exposed to the same fragments. C/F bonnets do not crumple <s>well</s> at all, as opposed to the factory aluminium bonnet. A C/F bonnet is not lighter than a factory aluminium bonnet, so don't make the mistake of assuming it is. It does have better heat dissipation, though, and coupled with well-placed vents (as in the case of the pictured bonnet), serves to cool down a track-car very well. Those rearward-facing vents may be illegal on the street as escaped fluid may obscure vision through the W/S. Do not buy a C/F bonnet just for looks.
my two cents worth... based on getting my car engineered in nsw with the fully fiberglass version of this bonnet. 1. the construction should be sturdy enough that a pedestran can not fall through into the engine bay, l.e. no flexing. 2. the bonnet must should be secured at 4 points, eg the two rear hinges and two bonnet pins at the front. 3. bonnet pins must be flat with the surface of the bonnet so that a pedestran can not be cut by the pins. UAS carbonfiber bonnets is cf over fiberglass to my knowledge. if they are like the first batch then they are solid and putting flat bonnet pins will take some time. spelling mistakes blame my big figgers on a small phone.
I also have this bonnet, but here in WA and although the cops hate it, the pit technician said it was fine as long as i blocked off the vents "as if the engine blows you'll have oil shooting towards the window"... not like I wouldn't have enough to worry about already. He was more than happy with it's sturdiness and did not mention needing bonnet pins.
whereabout do the vents sit above? just behind radiator for the big main vent and strut towers for the sides? also is there any use in directing outside air to the exhaust manifold area? since the r34 gtr seems to have a duct on the bonnet that does this.
Ultimately if you are doing it just for looks, then go for it. It is after all your car and what you like is all that really matters. Just keep in mind that it will be increasing the weight of the car (not decreasing), there may be legal issues (depending on what cop you run into, and it will attract them), and it will devalue the car. When selling a car with a CF bonnet, it will turn off a lot of buyers due to the look, but also because everybody automatically assumes that the car has been flogged by a boy racer.
Felix you are right about the positions. There is no weight difference between the aluminium and c/f bonnet; but there is a big difference in heat dissipation.
hey rob is that a UAS vented gold weave CF bonnet. of all the years ive been looking at your zed, i have not once ever noticed it was CF. looks good.
