Ouch!!!

I know things have changed and they require a lot more details, with vicroads needing all the documented photos but wow, sounds like a right pain in the arse.

I'm guessing that these were 'random' inspectors and not 'known' or recommended......

From my past experiences with older cars, id only ever go back to places I've known or have been recommended and are used to dealing with older or club reg, even then I'm been somewhat fortunate.

I conpletely agree many of the tests/inspection processes are up for interpretation, with surprising issues not necessarily making something unRW whilst seemingly insignificant one's failing.

As for obtaining a VASS certificate, that's a whole another level of interpretation.... one I've tried....

Glad to see you got through it in the end.

I'm seriously hoping the inspector will be wearing some dark sunglasses when mine has its test... very dark....🤣

Shaun

RWC in Vic can be a real pain in the ass. Some shops out there use it to blatantly rip people off. When I was still in the industry we had so many people come to us for second opinions and I swear close to half the defects were bogus. Egregious stuff too, like canning tiny oil sweats on seals that were 100% passable or things like tiny surface cracks on bushes.   

I've found a guy here local to me who doesn't mess about, he charges a bit more for the actual certificate but wont rail you on unreasonable requirements.

If you go down the path of EFI on a pinto in an Escort all you will need to retain is the PCV system and a charcoal canister/fuel vapor system, also the air filter must be contained in an air box. You don't even need a catalytic converter as the car didn't come with one standard. You only need to retain the emissions features the car had when it rolled out of the factory, so as you would be adding a coolant temp sensor and O2 sensor your covered for cold start mixtures*.


*As long as it's tuned right and will pass the sniffer test if they go that far.

both RWC inspectors were suggested, the first as being an old school mechanic, he actually had a twin Mk2 4 door pinto in the shop at the time. The second had just passed a rwc for a friend that week. Both saw the car prior, but effectively changed attitude after doing their checks. I wanted the car safe obviosuly, and it certainly is ironed out now, but there were superflous points that took alot of effort to rectify on a 45+ year old car.
Anyway, done now.
 
Thanks MArk, you might get some questions from us now as the RWC insider. I had planned to use an ITG style foam single pod filter that covers the 4 intake tubes on the ITBs.

So here is your bible, this is Vicroads guide for modified vehicles. So when going for RWC you need to conform to this and when booking in the car for a cert take this along and discuss your mods with the certifier and cross reference this. 

It will let the guy or gal know beforehand that you know the requirements, have conformed to them and they can't just make stuff up as they go. I've found that a nice friendly convo before the car even gets on a hoist is the best way to avoid being taken for a ride.

https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/registration/modify-or-build-a-vehicle/modify-or-build-a-light-vehicle-or-trailer/light-vehicle-modification-requirements

 
The air filter requirements - so if the roadworthy certifier classes your EFI intake manifold as an intake modification (which it is) then you may be fighting an uphill battle to have a "non standard air intake system". If you purchased the intake manifold and filter as complete bolt on kit then your could argue that this is your one intake modification.  
 
It's also important to note the requirements around power - if you go 20% over stock, which is pretty easy to do, you must get a VASS certification. So it's sometimes just easier to go get a VASS then go get a RWC.
 
Also lastly around exhausts - extractors by the letter of the law are illegal on vehicles after 1976 unless they have the relevant certifications, so technically extractors are illegal on an escort because they do away with the heat transfer pipe for cold start. Which I think you had problems with hence the need for the snorkel.  
 

Deano I just got the airbox back mate! Thanks for the extras in the package, you didnt have to! 
 

 
 

the 'deluxe' version of the Marty's RS guage pod comes complete with a fitting template.
So out with the grinder:

 
and trial fitted with an old gauge, no poverty pack van any longer!
 
and back out again, and epoxy primed.

 
 
 

had too much paint mixed up, so the rear floor repair got an undercoat:

 
Hopefully it went off ok in the cold shed. A few runs, but plenty of build up to play with.
Next job will be to topcoat the enginebay, and start painting the underfloor.
There should be a roll of brake tubing coming shortly.
For now, I think we'll stay with rebuilt M16's and new ventilated disks.
 

Looking good! Love the pod too, nice addition.

I had a bit of a win yesterday, whilst waiting for some new vented disks to come in.
My collection of M16 with siezed pistons had grown:
Previous attempts to free them had been fruitless.Had tried soaking them, numersous FBH's, to no avail.
This worked though:

once the right collection of infill sockets were found and giggled around to get purchase, only a minute or so later.... bingo
 
and out

so I've freed up 4 calipers, and have 2 more still soaking.
To get the van on the raod quicker, we'll go with the current struts, with the vented M16's. New rebuild kits and disks are on order.

So that's where my 10mm socket went..
Nice job unseizing the pistons, a quick sonic bath and good to go!!