[smoothz]

I don't know where to post this, so I'll start here. We've been getting a lot of inquiries about this, so I thought I could pass this on to those who are thinking about it.

I noticed Motorex is on the list of registered importers. Basically, the company has to be recognized by the Dept of Transportation as a proper and registered importer. This is your first step to importing a non-conforming vehicle, such as a R34...hehe.

DOT Registered Importers

Customs requirements

EPA requirements and forms

DOT faq's

Happy hunting!

 

[Dissident]

sweet. sucks that it's such a PITA to import stuff. "Spedometer must be replaced with spedometer with the word "BRAKE" in it". Replace the passenger side mirror to reflect "OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR"

What an example of bloated worthless goverment agency:

:angry:

I know the intent is to make these vehicles safer, but why does some agency get to decide how safe the vehicle I drive is? I mean, I can buy a motorcycle, so why does a car i buy HAVE to have dual airbags, ABS, , and pass any crash test?

 

[nismokid]

MotoRex isn't allowed ot import the R34 anymore since it was found out they played off the R33 crash tests as an R34. Government pulled their license to import the R34.

 

[smoothz]

I suppose it's because if it were any easier, there would be more pieces of crap on the road posing a hazard to us folks who want some semblance of safety. I wouldn't want some POS to crash or cause an accident, only to have some piece of it come flying into my Z because it didn't have decent welds or bolts holding panels together.

Also, I assume that if you ever decide to sell it, give it away, or it's stolen, there are some issues to deal with on liability. :dunno:

I think the easiest way to get around this is to register the vehicle in another country and then import it as a personal import, which makes it somewhat easier.

 

[nismokid]

There's a car in England you can build yourself. It has the Suzuki Hayabusa engine, carbon fiber body panels (I think), 2 passenger cockpit (open, not closed roof), about 2 inches off the ground. 0-60mph in 3.2 seconds and only 17k Pounds!!! You wouldn't be able to get that registered in the US (too low and a bunch of other crap rules we have here). I think the car is made by Westfield...

 

[Dissident]

http://www.radicalmotorsport.com/news_folder/gulf/index.php

The 252bhp Radical SR3 sets new standards of safety, yet is the world's fastest one-make sports racing car, and has been breaking lap records around the world. In Germany, a road legal Radical SR3 recently knocked 12.8 seconds off the 14 mile Nurburgring 'Nordschliefe' circuit record. With a 6-speed sequential gearbox, slick racing tyres and full aerodynamic package, the Radical SR3 uniquely offers near Formula 3 lap times in a two-seater sports car.

So, up to ~250Hp and 1025 lbs.... And, in England, STREET LEGAL!

Check out the video!
http://www.radicalsportscars.com/gallery/video/philsnet.wmv

 

[DiRN]

Originally posted by NismoKid@Oct 27 2004, 05:36 PM
There's a car in England you can build yourself.  It has the Suzuki Hayabusa engine, carbon fiber body panels (I think), 2 passenger cockpit (open, not closed roof), about 2 inches off the ground.  0-60mph in 3.2 seconds and only 17k Pounds!!! You wouldn't be able to get that registered in the US (too low and a bunch of other crap rules we have here).  I think the car is made by Westfield...

A 17000 lb car that does 0-60 in 3.2?? What kind of numbers is that car putting out?? :rolf2: :jk:

*EDIT* OOOOOOOOOOH!! British money

 

[nismokid]

Originally posted by Dissident@Oct 27 2004, 06:46 PM
http://www.radicalmotorsport.com/news_folder/gulf/index.php

QUOTE

The 252bhp Radical SR3 sets new standards of safety, yet is the world's fastest one-make sports racing car, and has been breaking lap records around the world. In Germany, a road legal Radical SR3 recently knocked 12.8 seconds off the 14 mile Nurburgring 'Nordschliefe' circuit record. With a 6-speed sequential gearbox, slick racing tyres and full aerodynamic package, the Radical SR3 uniquely offers near Formula 3 lap times in a two-seater sports car.

So, up to ~250Hp and 1025 lbs.... And, in England, STREET LEGAL!

Check out the video!
http://www.radicalsportscars.com/gallery/video/philsnet.wmv

[/quote]
That's the other one Fifth Gear test drove!!! The Westfield looks similar, but has less power, but weighs roughly the same.

 

[jinxxycat]

Interesting article I read in a mag that I picked up at the airport last weekend.

Enjoy :thumbsup:


<img width='600' src='http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v213/jinxxycat/import%20article/import.jpg[/img]

 

[smoothz]

Man, I can't even copy and paste certain paragraphs to help out in clarifying some things.

I'd have to agree about the ease in which one can import cars. There are legal loopholes that one can use. Example, you can bring in a car for a show but you can't drive it on the streets.

There is something called a TIB, or temporary in bond entry. It's a little complicated, but you would have to get a registered importer for vehicles to do the work.

Anyway, I just saw 2 engines imported the other day. Both were pretty shot, but they were a 2.0L and 2.5L tt engine, I think both were Nissan engines.

 

[Stang281]

Probably an RB25DETT and SR20DET. Just a guess.

You can also import a car for racing purpose only. In both cases (show and race), you can't drive them on the streets.

The U.S. only lets you import certain vehicles also. I'll get a link to the laws...

 

[Stang281]

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/

 

[smoothz]

:bump: for those with questions about bringing in something.

 

[smoothz]

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/infreque...nal_vehicle.xml

Read this carefully. There are links provided on the right column for EPA and DOT forms. One of the bottom paragraphs of this directive states that importations still require the 3520 and HS-7 forms.

 

[smoothz]

And here's a list of states with Customs offices. Your best bet is once you're serious and you have a VIN of the car you want, contact the manufacturer to get a letter of compliance from them, then contact the Customs office closest to you that can handle a car importation. The cargo office is the place you'd want to contact.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/ports/

 

[illz33]

And here's a list of states with Customs offices. Your best bet is once you're serious and you have a VIN of the car you want, contact the manufacturer to get a letter of compliance from them, then contact the Customs office closest to you that can handle a car importation. The cargo office is the place you'd want to contact.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/ports/

woot


i'll pay you if you do it for me

 

[smoothz]

Another site I found that's well written in layman terms.

http://www.buyclassiccars.com/import.asp

Read it carefully, especially the section titled:

VEHICLE IMPORTATION GUIDELINES
(Imported from a country other than Canada)

 

[illz33]

Another site I found that's well written in layman terms.

http://www.buyclassiccars.com/import.asp

Read it carefully, especially the section titled:

VEHICLE IMPORTATION GUIDELINES
(Imported from a country other than Canada)

ok, i take the hint :wink: :lmfao:

 

[smoothz]

Just trying to help everyone out and centralize the info. Happy hunting!

 

[smoothz]

On the issue of the EPA form 3520-1 and importing cars, there are several sections that you can check off.

EPA exempted vehicles use code M (Canadian) or E (21 years or older).

Excluded vehicles use code L (racing vehicle) but an EPA letter of approval must be attached, and code W (non chassis mounted engine) which still needs an EPA certificate (probably to show that it meets emmissions).

Temporary Imports use code G (imported for repair or alteration) which requires a Customs bond that covers at least the full value, and code K (imported for display) which also needs a bond.

Some of these codes are explicit in the fact that you cannot register the car for usage on public roads.