Newbie post - FD on its way, help with MOT

[Rotaryguru]

Hi everyone, I have just purchased my first FD from Japan, its on its way soon. I was wondering about the registration/MOT etc, I have the import pack from the licensing authority, but what stuff do I fill out first? Its really confusing. I fill out the import form, then apply for the MOT etc?
 
Also, how do I attach pics of my Seven? Thanks

[Alex T]

unsure on import process.
but use //www.photobucket.com to upload/host your pics.

[Matt_K]

I\'ve just imported my FD.

What year is the car? If it\'s more than 10 years old then, basically, the process goes:

Get it on the boat
Use a clearing agent to get it through customs in the uk (I used kleerfreight - ran by Rob Barnes of Sumo power, really helpful guy)
Pick car up from docks
Get an MOT
Get it Insured using the Chassis Number
Fill as much as the V55/5 as you can.

Take the V55/5, Your MOT, Your Insurance cover note, all the documents referring to the Export (Jap De-reg certificate, HM customs form you get sent in the post) Pay the nice people at the DVLA office money for first registration £50 + 6 or 12 months tax..

Providing you get insurance based on the chassis number you can legally drive the car once (IIRC) from the docks to your house or to a MOT station (with a pre-booked MOT) and home.

[Rotaryguru]

Thanks mate, Thats basically what I thought. Get MOT, fill in details, do the forms etc.
 
Its a 1992, so now worries about the harder test, just the MOT. Mines coming to Southampton for collection, can I clean it, or does someone else do it before customs? Basically, I\'m going to book an MOT for the afternoon that it arrives, take the day off work, wait at the docks for it to arrive, clean it, pay the duty and VAT, and drive it back for the MOT!

[Rotaryguru]

Sorry, just re-read your post - the clearing agent does that. Did they cost much? Am I able to do this stuff myself? Am trying to spend as little as possible, and do everything myself.

[peterwolds]

welcome bet you cant wait to get your hands on it,if its your 1st rear wheel car watch the wet roads coming off bends dont floor it

[Rotaryguru]

Nah, certainly not my first rear wheel drive, hopefully most powerful.
 
Had a 1980 series 1, 12A turbo with microtech computer, was my much loved baby for 7 years.... will post photos when I can work all this stuff out!
 
Anyways, very much looking forward to this one, have always wanted to buy one straight out of Japan, already modded up!
 
try the links below. 1992 type X, has a knight sports 300km meter, lowered, body kit, HKS Piping, 18\'\' alloys, sunroof, HKS aircleaner, intercooler, bilstein suspension, BOV, momo steering, red seats, headlight kit.

If you can see the photos, any idea on bodykit brand?

[elford_tim]

No idea about the bodykit, but that doesn\'t look like a sunroof\'d car to me.

Unless you\'ve got the MOT test fee to blow away I\'d get the car home first and check it over thoroughly before taking it down to the MOT station...

[Rotaryguru]

I got lots more photos from my agent when I purchased the car, it has the steel sunroof (its a type X), you can\'t see it in the photos though.:2eek

[Matt_K]

No idea about the bodykit, but that doesn\'t look like a sunroof\'d car to me.

Unless you\'ve got the MOT test fee to blow away I\'d get the car home first and check it over thoroughly before taking it down to the MOT station...

You can just see the line around the Sunroof I think.. it\'s hardly visable tho!

Clearing Agent for me cost £75.. they sort all the paperwork out on this side and tell you exactly how much you need to pay Duty wise. for me, as it was my first import I found it a real help.

Agree to with the pre-check over for a MOT. Looks a nice example! Remember you need to factor in some kind of remapping.. running a Jap FD on English fuel is suicide. If it has a Apexi PFC all it needs is remapping by a tuner.. If it has something like a Knightsports ECU or something, these are generally unmappable in the UK.

[Alex T]

looks stunning mate!!

[Rotaryguru]

£75!! Sweet, happy to pay that. Take it thats only the paperwork, not like a quick wash down for salt spray etc.?
 
Thanks for the comments guys, really looking forward to the next MRC track day! Whens the next one?

[Rotaryguru]

Agree to with the pre-check over for a MOT. Looks a nice example! Remember you need to factor in some kind of remapping.. running a Jap FD on English fuel is suicide. If it has a Apexi PFC all it needs is remapping by a tuner.. If it has something like a Knightsports ECU or something, these are generally unmappable in the UK.

Think its a standard ECU. Can\'t I just run it on V-Max 99RON from Shell?

[elford_tim]

You can just see the line around the Sunroof I think.. it\'s hardly visable tho!

Yes, you\'re right. I guess I have to have a word with Specsavers about those glasses I got from them a month ago... :rolleyes:

Agree to with the pre-check over for a MOT. Looks a nice example! Remember you need to factor in some kind of remapping.. running a Jap FD on English fuel is suicide. If it has a Apexi PFC all it needs is remapping by a tuner.. If it has something like a Knightsports ECU or something, these are generally unmappable in the UK.

That\'s the most important piece of advice for this car - unless the new owner runs it on that BP race fuel. 102 Octane, isn\'t it?

[elford_tim]

Think its a standard ECU. Can\'t I just run it on V-Max 99RON from Shell?

With the mods you list I wouldn\'t run it on a standard ECU unless you want your wallet to get super-friendly with your local RX specialist.

If it\'s got an uprated intercooler and potentially other improvements to the gas flow I would not run it on the standard ECU. If you drive it hard, it will go nuclear if it\'s modded like that. Not straight away but your car will end up as another recent Japanese import with a broken engine on fleabay within six months.