So I hate Shaken (vehicle inspection in Japan). Been hard at work downgrading the 420sx so it will pass vehicle inspection here. They're very strict about some things. And very expensive with fees. I was able to pick up some stock bumpers and a set of steelies from one of the 9F crew members. Also threw the stock seats and wheel back in just to be cautious. I pulled my over fenders off as well, because she was pretty wiiiide and I wasn't sure if it would pass qualifications. I left the 326 running gear on but raised the ride height for both the front and back. I'm also hoping i'll be able to pay off the inspector to look past all of my window stickers. If not I have a pretty decent back up plan.
I also put a godfather musical horn in. Which needs to be re-wired because it will randomly go off. Pretty funny the first few times, but it gets annoying.
If you're unfamiliar or don't know, the process of the shaken involves these steps:
Spoiler:
An exterior inspection to ensure the vehicle meets Japanese exterior regulations and does not have illegal exterior modifications such as extreme body kits that increase the exterior dimensions.(Was very guilty)
A wheel alignment inspection to ensure the vehicle has its wheels in-line and can turn correctly.
A speedometer inspection to ensure the vehicle's speedometer is accurate.
A headlamp inspection to ensure that the vehicle's headlights are correctly placed and aligned.
A brake inspection to ensure the brakes work correctly.
An exhaust gas/muffler inspection which includes testing carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions along with exhaust noise levels.
An undercarriage inspection which includes looking at suspension parts.
Exterior
Tailpipes: Tailpipes are not allowed to protrude past the car's body however tailpipes that are built into the side of the vehicle are allowed.
Body kits/Aero parts: Aerodynamic mirrors, windage trays under the tail section of the car and body kits using front bumper scoops are allowed. However all aerodynamic parts must fit and be molded correctly so they are flush with the car's body.
Fenders and Overfenders: All fenders and overfenders (including widebody style-kits) must not inhibit the turning of the car's wheels (which must be able to turn 30 degrees inward and 50 degrees outward).
Spoilers: All spoilers (aftermarket or OEM) must not be wider than the car's rear and must be bolted to the car's trunk.
Lamps and reflectors: Front, side, and rear turn signals; brake lights, front and rear position lights, hazard warning lights, rear reflectors, low and high beam headlamps are all required. Sidemarker reflectors and lights and fog and driving lamps are permitted. All devices must function correctly and emit or reflect the required colours of light.
Windows: No tint can be present on driver and passenger side windows however commercial UV window blocker is allowed. Lexan windows are not allowed unless they are approved via a case by case basis. Stickers/banners on the front windshield and rear glass are not allowed. etching on the windows, with the exception of VIN information, is not allowed.
Speedometer
The speedometer of the car is tested by driving up on to a dynamometer. The vehicle will be accelerated to 40 km/h twice and the vehicle's speedometer reading will be recorded; should the reading be different, it will not pass.[citation needed]
Headlamps
All headlamps must be an approved type, designed for left-hand traffic, emit white or yellow light, and be aimed correctly.[citation needed]
Exhaust and Emissions
Cars under 10 years old may emit not more than 1% carbon monoxide, and not more than 300ppm unburned hydrocarbons.[dubious – discuss] Cars older than 10 years may emit up to 4.5% carbon monoxide and up to 1200ppm unburned hydrocarbons.[dubious – discuss] This emission standard is laid out in the Japanese Emission Standard legislation.[citation needed] High flow catalytic converters are allowed.[citation needed] All oxygen sensors must be in working order along with any oil catch tanks.[citation needed] Exhaust noise is tested at a 45-degree angle, 50 centimeters (20 inches) from the tailpipe outlet[citation needed]. Vehicles up to 10 years old may emit not more than 96 decibels; older vehicles are allowed 103 dB.[citation needed]
Suspension
No bushings may be broken or in bad condition. All control arms must be in working order. There can be no rust/corrosion on springs, struts or other suspension components. If the car has 4 wheel steering it must be working. The vehicle must also meet minimum height requirements which will be checked by referencing the lowest part of the vehicle (not including the suspension components). For vehicles with 200–249 cm wheelbase they must be 8 cm off the ground and vehicles with 250–299 cm wheelbase they must be 9 cm off the ground. For all other vehicles for every 50 cm over 299 cm in wheelbase add .5 cm to the minimum height and for vehicles under 200 cm in wheelbase subtract .5 cm to the minimum height.
Interior
General interior equipment must be still intact (i.e.: dash). Roll cages (must have padding around bars) and carpet removal is allowed. Bucket seats must measure 420 mm from left to right bank but can not be over 450 mm from left exterior side to right exterior side (total width of seat). Aftermarket seats made of fiber-reinforced plastic are not allowed. Any holes or rips in seats must either be taped up or repaired.
Should a car not meet any of the tests it will have to be repaired and retested before passing.
Anyway here's how she looks right now. Stock as hell! Just hoping all the hard work pays off and I'm able to get this thing legal over here. Once legal, the transformation back will begin!
