Tuning in UAE

[T.N.T]

Does anyone here own a performance tuned car?
I am the proud owner of a Lancer Evo VII and I was recently thinking that it's about time that I should start modifying it. (Right now, the car is dead stock )
What are the rules and regulations regarding tuning in the U.A.E?
What about registration/passing requirements?
How do i get the car insured once it is tuned?
I've seen a few Skylines around nowadays. A friend of mine told me that they are banned in Dubai and that you cannot register them here. Is it true? I've seen many with number plates of other emirates (U.A.Q, Ajman etc.) Are they more lenient regarding tuning and 'Skylines'?

Thanks for any kind of help,
T.N.T

[root]

Performance tuning is definitely done here. We had a few guys before (Rocky, navadv,,) who were into this, but dont know where the went.

The bottom line is that it is banned in UAE and definitely in Dubai after some youngsters over-charged their cars to a speed that neither they or the car could handle. I heard of a few accidents where the cars flipped over (now thats real action ).

They way to do it is that you take off the extra kits when you go for inspection and then put them back on. Hey, I am not suggesting that you do this, but this is what most of the fast and furious guys do here.

You are right about that many have plates from other emirates. It is probably easier to get them passed elsewhere. Sometimes in smaller emirates you get to know the people in the inspection better if you are from around.

However, one thing is for sure. If you have a car that looks like its mod-ed , you will attract a lot of Police and CID attention. You will be stopped even when you are not doing anything wrong. I guess this goes with the territory.

[root]

http://www.autodealer.ae/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=109

There was a lot of similar discussions earlier

[navadv]

TNT - how are those mods going on the Evo???

What a beauty - somehow i always thought u owned a Pajero....

[T.N.T]

The mods are going well, although I am very hesitating in applying them which is why the process is VERY slow. I am the kind of guy who likes his cars stock, but after looking at so many modified Evo's I felt the need to modify my EVO.
BTW, it's an VIII, not a VII. Typo.

[T.N.T]

I don't personally like Pajeros. I know they are pretty capable, but looks don't appeal me at all.
You have a reason to think I owned a Pajero, Mitsu avatar and maybe because It sells so well, you assumed even I had one.

[navadv]

Pajero - im not actually sure why i thought that!?!?

So pls do tell - what have u got on that mod list of urs?

Ur Evo VIII = what are the specs on it?
I have a couple of friends who are interested in picking up an Evo. Unfortuneately Al Habtoor is being a pain about it and refuse to offer any warranty - even when buying it brand new!

Furthermore - there are quite a few other "make u Smile" Rides that u can buy with the same money.... So for them - they are trying to figure out what to buy - Evo, S2000 or 350Z

i love the Evo because of its 4Dr Sprts Car personality - it always looks great on the road and Boy Oh BOY does it move!!!! i remember getting my ass wholloped by one at a signal!

[navadv]

TNT - forgot to mention

Have u ever taken ur car to the track??

Come by Autodrome on the 29th - around 7pm- (AutoX) - u dont have to partake but u will atleast get an idea about whether u want to in the future!

With a car like urs i think u should

[T.N.T]

My mod list:
Performance/Engine Dress-up
- RNR 3” Stainless Steel Downpipe
- RNR 3” Stainless Steel Cat-back Piping
- HKS Carbon-Ti Muffler
- HKS 272° Intake Camshaft
- HKS 272° Exhaust Camshaft
- HKS Racing Suction Intake
- HKS Super Sequential Blow-off Valve
- TurboXS Front Mount Intercooler
- Walbro 255lph Fuel Pump
- KOYO Polished Aluminum Radiator
- Vibrant Performance hoses (intercooler)
- SAMCO Silicone Radiator Hoses (red)
- Authority 2-Piece Brass Under-hood Shifter Bushings
- ARC Titanium Gradient Spark Plug Cover
- ARC 1.5Bar Radiator Cap

Exterior
- 30% Window Tint

Wheels/Suspension/Braking
- Gorilla Racing Lightweight Lugnuts
- Yokohama AVS ES100 Performance Tires (245/40/18)
- BREMBO braking system

Interior
- ARC Titanium Shift-Knob
- Authority Short Throw Shifter
- Authority 8-Piece Brass In-car Shifter Bushings
- Momo steering wheel

Multimedia
- Pioneer DEH-P9400MP Headunit
- Infiniti Bass-Link Sound System

That's it. It's a sleeper. I am still looking for a good bodykit. Coming soon are lambo doors, and maybe a vinyl or paintjob. Thinking of Neon lighting too.

I bought a base spec one, even the sound system was optional. There was one year warranty on it.
I did take it to the Autodrome once on a Track Day. But i don't think I need to take it again. Because my Evo is a backstreet basher. Stays pretty happy on road and proves it by delivering world-class handling.
I am very busy nowadays so there is a 10% chance of me coming, although I would love to.
BTW, which ride do you own?

[navadv]

Damn! - Ur Serious Stuff!!!

i think we need to meet up when u get some time off!!
Is ur car reg. in Dubai? - cause we need to talk about how u get it passed

Me - i dont own anything like an Evo - i got a 2000 Civic SiR.
1.6L DOHC VTEC 170Hp engine.

At the moment i have a Cold Air Intake but i am looking into Coilovers, and an exhaust system - still debating local stuff Vs. importing branded names.
Im staying n/a and as stock as possible

[T.N.T]

It is registered in Dubai because it passes all the emission standards etc.etc. Although to match up, I have to remove some engine parts before going to register it, which can be a real pain.
BTW, where did you buy that Civic from, Al-Futtaim?

[navadv]

Yeah, i thought u would have to remove some of those things...

The car originally was sold by Al Futtaim - but the year 2000 was the last year it was made. In 2001 there was no replacement for it and then in 2002 they released the Type R.

I guess you could say the SiR was the old Gulf Version of the Type R.

I myself bought it off a buy who bought it brand new - (i bought it used).

[T.N.T]

I just love those VTEC engines!
Aren't they just so 'tunable'.

[Zak7711]

With all due my respect.. forget everything they told you about banning racing stuff. Buy any issue of AutoTrader or similar magazines from gas pump stations and you will see dozens of new performance shops opening every single day. The problem is not in high performance cars, the problem is in the guys behind the wheels but the police seems to be forgetting this fact - a wreckless driver behind a Nissan Petrol can be more dangerous than a mature guy behind a Corvette.

Anyway..

To answer your question, the BEST guy to tune your Lancer Evo-VII would be Ivan, he manages AAT performance on Sharjah/Emirates Rd and Lancers are his toys, his specialty, he's also an expert in Impreza STi & Corolla WRX - check out this link:

AAT - MoTec Performance Tuning

AAT is an authorized dealer for MoTeC corp. of Australia. Expect to pay AED 15,000 and above for a tuned state-of-the-art MoTeC, or get a one time Unichip for AED 3500.

You can also check with Bin Sulayem Performance Motorsports next to Gargash Mercedes service center in Bur Saeed area, or with Mick at SubZero Performance in Ras Al-Khor area. Don't go elsewhere or they'll screw up your ride.

Stanger.[/url]

[T.N.T]

Hey Zak! Thanks for the reply and welcome to the Forums!
I will certainly check those places out and I don't want to screw my EVO up so I am willing to pay more.