Practically Classics Forum

Hi - I'm new to this forum, so apologies if i am repeating a question... but the the 'search' facility doesn't seem to work for me...

anyway, my question concerns engine changes - a year ago or so i tried to inform dvla that the engine in my newly aqcuired morris pick up was not a 1275 as shown (with no engine number btw), but the correct 1098cc, their reply, in short, left me with the only option to have a written report form a garage... at that point i filed the letter in the bin. Reading PC on and off it seems this was a common occurence, but that latterly such supercillious requests have been rescinded. I am now reapplying to dvla in the hope common sense has once again prevailed but would like to pre empt the same thing happening again...

I may have missed the edition with a fuller explanation but in the Spring PC a reader wrote (paraphrased) saying that he had a letter from one Lianne Parkinson of DVLA stating that pre 73's would not be queried for engine swaps - Eureka! what i would like to know is does anyone know where this letter is reproduced (or something similar) online, or that i may be able to obtain to use in defence?

Thanks

This is copied from a mail that we at ACE http://www.the-ace.org.uk/ recievied from DVLA back in February after we sought clarification on the FBHVC announcement that 'Minor' changes would not need documentation.
Our members were concermed because many of them are from the Hot Rod world and do not really do 'Minor' engine size changes.

If you have received a letter asking for documentation you should just retun it reminding them that the vehicle is Pre 1973.

Good Afternoon Steve
Tanya has passed your e-mail to me for reply.
The word 'minor' is used in the context that the Federation considered that a change of engine was a small alteration to a classic vehicle.
The requirement for documentary evidence for an engine change was introduced because of concerns expressed by VOSA when assessing kit conversions .
After further consideration it has been agreed with VOSA that pre 1973 vehicles were unlikely to be a source of these concerns and we were therefore able to review the policy.
Documentary evidence to support an engine change for any pre 1973 vehicles will no longer be required irrespective of the ccs.
I hope this clarifies the position.

Rhion Richards
Casework &Specialist Advice

If you need any further help drop by the site and use the 'Contact Us' option.

Steve Wallace
The ACE Admin team.

that sounds like good news but what about calssics from the 70's and 80's?
If i pick up an engine for one off ebay does that mean i cant use it?

toyotalover wrote:that sounds like good news but what about calssics from the 70's and 80's?
If i pick up an engine for one off ebay does that mean i cant use it?

It depends on what you are fitting it to.

If it was a later engine going into a pre '73 vehicle you still just need to advise on the engine change (Including CC is appropriate).
If the vehicle is post '73, they will ask for documentary evidence, as they did, incorrectly in the OP's case.