9 replies to this topic

[leepol83]

Hi I've got a 998 cc mini but have fitted a 1275cc engine and I need to change the logbook so that the new 1275 engine number is on the logbook I've just received the logbook back but they are asking for evidence of where the engine was fitted (was fitted in my garage by me) anyone found away around this my biggest fear is having to take it for a sva test and tnings like that any advice appreciated.

[Zik]

Did you have any work done on the engine by a third party? (machine shop, engine builders etc?) A covering letter from them may be evidence enough. Another alternative is to ring up the garage you get your MOT done at and ask them to produce a letter confirming the engine swap. 

This all seems to depend on whether or not you get a jobsworth at the DVLA or not. You could try sending off the V5 again with a covering letter explaining the 'homegrown' nature of the swap with photos of the new engine in place - you might get someone sympathetic! 

Don't panic, worst comes to worst you will just have to pay the AA or similar for a engineering report which the DVLA should absolutely accept.

[leepol83]

Quick update on this I can't find anyone willing to write me a letter stating what dvla want and the aa will only do an inspection on a vehicle upton 15 years old what a JOKE!!!!!!! You try to do things by the book but it just gives you a headache and ends up costing a fortune in the end why do we bother? Ow well Tito I will just get a plate made up for the 998 on the logbook and stick it over the top win win cheaper insurance and no hassle (for now)

[Zik]

Quick update on this I can't find anyone willing to write me a letter stating what dvla want and the aa will only do an inspection on a vehicle upton 15 years old what a JOKE!!!!!!! You try to do things by the book but it just gives you a headache and ends up costing a fortune in the end why do we bother? Ow well Tito I will just get a plate made up for the 998 on the logbook and stick it over the top win win cheaper insurance and no hassle (for now)

 

The only thing I will say is under no circumstances should you lie to your insurance company. Tell them its a 1275, they don't care what's written on the logbook - they want to know what vehicle they are insuring. Telling them its a 998 is a good way to invalidate your insurance and drive future premiums up tenfold if you get caught out.

 

Like I said, try sending the logbook off again with some photos and a covering letter. Be polite, explain your circumstances and demonstrate that you have a good degree of mechanical competence. A little bit of the engine swap V5 malarkey is that they would like to know your engine has been installed in a mechanically safe fashion!

[leepol83]

Quick update on this I can't find anyone willing to write me a letter stating what dvla want and the aa will only do an inspection on a vehicle upton 15 years old what a JOKE!!!!!!! You try to do things by the book but it just gives you a headache and ends up costing a fortune in the end why do we bother? Ow well Tito I will just get a plate made up for the 998 on the logbook and stick it over the top win win cheaper insurance and no hassle (for now)

 
The only thing I will say is under no circumstances should you lie to your insurance company. Tell them its a 1275, they don't care what's written on the logbook - they want to know what vehicle they are insuring. Telling them its a 998 is a good way to invalidate your insurance and drive future premiums up tenfold if you get caught out.
 
Like I said, try sending the logbook off again with some photos and a covering letter. Be polite, explain your circumstances and demonstrate that you have a good degree of mechanical competence. A little bit of the engine swap V5 malarkey is that they would like to know your engine has been installed in a mechanically safe fashion!

Thanks zik I will try the letter like you say but you know what there like 6 weeks later I'll get the same letter back and be back to square one again. Thing is I really do want it legitimate for my own peace of mind but they make it so hard. I've been reading other forums and its not just me so I will persist in the matter my minis going nowhere fast anyway ha ha!!!! Thanks again mate.

[Tamworthbay]

Whereabouts are you? There may be a mini specialist close who could help out.

[leepol83]

Whereabouts are you? There may be a mini specialist close who could help out.

I'm in leicester I've had a ward with my mini guy today but he says you can end up having to take the car for a swa test and all sorts to be honest I've rang a few garages but they didn't seem bothered either.

Edited by leepol83, 14 September 2013 - 03:47 PM.

[leepol83]

If I do find someone will he just need to do me a receipt to say he's supplied and fitted the engine
And get him to put the new engine number on the invoice and sign it obviously on his headed paper.

[AVV IT]

As above, if the car is in use then you need to advise your insurer of the change in engine size regardless of what is says on the logbook, they really aren't concerned with what engine is listed on the logbook anyway. There is absolutely no point in assigning a 998 engine number to a 1275 block, it certainly wouldn't fool and insurance inspector in the event of a claim, particularly as a 998 can be distinguished from a 1275 at a glance any way.

 

If you're actually trying to get someone to document that they've supplied and fitted your engine when they actually haven't, then there's no wonder you can't get anyone to do it!  All you actually need is a written engineers report from a professional, that confirms that a genuine engine swap has taken place. A mini friendly garage should be able to do this for you for a small admin fee, as should an engine builders, or a classic car restorer that is familiar with the A-Series. They will just need to inspect your car, then confirm in writing that a 1275 engine has been fitted and verify the new engine number.

[leepol83]

As above, if the car is in use then you need to advise your insurer of the change in engine size regardless of what is says on the logbook, they really aren't concerned with what engine is listed on the logbook anyway. There is absolutely no point in assigning a 998 engine number to a 1275 block, it certainly wouldn't fool and insurance inspector in the event of a claim, particularly as a 998 can be distinguished from a 1275 at a glance any way.
 
If you're actually trying to get someone to document that they've supplied and fitted your engine when they actually haven't, then there's no wonder you can't get anyone to do it!  All you actually need is a written engineers report from a professional, that confirms that a genuine engine swap has taken place. A mini friendly garage should be able to do this for you for a small admin fee, as should an engine builders, or a classic car restorer that is familiar with the A-Series. They will just need to inspect your car, then confirm in writing that a 1275 engine has been fitted and verify the new engine number.

Ok cool I've got someone to do it now but thanks anyway.