10 replies to this topic

[New game mini]

Hi folks,

My mini is currently undergoing an engine swap going from a 998 auto to a 1098 manual.

There's a lot of differing info/opinions online about who to notify about the changes I'm making particularly regarding the DVLA so I'm just looking for clarification really :/

This is my understanding, feel free to correct me:

I obviously need to notify my insurance or my policy will be void so that's a given. I also need to get written confirmation from a garage that the 1098 has gone in and the conversion has happened and send it to the DVLA. Then I'll receive a new V5.

There's a lot of people saying not to bother notifying the DVLA as it's a hassle for no real gain. Any thoughts on this?

Any guidance welcomed,

Jamie,

[rhys-89]

When ever I have done an engine swap I send off the v5 with the change of engine and the new engine number which is on top of the block above the alternator. You will then receive the new v5 with changes just like if you change the colour on the logbook of your car. Also your insurance will need to know that you have a larger engine. I will be doing this soon as I need to change my logbook from 998 auto to 1275 manual and also colour change.

[Northernpower]

When I changed my engine I sent off the V5 with the new engine number and capacity and they sent it back to me unaltered. After looking through various forums it would appear sometimes they change it and sometimes they don't. To be certain it was suggested you need to send off an invoice showing the new capacity and engine number. So I sent it off again with the invoice and they changed it no problem.

 

Even if you've informed the insurance company of the changes I would strongly recommend you change the log book in case you need to make any sort of insurance claim. Nowadays insurance companies do look very long and hard at all supporting documentation and any discrepancies may lead to a problem.

Edited by Northernpower, 15 July 2016 - 02:52 PM.

[mab01uk]

No need if your Mini is tax-exempt, also many feel it is not essential on later Mini's as the taxation class won't change as it is not based on engine size or emissions like most modern cars......but you may be happier to inform them as said due to possible insurance problems, if so go ahead.

 

Changes To Engine Details For Historic Vehicles (DVLA)

This change came in to force in 2011 and applies to all tax-exempt Mini's and classic cars (was pre-1973 and now rolling each year) and has been agreed due to the potential difficulties in providing supporting evidence/documentation for old/scrap replacement engines for historic/classic cars and also due to the fact that they are not taxed based on engine size/capacity in any case:

Changes to engine details for historic vehicles
DVLA confirmed that this policy has been reviewed and that it will no longer be necessary for keepers of vehicles in the Historic class – date of manufacture before 1 Jan 1973 (now rolling) – to provide evidence to support an engine change notification. (18/02/2011)

"ACE wanted further clarification on the use of the word ‘Minor’ and went back to DVLA.

We were pleased to receive this 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 cc’s."
ACE thank the FHBVC for gaining this valuable exemption."

Edited by mab01uk, 15 July 2016 - 02:59 PM.

[New game mini]

Awesome, thanks all, that actually seems pretty straight forward now and miraculously there doesn't seem to be a fee to pay to the DVLA! Just hope my insurance doesn't sky rocket 😱

Thanks again 👍

[tiger99]

I don't think going from 998 to 1098 alone will make a huge difference to your insurance. But you have to declare all other performance mods, eg cam or head, and it will all be taken into account. Frankly, a 1098 is not good for high revs but gives lots of torque due to its long stroke, so will boost low down performance but not top speed, so there may not be much overall gain, and hopefully the insurers may see it that way too. If you as much as mention 1275 or worse, 1380, insurers will get a bit nervous...

[jamesmpi]

From an insurance perspective, you should declare all mods. Don't give your insurance an excuse to refuse a payout in the event of an accident

[Swift_General]

Yes you need to inform the DVLA by law. Your insurance company will most likely either ask you to confirm that the car is not modified, or ask you if it has any modifications. Either way you will have to declare it.

[olly33]

Other option is to send a original letter headed paper from a local garage stating the change of engine cc and engine number is what I did and also as others say inform the insurance obviously.

[minicooperr]

Sorry to hijack but my project was orginally registered as a 998 as its a 1989 model, I have a 998 engine to go in it and I am going to do this myself as part of the restoration. Does that mean that I wont be able to change the DVLA record because I am doing it myself? 

[Swift_General]

Sorry to hijack but my project was orginally registered as a 998 as its a 1989 model, I have a 998 engine to go in it and I am going to do this myself as part of the restoration. Does that mean that I wont be able to change the DVLA record because I am doing it myself? 

You can do it yourself, however you'll just need to provide appropriate evidence.

https://www.gov.uk/c...vidence-to-give