Engine Conversion And Logbook

[tdr_1976 41 1 Cars]

I've almost come to the end of my TU5J4 engine conversion on my 89 XS rally car.

 

All the work carried out on the car would be declared to my insurers, however, I'm not sure how to tackle the logbook side of things, so I thought I'd ask the question here as to what others have done when converting their 205's to MI's, 6's, J4's etc....

 

Any help would be much appreciated!

 

[allanallen 528 2 Cars]

I've personally never changed one and the insurers have never been bothered when I've informed them the engine size is different to the log book. Non of the cars I've converted have needed to change tax band though whereas yours will.....

[tdr_1976 41 1 Cars]

Thanks for the reply mate, much appreciated.

 

I was thinking that as long as the modifications are all declared, the insurers know exactly what they are insuring.

 

The Tax class point is a good one though, I'll contact the DVLA tomorrow to find out what to do.

[AlexRS2782 136 1 Cars]

What you need to declare should be covered on the 3 links below.

 

https://www.gov.uk/change-vehicle-details-registration-certificate/changes-youll-need-to-update

 

https://www.gov.uk/change-vehicle-details-registration-certificate/what-evidence-to-give

 

https://www.gov.uk/change-vehicle-details-registration-certificate/how-to-tell-dvla

[tdr_1976 41 1 Cars]

Cheers Alex,

 

I've just this minute finished reading the pages you posted up!

 

Thanks for the help

[AlexRS2782 136 1 Cars]

No problem. The last time I changed one was back in 2000 when I sorted the paperwork for a friend who was overseas in the Navy at the time but had dropped a VR6 into his Mk2 Golf GTI and it was simply a case of providing the updated engine numbers, etc. By the looks of it now they need more info, receipts for purchased engine, etc, which is probably correct tbh, even if it does mean a bit more paperwork.

 

At least you're declaring it though. The amount of cars out there with dodgy undeclared conversions is sometimes concerning. I remember a guy on a Ford forum a few years ago putting a turbo'd 2 litre zetec into a base model 1.1 litre mk2 fiesta, but didn't declare it for the "cheap insurance, tax, etc" and the quality of the build on it was shocking when it came to the installation, decent brakes (lack thereof), etc.

[barneys66 120 1 Cars]

Sorry, have not read through the links, but is it true they still want to see that it's been carried out by a 'professional'..?

 

i.e. one of the receipts to come from a garage, which presumably must be qualified somehow (VAT registered?) to be acceptable..?

[tdr_1976 41 1 Cars]

No problem. The last time I changed one was back in 2000 when I sorted the paperwork for a friend who was overseas in the Navy at the time but had dropped a VR6 into his Mk2 Golf GTI and it was simply a case of providing the updated engine numbers, etc. By the looks of it now they need more info, receipts for purchased engine, etc, which is probably correct tbh, even if it does mean a bit more paperwork.

 

At least you're declaring it though. The amount of cars out there with dodgy undeclared conversions is sometimes concerning. I remember a guy on a Ford forum a few years ago putting a turbo'd 2 litre zetec into a base model 1.1 litre mk2 fiesta, but didn't declare it for the "cheap insurance, tax, etc" and the quality of the build on it was shocking when it came to the installation, decent brakes (lack thereof), etc.

 

I'll send off the V5 with the changes initially, see where that gets me, I've read that some people have done that and got the V5 back without any issues. Fingers crossed.....haha!

[Ryan 99]

Sorry, have not read through the links, but is it true they still want to see that it's been carried out by a 'professional'..?

 

i.e. one of the receipts to come from a garage, which presumably must be qualified somehow (VAT registered?) to be acceptable..?

 

All they're after is some sort of proof of the new engine number. They don't care who actually fits the engine.

[barneys66 120 1 Cars]

Good news - think it was the quote below I was thinking of / had read before, but it does say 'either' (and if before you bought) so all good.

 

Keep us informed.

 

 

Change of engine number or cylinder capacity (cc)

You need to provide either:

 

- a receipt for the replacement engine

written evidence from the manufacturer

- an inspection report provided for insurance purposes

- written confirmation on headed paper from a garage (if the change took place before you bought the vehicle)

[hoodygoodwood 70 3 Cars]

I have just been through this very situation myself , I am working on a 309 1.3 XL at the moment and have changed the colour from red to white and will be fitting modified 309 GTI engine and running gear to it . I wanted everything legal so contacted the DVLA concerning the changes , I did what they asked and sent off photos of work carried out by me as well as photocopies of receipts for engine parts and machining . They soon replied asking for receipts from the engine builder/fitter etc ( as stated by Barney66 above ) and the fact I had done all the work myself did not seem to count . Just when I was wondering what to do next I received a new log book in the post with just the colour change registered . As most insurers do not seem to need the engine changes on the log book I would not bother with it unless of course you have had the work done by somebody that can supply the required paperwork .