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MG Midget and Sprite General - Changing Engine numbers

Has anyone gone through the process with DVLA of notifying them of a change in engine in recent times?

I understand that in order to combat the theft of cars then broken for parts, DVLA introduced a requirement that notification of a change of engine needs to be accompanied by a record or receipt for the engine, or a receipt from the company installing the replacement.

I can foresee this causing problems when I come to fit the engine I have for my Frog (a long time ahead still!) I paid cash for it a couple of years back, no receipt etc. No way of proving provenance. I suppose I will just need to design my own receipt for it!

It took me 4 years to convince the DVLA that my car was blue, not red. When they computerised the MOT records they recorded it as red although it was last registered in that colour in 1987. For 4 years I got letters telling me my car was red not blue. Despite writing to them and sending photos, which they acknowledged, and then failed to update their records anyway so the same thing would happen again the following year.
Guy

Why not swap the numbers on the engines themselves and save yourself the bother? If the new engine is bigger so long as you declare it to your insurer it won't matter to anyone will it?
Daniel Thirteen-Twelve

Yes, could do. DVLA have the engine recorded as a 997 ! Its a Gold Seal type number as far as I recall. Of course if it really was an in-line 997 I might just keep it!
Guy

I've got a spare engine too, and I haven't got a clue what the number is. I do as Daniel suggested, swap numbers when I swap the engine. I tell nobody about it, except everybody here. LOL.

How are the insurance co' to know that I have a P burgess head, or that the block is bored?

Anyway, you could say you bought a block, crank, head and all ancillaries seperately to make a complete engine, and then ask DVLA for a number. They will likely tell you to make one up.
Lawrence Slater

Lawrence,
On my road car ('71 Sprite) I provided the insurers with a full list of modifications, both visible and "internal" like cam shaft etc. As I recall, the only one that caused any interest was the alloy wheels. It didn't make any difference to the premium the fact that I have 5 speed, lowered, high comp etc etc. The reason is that if there were ever a major claim involved, insurance companies will investigate, even sending an engineer to inspect, and may use any excuse to avoid paying out.

On the engine number thing, I would rather use the 1089 number that I do have, rather than the gold seal number that the DVLA have recorded (which anyway they have down as 997cc) I bought my replacement 1098 fro Nick Veuger, whom some here will remember.
Guy

According to the FBHVC the new ruling no longer applies to vehicles taxed as historic i.e. before 1st Jan 73. The below link is on the Midget Register website.

http://www.midgetregister.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=116:good-news-if-youre-changing-your-engine

Trev
T Mason

Trev,
That is really helpful and very welcome news! Nice to have a definitive answer on something for a change!

Guy
Guy

Im so glad i live in the USA... I couldnt exist with all the BS you guys have to live with day in and day out

How you guys maintain your sanity is beyound my imagination...color of the car.. really!!!

Whats that saying about patorits blood and tarrany... Yeah you might want to look that qoute up for some inspiration

Tprop
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

This thread was discussed on 28/12/2011

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