Car log book (V5) engine size update

Insurance might have been one reason maybe?

Although I thought you were supposed to get an engineers report or something whenever you changed something like an engine, even though it's rather less safety critical than brakes or steering.

Or simply laziness?

Hope you told your insurers that an 1100 is now 1760. If you didn't and you do have a prang (or a 'pull' at one of those Vehicle Inspectorate jobbies) you'll *really* be in the shit.

JB

I have owned up to all modifications right down to the seats and the quick shift, so that's not an issue. It's just the implications with the DVLA that I'm concerned, with if there are any that is.

Ben.

I'd have thought that you'd probably get away with just filling in the log book with the appropriate changes and that should be fine.

It's highly likely that there's no sinister reason why it wasn't done before, only that the previous owner never got around to it, or couldn't be bothered.

The only worry you'll have is what date to say the replacement engine was fitted - maybe if you specify a date too far in the past they might have a go at you not telling them earlier, so you might just want to put the date as whatever date you fill it in. Can't see it being of much consequence TBH.

Peter

Cheers for the thoughts so far, I think they've settled my mind somewhat. I'm keen to get it up to date because I don't want there to be any reason for my pride and joy to look even slightly dodgy to me or anyone else.

Ben.

Doesn't the excise duty band change with your new engine? 1549cc = £165pa for a pre March 2001 registered car. I do note that in your original post you say 'it shouldn't affect the tax which is zero'. How do you manage that? I'd like to try it myself. :-)

If the above does apply... don't worry about the DVLA but watch out for the tax man. They hate people not paying them everything they think they deserve (says he from experience).

Vin.

"Vin" gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying:

The relevant bit is....

Pre 1/1/73, zero cost tax...

Vehicles manufactured or registered before 1 January 1973 are classed as historic vehicles and attract a zero rate of duty. You still need to present insurance and MOT certificates and display a tax disc, just the fee is £0.00.

Rich.

When I saw the original post I wondered if the engine had been nicked - maybe from a stolen car that was subsequently broken up. Perhaps that's why the change was never registered with DVLA as the perpetrator would be worried that the engine serial number might set off alarm bells at DVLA?

Hope I'm wrong.

Didn't know that. Something learned so today will not be in vain. Off back to 1972 in my trusty time machine to re-register my car. Want yours doing while I'm there?

Not like the taxman to miss a chance. Mind you... I never understand why they continually miss the chance to tax caravans. Bigger menace on the roads than any other vehicle. Should be taxed out of existence.

Vin.

Stuffed ( snipped-for-privacy@theworld.com) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying :

The insurance might want an engineer's report, but it's unlikely for a straight engine swap on something like a mk 1 Escort.

Well it used to be a rolling thing of cars older than 25(20?) years until one year they froze it.

The message from "Vin" contains these words:

I wonder how many caravans are directly involved in serious accidents. I'm sure they're "involved" in accidents where cars behind overtake dangerously - seen it myself all too often, and in many cases it would have been preferrable if the driver had pulled over to let a string of cars pass.

However annoying caravans are though, and however inconsiderate their drivers (and I can't remember when one last pulled over to let some cars past), they don't excuse dangerous overtaking.

You'd be amazed at how many car sellers / traders still believe that (or try it on as a "feature")...

"Yeah, mate it's a 1980 Chevette - next year it'll have free tax" "No it won't, it has to be pre-73" "Naaah, you got it wrong - it's any car over 25 years old innit?!!" "That changed around 6 or 7 years ago" "Naaaah, my mate says..."

blah blah blah

Probably like those drivers that wear Trilby hats.... Never had an accident in 50 years of driving but have seen THOUSANDS in their rear view mirror.

Vaguely remember it being the law in Germany that they had to pull over and release a queue of traffic and they were not allowed to convoy. If one formed it had to break up. Long time back though so my recollection could be wrong. Sounds good though and ought to be introduced over here.

Vin.

I think if it had been nicked someone would have got the grinder out and removed the number off the block, but it's still there, so maybe the person who did the conversion was just a bit lazy.

I don't suppose there is a way to check history of my engine with the DVLA before I update the logbook?

Ben.

Fair nuff. I've swapped a few engines, usually just like for like, and never bothered sorting the paperwork out, but I've heard of having to pay to get the car checked over to make it legal. Which I've always thought is bloody silly, but then, legislation often is.

I'm currently contemplating how stupid health and safety rules can be, as it seems perfectly safe to the men in suits to let people loose with axes, but far too dangerous to let someone with experience use a 240v drill!

Correction. It was a 25 year rolling, brought in near the very end of Tory rule.

Gordon Brown then realised the key to increased economic upturn was to stop the rolling exemption, and simply have the 1st Jan 1973 as a cut off.

Engineers reports may be required by the insurer, but I don't think anyone else is interested in them. In my case because the modifications are relatively normal for one of these and mostly using off the shelf period ford parts one wasn't needed. I think the idea behind it is to make sure other things like the brakes and suspension are suitably upgraded when a more powerful engine is transplanted. Engineers reports put the insurance companies minds to rest about the safety aspects, and possibly give them a documented excuse to put the premium up.

Ben.