Morris Minor Owners Club

Can anyone advise me how I go about changing the engine details with the dvla? I bought a replacement engine from a club member some months ago.My problem is that if I write to the dvla to request the change is made from 948 cc to 1098 cc I am sure I have read that the dvla will not send me my V5 back with the engine details amended unless I have proof of where the engine came from.Help please !!

I would suggest either a photograph or a pencil rubbing onto paper of the engine number ( if present ) be included with your notification . I was in a similar position having bought a MGB who's engine number was different to that on the V5 . I think I phoned DVLA & that was the suggestion . Very shortly after the car came off the road for an engine rebuild . DVLA logic seems slightly odd in that they are wanting to check if the engine could be stolen . Why would someone notify them if they had fitted an engine that was known to be stolen . No offence to you intended .
Lastly ring DVLA & ask for their advice having explained the position you are in & if appropriate my suggestion above .

Regards Andrew .
There is some info on DVLA website , sorry I cannot put a link to it . The document talks about " evidence " needed to be provided .

From experience they arn't generally worried about evidence from pre '72 vehicles. Its later ones they worry about!

I recently went from 1300 back to 950. Documents came back all ok.

The problem mentioned above was indeed the case for a while - but has all settled down now. Or - just don't tell them! You don't need to have an engine number at all! It matters not a jot......Simply remove the engine number tag from the new engine. Probably more important to tell your insurance co about the capacity increase - although I doubt they will change your premiums.

Last year I was going to re-barrel a scooter from 125cc to 149cc. The cylinder bore on Vespas and many other bikes simply bolts off. So the main engine stays the same but when I sent the V5 in for the change they responded that they needed the change done by 'proper' garage or the change confirmed safe in writing by a proper garage. So, no change of engine, no change of taxation class but still I'm not trusted to do it myself.

My rant aside you might find that you are also asked for the same thing.

Photocopy anything you need to send to Swansea!

Oh dear -based on 'dp' story above, DVLA are still 'at it' then.... In which case my advice is to do nothing - just remove the engine number tag!

When I have done it... I have got a friend with a garage to give me their letter head and I write a letter

Nothing like a bit of honest fraud.

No Fraud... they inspect the vehicle, I write the letter for them and they sign it