The feedback that I am getting from customers is that SVA inspectors seem to be toughening their stance, with regard to proof of age of an engine. They appreciate that we play a bit of Cat & Mouse with them on covering edges etc. But I get the impression that having a pre cat block, probably irratates one or two of them.
In some cases we are asked to provide a letter stating engine age, in addition to the imformation pack that we supply. Moretec, seems to be a generally excepted website, but this depends on the testing centre's policy and most importantly, the inspectors decision.
The majority of engines being fitted to Cobra's are the Chevy small block and if you can find them, the best castings are as 3970010 & 3970014. These are the easiest numbers for inspectors to remember and they
should know that they were manufactured during the 70's.
Ford can be a bit more tricky, but try & stick to D2's & D4's for the 351 and D1's & D4's for the 302. These were also early to mid 70's and this should be known by the majority of inspectors.
With the growing environmental pressure on cars, we will probably find this SVA issue becoming more of a problem, rather than less of one. Who's know if the government will try & move the goalposts, to make us all fit cat's to our cars
?
Ian.