Sva engine age.

[tony]

Just been reading the East Mids newsletter and there`s an interesting article written by Ian who attended the SVA open day at Derby test centre. One thing that got my attention was that Derby SVa centre may not now accept printous from the web (presumably Mortec and the likes) as proof of engine age. .
I just wondered if anyone had come accross this or knew any more details or whether or not other test centres were heading this route.


Tony

[chedz]

When I was having some trouble tracing my block I asked VOSA and got this reply.

It does say that info from an official website is sufficient. In the end I got a letter from Rover dating the block. :thumb:








Dear Sir,

Many thanks for your enquiry, I am able to answer your question this way.

As far as our examiner is concerned, when inspecting an amateur built
vehicle, he will be looking for evidence as to the age of the engine
"block" to determine the "effective date" of the vehicle and thus determine
what emissions standard to apply to that vehicle. If the "effective date"
cannot be determined, it will be assumed to be after 1st August 1997 and
will therefore be required to pass a catalyst emissions test.

Although there is a marking on the engine block that appears to look like a
date marking, we cannot assume that this is indeed the case. You would need
to obtain documentary evidence in the form of a letter from the engine
manufacturer that confirms that this is indeed a dating feature and that
this is how they dated their blocks.

Other evidence that would be acceptable would be information contained in
an Auto-data / Haynes manual. The information in such data manuals is
likely to have originated from the manufacturer. Information from the
internet can also be used if it comes from an official source. It may be
worth looking in these areas for the information that you require.

I hope this is of use to you.

Kind regards,

Steve Bardsley
SVA Technical Officer.
Stephen.Bardsley@vosa.gov.uk

[Big Thirsty]

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.

[rsk289]

I have two cars passed SVA recently, at Norwich & Chelmsford. Both sbfs. As the block casting number is completely obscured by the starter, I had a colour photo of the number taken before fitment of the starter, and a copy of Monroe's 'How to Rebuild Small Block Ford'. I showed them the photo, and showed the corresponding date chart in the book. Both testers were happy with this, and both engines had only to pass the 'visible smoke' test.

[Big Thirsty]

Good idea, as Ford's casting numbers are a bit difficult to see.

I've noticed that inspectors appreciate you are trying to help, when you show them photos. As long as they are not piccies of their Wives, then you should have a relatively easy day

Ian

[gonzo]

Hi Tony,
Don't know about Ford ,but my Chevy has just passed and I pointed out the casting No' and showed Him <the inspector > the Chevy book ,Which has a list of casting numbers with relevant dates and he didn't even look at the engine number.
Cheers GONZO. < Street legal and rollin'>

[mikey]

Good grief

The guy is obviously just a grumpy old peelock. Tell him to sod off, get a life and do his job.

Have a bussiness card printed with inland revenue dirctor of Inspectorate on it and place it in a highly visible location when you take the car in.
Mike