Changes to Engine dating process for BIVA/SVA
Previously it has been possible to prove the date of manufacture of an engine, for SVA/BIVA emission testing, by providing proof of the donor vehicle.
However this has now changed for various reasons and ties into revisions earlier this year when notifying DVLA of engine changes on the V5C as ACE reported: -
http://www.the-ace.org.uk/dvla-engine-swap-notification-changes.html
This has been further tightened to the effect that self-certification is no longer sufficient and a garage must confirm that the engine is actually installed in that vehicle.
Under the previous DVLA regime many had simply performed a paperwork exercise of engine change and this has now resulted in the tightening of procedures.
For VOSA purposes the engine must be proved to be the original engine fitted to the car at production or that the engine in question has been installed, and used, for a realistic period of time.
Three methods of proof are currently acceptable;
A donor logbookfor the original engine,
A proven date of manufacture by engine number,
or the preferred method which is by block casting date.
V8 Chevrolet Engines
If you are thinking of using a Chevy V8 in your conversion be aware that VOSA are aware that there is a number of crate engines using an older casting number than true date of manufacture.
In late 2008 testers were advised that any car fitted with a 350 or 383 CI Chevrolet engine would need authorisation from VOSA Technical direct rather than it being supplied by the presenter. Any vehicle presented without VOSA confirmation would be tested to modern catalytic converter standards if the block wasn't correctly dated.
In particular any engine bearing the block casting number 3970010, as these were the ‘suspect' crate engine numbers, would be checked to ensure its origins could be verified.
There are three companies that are acceptable to VOSA for verification purposes
British American Engines, EDA and Huddart Engines.