My final questions have been answered and so this will hopefully clear up a lot of 'what is or isnt allowed'.
My questions are in
bold"Approvals
Testing and Support Services (TaSS)
VOSA,
Ellipse,
Padley Road,
Swansea,
SA1 8AN.
Good afternoon Craig ,
Thank you for your further enquiry regarding this matter. As previously, I
have answered your questions below in the order they have asked in blue
text, to aid clarity.
I do hope this additional information is helpful, but should you have any
further questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Best regards,
Mark
Mark Vickers Eng Tech MSOE MIRTE
Technical Officer
Approvals
Passenger Cars & Light Goods Vehicles
Vehicle & Operator Services Agency
Department for Transport.
++44 1792 454256 - Tel
++44 1792 463581 - Fax
Craig McBeth
<Craig.McBeth@fut
urenet.com> To
"
[email protected]"
21/07/2009 11:22 <
[email protected]>
cc
Subject
Additional Mini query
Hi Mark
Following our chat I have some other questions which are hopefully a little
clearer and more pertinent than the previous ones sent to the DVLA. If you
could be kind enough to answer these too. I am sorry if we are covering the
same issue several times. The email to the DVLA was mainly with regards to
the points system and asking what would classify as a mod and thus reduce
the points available for totting up, under the points scheme. Hopefully
upon receipt of your response this should answer all my questions.
I am under the impression that the points system is used to decide whether
a car needs an IVA or not. Is this correct, or can the DVLA inspector just
decide a car is radically modified and send for an IVA? Or are there
certain ‘triggers’ that automatically need an IVA? The points system does not necessarily decide if a vehicle requires an IVA, but if it is used,
then it will. An automatic IVA is invoked in circumstances such as a major
chassis or monocoque alteration, the vehicle identity is lost (due to
missing or altered chassis number perhaps) or the vehicle comprises of all
new parts (such as a second hand body shell or spaceframe rebuild).
1. What are the implications of swapping the A-Series engine for something
like a VTEC or bike engine (fitted to the front) with a custom or modified
subframe (ignoring any suspension or brake mods and assuming no body mods)?This could only be decided by an inspection of the vehicle. An engine
change of this type could not be done in isolation (unless you intend to
drive a potentially unsafe vehicle !) so it is not really possible to give
an accurate assessment. However, if only the engine had been changed, then
the current DVLA guidelines would suggest that this would not require an
IVA.
1a. If a 998cc R1 bike engine replaced a 998cc Mini A-Series unit, fitted
to a modified subframe in the front end but with no body mods, no brake
mods, no suspension mods. In theory, the logbook information would match
up, both engines are 998cc, and the body is unmodified. How would this fare
in your eyes? I suspect it would be up to the MoT tester to spot this, but
how would they know if the DVLA had already been informed or not, as the
info would already be correct on the logbook and there is no other
provision for stating otherwise. Your are right that there is no way the authorities would be aware of this modification, other than the change to
the engine number (required to be notified to the DVLA). As stated above,
this should not be an issue causing an IVA.
2. Would adjusting the bulkhead (to perhaps accommodate a carburettor box)
be seen as a mod to the bodyshell/chassis. Is this likely to be acceptable?Again, a pragmatic approach would be taken. If a minor modification had
been made then this would not be a concern, however, removing the scuttle
panel complete might cause an issue. The current practice of inserting a
thicker plate would be acceptable, but removing the scuttle plate would not
as this is part of the integral strengthening of the monocoque.
3. Can you clarify which of the following mods are likely to be considered
‘crossing the line in to IVA territory’? Tubbing arches Not an issue in isolation
Fitting coil overs instead of standard dampers/shocks Not an issue in
isolation
Deseaming the Mini Not an issue in isolation
Flip fronts/removable front end Not able to give a definitive answer
due to the non-standard nature of the conversion. Could be an issue.
Roof chop Would definitely trigger an IVA Inspection
Aftermarket sunroof Only if a full roof type, mainstream aftermarket
units should be OK
Cabriolet conversion Would definitely trigger an IVA Inspection
Removing the inner wings (non structural) Not an issue in isolation
4. At a DVLA inspection, if the inspector deemed the vehicle did require an
IVA because it had ‘crossed the line’ of acceptable mods, would the owner
be given the chance to remove the mods and put back to acceptable items
before registration would be revoked? From experience, I would suggest that once the vehicle had been inspected, there is no way back. However, if the
vehicle is inspected and found to be "as original " no further action would
be taken.
5. Are the modfications, such as those listed below, likely to be deemed
acceptable by the DVLA? Adjustable ride height (hi-los) Likely to be acceptable in isolation
Adjustable suspension arms (adjusting camber and caster) Likely to be
acceptable in isolation
Polycarb/perspex windows Likely to be acceptable in isolation
Internal gear linkage Likely to be acceptable in isolation
Debumpering (no sharp edges) Likely to be acceptable in isolation if
carried out correctly (no grinding of structural welds etc)
Uprated brakes (four/six pot)/rear disc brake conversion Possibly
acceptable in isolation, but as this would normally be as part of a package
of modifications, could be problematic.
Shortened dampers (as manufactured) Likely to be acceptable in
isolation
Bodykits Possibly acceptable in isolation, assuming the changes were
not structural, but as this would normally be as part of a package of
modifications, could be problematic.
Fitting a rollcage (bolted or welded) Likely to be acceptable in
isolation.
It is worth mentioning once again that it is only the vehicles that have
major modifications that are the target of this general tightening up of
the rules. Continual complaints from the general public about the "boy
racer" fraternity and the unacceptably high death rate among young and
inexperienced drivers have been the driving force for the increased
scrutiny of this issue, but it is not meant to disadvantage the vast
majority of law abiding citizens who merely wish to enhance the enjoyment
of their vehicles. While it is a very complex area of legislation, a
pragmatic and relaxed approach is being used to assess vehicles currently,
in order to educate, rather than mandate change.
-----------------------------
Can I just say a BIG thank you to Mark at VOSA for being ever so helpful. I know I can be annoying at the best of times and he has just shown that there are some really good apples working in the motor section of government organisations.
I think I have covered most common enquiries, for any further specific questions about your own personal project, please contact Mark yourself who, as he has already shown, will be very willing to help clarify the legislation. 01792 454256,
[email protected]
Edited by CMcB, 22 July 2009 - 02:21 PM.
