20 replies to this topic

[Gerbil367]

I bought my mini back in September and it was a 998 on the V5, but has a 1275 in it. 

 

I thought I was doing the right thing by declaring it to my insurers as 1275 - no problems.  Informed DVLA by filling in the V5 with engine details etc - nothing for weeks.  Now been told I have to supply letter from garage who did the work (guy before did the rebuild!), RAC/AA inspection report (costs???) or letter from an independant garage - went to some and got some confused looks - turns out they didnt know how to tell the difference without stripping engine down!!  Well thats not happening.  Anyone know a garage in Gloucester area that can tell the difference and give me a letter without charging the earth or taking it apart?

 

Maybe its just me, but I thought there was a difference to the block and the head for a 1275 to the 998?

 

Appreciate any help guys.

[Nick Warwick]

engine code's are different 1275 begin with 12 (correct me if i'm wrong) and 998 have a tapped chest

[HarrysMini]

As above, the engine number will be different (12 for 1275 and 99 for 998).

[leeuk]

I too am just about to declare my engine swop from a 998 auto to a 1275 manual, I got on the phone yesterday and I have an appointment on Monday morning with a local garage who are prepared to look over it and write me up a confirmation letter for £25, A small price to pay I think if my new V5 comes back without any issues. 

I have a receipt for the engine build and for the engine fitting but just to help the process run smoothly I am also sending the headed confirmation letter that I receive on Monday. My tax runs out this month so instead of declaring it as SORN I have also purchased 6mths tax just in case there is a hold up with the DVLA.

Try ringing a few local garages and explain your situation I am sure you will find someone willing to look over it for you, Other than that mate I think an inspection with the AA costs around £130. Also as above you can tell a 998 from a 1275 from its first set of numbers.

Best of luck mate, I hope you manage to resolve the issue quickly

[jacobtomos]

I think it depends on the garage. I got my V5 changed just recently, all I did was pop down to a local garage (small, friendly chap) and asked for him to print out a piece of paper that said something like "I can confirm the engine in this vehicle is an A+ transverse 1275cc etc." Then I sent it off and get it back a few weeks later no probs. If you can find a guy like that then you might just save yourself some cash...

[Ethel]

Check the dvla website, I've a feeling they'll also accept a letter off an owner's club. They're bureaucrats, with an insatiable desire to file things, some nice headed paper to scan should feed their habit. I very much doubt they look to corroborate anything you send. 

[Tamworthbay]

I think it depends on the garage. I got my V5 changed just recently, all I did was pop down to a local garage (small, friendly chap) and asked for him to print out a piece of paper that said something like "I can confirm the engine in this vehicle is an A+ transverse 1275cc etc." Then I sent it off and get it back a few weeks later no probs. If you can find a guy like that then you might just save yourself some cash...

Brilliant advice^^^^ find the old car friendly garage and you are quids in (there is always at least one local one)

[Gerbil367]

^{Thanks guys, I had confirmed that the Engine number began with 12 - even put that on the V5 to DVLA, but still wanted a letter.  Popped into a small garage not too far from me and they will have a look - just need to wait for one mechanic to come back from holiday this week as he has had 5 minis apparently so knows his onions (so to speak).  Now need to finish off installing my heater and I can get down there - everything is in apart from the Rad bottom hose - why is the sodding thing such a pain to get off???  The clip has been put on in such a way that I cant get a screwdriver onto it to unscrew and slacken it, just to make things easier whoever put it on also rounded the top off so cant even get a spanner or socket on it!  Does that make it hammer time!!!}

[MrBounce]

That makes it take the rad out time as it'll be easier.

[Sleepy Stu]

I should have it a bit easier when I come to declare my VTEC and its looks a bit different to an A series lol! 

[Gerbil367]

Being an obstinate old sod, I managed to get the clip off without removing the Rad!  Made my own tool out of a 7mm spanner and a screwdriver bit out of one of those cheap set things.  Took almost 2 hrs and virtually a millimetre of movement at each attempt, but job done  .  Probably would have been quicker to take the radiator out though!  Probably wouldnt have cut my hand to bits either!

 

Good luck to all the other guys changing engine details - at least we know the right way to do it thanks to everyone who contributed!  

[leeuk]

How did you get on with the DVLA mate,

I have received a letter back today asking for the evidence of the engine change!!!!

I have already sent in a receipt for the new engine as well as a headed letter from an independent garage to verify the change but still they have sent me a letter back today asking for the same information again,

As there offices are now closed until Monday I haven't a clue what more they want me to do, The only other option I now have is to have the £200 inspection from either the AA or RAC, I shall be on the phone first thing Monday to ask why they are asking for information, The same information that I have already sent them with my V5 ;-(

[Sleepy Stu]

How did you get on with the DVLA mate,

I have received a letter back today asking for the evidence of the engine change!!!!

I have already sent in a receipt for the new engine as well as a headed letter from an independent garage to verify the change but still they have sent me a letter back today asking for the same information again,

As there offices are now closed until Monday I haven't a clue what more they want me to do, The only other option I now have is to have the £200 inspection from either the AA or RAC, I shall be on the phone first thing Monday to ask why they are asking for information, The same information that I have already sent them with my V5 ;-(

 

That should be enough all you can do now is wait till they open and ask what the hell they are playing at. If you don't get a satisfactory answer ask to speak to a manager.

Edited by Sleepy Stu, 11 January 2014 - 03:34 PM.

[Cooperman]

I still have the letterhead from when I used to operate Cooperman Engine Services and I'm a qualified mechanical engineer. 

If anyone wants to come round I'll be happy to take a look and do a letter, but it'll cost you couple of bottles of beer .

I'm near St. Ives in Cambs. just off the A14.

[leeuk]

I still have the letterhead from when I used to operate Cooperman Engine Services and I'm a qualified mechanical engineer. 
If anyone wants to come round I'll be happy to take a look and do a letter, but it'll cost you couple of bottles of beer .
I'm near St. Ives in Cambs. just off the A14.

I would of taken you up on this Cooperman if only you wasn't 280mls away,

The only thing I can see that may be an issue here is the fact that I purchased the engine second hand so to speak and so I do not have a receipt of purchase from a garage, And so I believe numbers 5 and 6 will not apply as the engine change was not done before I purchased the car.

 

The letter asks for -

1. A RECEIPT OF PURCHASE ON HEADED PAPER, FROM A GARAGE, CONFIRMING THE ENGINE NUMBER, ENGINE SIZE AND FUEL TYPE,
(Now as my engine is not new and purchased from a garage I do not have a receipt on headed paper !!!)
2. AN INSPECTION REPORT FROM AA OR RAC.
3. AN INSPECTION REPORT PROVIDED FOR INSURENCE PURPUSES.
4. OR WRITTEN CONFIRMATION FROM THE ENGINE MANUFACTURER SHOWING THE ENGINE NUMBER AND SIZE.

The letter also states -

IF THE VEHICLES ENGINE HAS BEEN CONVERTED OR THE CHANGE TOOK PLACE "BEFORE" YOU PURCHASED THE VEHICLE THEN WE WILL ACCEPT -

5. WRITTEN CONFIRMATION ON A HEADED PAPER FROM THE GARAGE THAT DID THE CONVERSION.

6. OR WRITTEN CONFIRMATION OF THE CHANGE ON HEADED PAPER FROM AN INDEPENDANT GARAGE.

 

What a bloody nightmare just to inform them of an engine change ;-(