I'm doing an engine and trans swap on my Volvo 240.
2.3l B230 engine and autobox to 2.5l B6254 and manual trans. Where do I stand with regards the DVLA.
Do I need to get a garage inspection or engineers letter?

Thanks in advance

[Edited on 9/4/18 by liam.mccaffrey]

IIRC if it doesnt change tax class they wont ask for a letter, but its the classic 'finger in wind'/'throw a 6 to start' DVLA scanario.

If thats the case I wouldn't have to provide a letter?! Which is great, however I've heard from others who have done this conversion and had to jump through lots of hoops

My own past and current experience with the DVLA has lead me to write to them and post it as a signed for delivery. Putting things in writing to them seems to make them respond to questions and facts. If you have a written response from them it helps clarify exactly what they want/need for specific situations.

I would send off the v5 with change of engine number and capacity filled in. You could add a receipt for the engine with the number on it.
I have only done this with classics, but no issues. It must be exactly the same when a kitcar has an engine swap.

I have just done this with my 3.5 V8 conversion in my Porsche 944.

You need to complete the chage details on the V5.

As you are not doing like for like supply

A receipt for the new engine.

Or.

An engineers report on headed paper

Or

written evidence from the manufacturer

Details here Dvla

They lost my original receipt, but then accepted a copy of the ebay ad for the engine and the linked paypal receipt.

I didn't buy the engine, I bought the donor car so the V5 for the donor vehicle is in my name anyway. Does that make it easier/harder??

I've just done this with my kit, sent the engine donor cars v5 off as proof of ownership for the new engine, haven't heard anything for a couple of weeks.
I sent a copy of the donor v5 first time! They didn't like that sent it all back. I should have known better really!
Anyway fingers crossed everything will be OK. I'll let you all know if it worked for me.

See u2u...

We changed lots of engines over the years as things tightened up we had increased dema nds for engineers letters and headed notepaper
Eventually we spoke to someone on the phone and they were happy with amended V5 and some before and after pics showing engine installation and close ups of relecaynbets on blocks.
It’s been a while so the person with common sense may well have got a more lucrative job down the road!
Atb
Mike