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To SVA or not to SVA?
rumplitter - 17/1/08 at 03:42 PM

To SVA or not to SVA?

I'm building a mid engine car using a mini shell, the garage that rebuilt my engine is prepared to just mot the car no SVA required. I know of Zcar esq projects that have done similar.
All they've had to do was alter the registration documents, showing the new engine size.
There's a guy who put a V8 in the front of a mini van and registered his car as 3.5litre, got an MOT and drives it to this day.
Does anyone see a problem with this?
I'm sure some will
I hope not to do an SVA test!

donut - 17/1/08 at 03:53 PM

I would say it needs an SVA! It's radically altered!

BenB - 17/1/08 at 03:55 PM

Strictly speaking, you're changing that much of the mini that it should go through SVA.
You *can* get away without it but if you crash into someone it's not going to take a legal eagle to spot that your car is seriously modified. Potentially, therefore your insurance would be invalid.

oadamo - 17/1/08 at 03:57 PM

i dont no about the sva. but i phoned flux about insurance on my rwd saxo and they quoted me £1300 and didnt ask about an sva. and thats had all the floor cut for the tunnel and all the back end modified.
adam

Humbug - 17/1/08 at 04:05 PM

My reading of this is that an SVA would be needed:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/BuyingAndSellingAVehicle/RegisteringAVehicle/DG_10014199

"Allocating a vehicle registration mark
The vehicle must score eight or more points to retain the original registration mark. If less than eight points are scored or a second-hand or modified chassis or altered monocoque bodyshell is used, an enhanced single vehicle approval (ESVA), single vehicle approval (SVA) or motorcycle single vehicle approval (MSVA) certificate will be required to register the vehicle. A 'Q' prefix registration number will be allocated.
Scoring components
The following values will be allocated to the major components used:

chassis or body shell (body and chassis as one unit - monocoque ie direct replacement from the manufacturer) (original or new) = 5 points
suspension = 2 points
axles = 2 points
transmission = 2 points
steering assembly = 2 points
engine = 1 point"

Presumably you are going to have to modify the shell at the back end for diff, drive shafts, etc.?

wilkingj - 17/1/08 at 04:11 PM

quote:
Originally posted by oadamo
i dont no about the sva. but i phoned flux about insurance on my rwd saxo and they quoted me £1300 and didnt ask about an sva. and thats had all the floor cut for the tunnel and all the back end modified.
adam


When you asked about the insurance, did they ask if you had a Vaild MoT?

If not, I suspect they assume that you have done everything by the book and properly to have it on the road and be legally covered.

Dont take chances with your and other peoples life for the sake of trying to save youself £150.
If you cant afford the cost of a SVA, then what else have you skimped on?

I agree with the others, DONT take the risk.
You wouldnt want the hassle that could bring if you are wrong.
Your first solicitors consultation bill would almost cover the SVA.

Ask yourself.... "Is it worth the risk"

No Offence intended..


bonzoronnie - 17/1/08 at 04:11 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Humbug
My reading of this is that an SVA would be needed:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/BuyingAndSellingAVehicle/RegisteringAVehicle/DG_10014199

"Allocating a vehicle registration mark
The vehicle must score eight or more points to retain the original registration mark. If less than eight points are scored or a second-hand or modified chassis or altered monocoque bodyshell is used, an enhanced single vehicle approval (ESVA), single vehicle approval (SVA) or motorcycle single vehicle approval (MSVA) certificate will be required to register the vehicle. A 'Q' prefix registration number will be allocated.
Scoring components
The following values will be allocated to the major components used:

chassis or body shell (body and chassis as one unit - monocoque ie direct replacement from the manufacturer) (original or new) = 5 points
suspension = 2 points
axles = 2 points
transmission = 2 points
steering assembly = 2 points
engine = 1 point"

Presumably you are going to have to modify the shell at the back end for diff, drive shafts, etc.?



That is my understanding of the current regs

SVA candidate for sure

Ronnie

onzarob - 17/1/08 at 04:26 PM

quote:
Originally posted by oadamo
i don't no about the sva. but i phoned flux about insurance on my rwd saxo and they quoted me £1300 and didnt ask about an sva. and that's had all the floor cut for the tunnel and all the back end modified.
adam


On the box the other night (Yes Police camera action type prog!!) The woman did have insurance but when she only produce a provisional license then the policeman still fined her and took the car

She said the insurance company said it was ok!!!! Backing that up i just renewed my insurance and it states that I have disclosed all relevant information....so I would expect the insurance company to blame me in the event of a claim and an irregularity coming up.

You will get away with it until something goes wrong and a vehicle inspector is all over it !!!

bartonp - 17/1/08 at 04:35 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Humbug
My reading of this is that an SVA would be needed:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/BuyingAndSellingAVehicle/RegisteringAVehicle/DG_10014199

"Allocating a vehicle registration mark
The vehicle must score eight or more points to retain the original registration


But it will already have a registration mark.........

D Beddows - 17/1/08 at 04:54 PM

For a Mini........that's not a mini even though it will look something like one

As has been said, you'll get away with it unless/until someone tries to claim against your insurance - then it will almost certainly get extremely expensive because it wont be valid

02GF74 - 17/1/08 at 05:14 PM

quote:
Originally posted by oadamo
i dont no about the sva. but i phoned flux about insurance on my rwd saxo and they quoted me £1300 and didnt ask about an sva. and thats had all the floor cut for the tunnel and all the back end modified.
adam


Insurance compaines happily taking money is one thing, getting them to pay up is quite a different thing; if there is any reason for them not to pay, you can be sure they will find it.

I vote it would need SVA too.

snapper - 17/1/08 at 08:56 PM

Whilst it is radically modified it is still a mini with a V5, so no SVA needed, you may however need an engineers report to satisfy the insurance, i would also make sure you read the small print.

indykid - 17/1/08 at 10:05 PM

quote:
Originally posted by snapper
Whilst it is radically modified it is still a mini with a V5, so no SVA needed, you may however need an engineers report to satisfy the insurance, i would also make sure you read the small print.


the system doesn't work like that.

it's not a mini bodyshell even!
it's the roof and sides. none of the floorpan is intact. nor is the bulkhead is it? none of the suspension pick ups are intact.

definitely needs an SVA or the insurance company would screw you royally in the event of a claim.
tom

rumplitter - 18/1/08 at 09:01 AM

I'll be honest I was hoping to get away with having an SVA test, BUT as you've all (well nearly all) pointed out I realise that I'm going to have to bite the bullet and have one.

I've a few concerns mainly:

I've cut at least 4" off the floor, lowering the car 4", lowering all the standard lighting by 4"

I've utilised the existing steering column, not a collapsible one.

I wasn't intending to put a Cat on the exhaust system.


I know I could probably get away with just an MOT and get insured but as people have been telling me it's all well until something goes wrong, police, insurers etc…

Regards

Concerned