Hi.
I was just thinking about the two options I have regarding the registration of my car.

I could use the log book that came with my donor sierra. And end up with a age related H plate.
Or register as a Q plate and not declare I have a log book.

I have fitted a 1998 Zetec so I will have to fit a cat etc. but the way I understand it is if I end up with a Q plate then all further MOT's will test for just a visual smoke test not the full emissions which means I could remove the cat after SVA and get the full power the engine.

What advantages is there to having a age related plate if any?

Comments welcome.

2nd option is what i'm doing. . .no log book for me.

Have you used enough of the donor left to be able to get an age-related plate even if you wanted it?

Only advantage I can see of having an age related plate is that you can put a private plate on it.

Go with the Q.

Pat...

Humbug.
yes.
Hubs, Brakes,gearbox,diff,steering column.

Your vehicle will only be checked at MOT for visual smoke whether you have an H reg plate or Q plate. Go for the age related plate.........

Phil

My previous kit car which had an age related B plate was checked on the last two MOT's using the emission results on the log book.

is that because the H itself predates 95 emissions? Good point there hellfire.

wouldnt the H age related plate be tested to the less strict 90/91 emissions levels? Ie, not cat requiring but still not as simple as visible smoke?

[Edited on 5/3/06 by JoelP]

The MOT tester will take the age of the vehicle from the registration plate and also assume that this is the date on which it was first used.

A - If your car has an AGE-RELATED plate he’ll assume that the engine is the same age as the plate and do the test accordingly. However, if your age-related plate refers to pre-Aug 1998 (‘S’ Prefix) you will continue to get the visible smoke test for the life of the vehicle REGARDLESS of the age of the engine. Remember though that this does NOT include PERSONALISED plates as in this case the vehicle will continue to be tested according to its age and NOT the vehicle registration number.

B - If your vehicle has a CURRENT/NEW plate or one that is after 1st August 1998, you will get a ‘basic’ emissions test, which is a basic check conducted to set limits carried out BEFORE the ‘CAT’ test. If you pass…..GREAT. If you fail though you’ll be subject to a full ‘by-the-book’ CAT test, plus remember that if you fail this you’ll also fail the MOT. Of course there are plenty of CURRENT/NEW registered kits running around with reconditioned engines so in this instance you will have to prove the age of the engine to the MOT tester. Ideally you should have a copy of your SVA MAC ‘pass’ certificate, which will be sufficient. Otherwise you will have to get a letter from the engines manufacturer stating clearly what year the engine was made.

C - Cars with a ‘Q’ plate are regarded as being of uncertain age so therefore will continue to be subject to the visible smoke test.

Phil

quote:

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Originally posted by Hellfire
Your vehicle will only be checked at MOT for visual smoke whether you have an H reg plate or Q plate. Go for the age related plate.........

Phil

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If your car has an AGE-RELATED plate he’ll assume that the engine is the same age as the plate and do the test accordingly. However, if your age-related plate refers to pre-Aug 1998 (‘S’ Prefix) you will continue to get the visible smoke test for the life of the vehicle REGARDLESS of the age of the engine. Remember though that this does NOT include PERSONALISED plates as in this case the vehicle will continue to be tested according to its age and NOT the vehicle registration number.

[Edited on 5-3-06 by Hellfire]

Off topic
I know This is posted in the wrong place, but since we're all talking about it:
I'm using a K plate sierra doner But the engine is from a H plate calibra, now I thought about registering the sierra as having an engine change with the calibra engine to make it easier to get an age related plate, Would that work ?
Or would using the gearbox,brakes,diff,driveshafts,front&rear hubs,steering colum,steering rack,radiator,engine mounts,M/C and propshaft from the sierra be enough to get an a.r.p?

Mike

You have enough for an age related plate without the engine. My mate got one for his MAC#1 with the XE engine.

Yeah, IIRC the form you are required to complete for an age related plate is a bit vague, so it's down to your interpretation of what parts you've used from the donor vehicle

If your interpretation differs from that of DVLA, then they should tell you.

[Edited on 6-3-06 by Hellfire]