IVA with a K-Series Caterham

[smighall]

I'm hoping somebody might be able to shed some light on an issue i have as i've read through countless documents regarding the IVA and i'm still confused.

I have a 2006 1.6 Caterham which was built as a race car and that is exactly what i've been using it for. When it was built it was put through an SVA but they never actually registered the car so has no V5. I'm now wanting to get it registered so will need to put it through an IVA. The first issue i will have to deal with is the emissions as a 1.6 K engine won't pass the test as it stands but i'm hoping i can just add a second cat in to bring it down into the accepted limits of the test.

However how would it be tested in terms of plate. Would they instantly test it as a Q plate as it's an older car even though there are no donor parts from another car, would i get a 2006 registration or would it go through as a new registration plate? I assume if i can get a certificate of newness from Caterham stating when the kit / chassis was produced an age related plate could be obtained? Likewise if it was to go onto a Q plate would i need to worry about the emissions at all? It all seems to be a minefield to me.

Any help or clarification would be very much appreciated

Thanks,

Sean

[Steve_D]

First off IVA (VOSA) is a completely separate issue to registration (DVLA).

For IVA it will have to meet the emissions for a 2006 engine. You will also have to prove, to the tester, the age of the engine.
This will be the CAT1 test .2% 200ppm lambda .97-1.03 and .3% at idle.

How it gets registered and subsequent MOT test requirements will depend pretty much on how knowledgeable the registering officer is.
If it goes as a Q then you may only be 'visible smoke' for later MOTs but the emissions you had to pass at IVA may get added to the V5 (normally in the notes at the bottom of the front page) The MOT system may also flag to the tester that those are the figures to use.

Steve

[Paul.B]

The first question is. Do you have the SVA Certificate, known as a MAC?

If so I would make an appointment and go and talk to my local DVLA office. SVA/IVA should be a one off test (unless you have modified the car. Chassis changes mainly, which I doubt) Take all the paperwork including Invoice, MAC and any other stuff you have from Caterham. Try and get a certificate of newness from Caterham too.

If you don't have the MAC then talk to VOSA. They are normally very helpful. Good luck.

[Fastpedeller]

ISTR when I got my kit car SVA'd and registered in 2009 that the MAC for the SVA has a ime limit (6 mths I think). So if they stick to the rules it may not have any value - certainly worth asking the question though. From my limited experience VOSA are very helpful and professional, DVLA the opposite unfortunately.

[Paul.B]

Fastpedeller said:

ISTR when I got my kit car SVA'd and registered in 2009 that the MAC for the SVA has a ime limit (6 mths I think). So if they stick to the rules it may not have any value - certainly worth asking the question though. From my limited experience VOSA are very helpful and professional, DVLA the opposite unfortunately.

I wasn't aware there may be a time limit to a MAC. As we all seem to agree though. Ask the question. VOSA are good guys and will help where they can.

[smighall]

Thanks everyone. I don't have the original documentation of MAC, and having read up an SVA was only valid up until ~April 2009 so will almost certainly have to go through an IVA. Will have do some digging to try and prove the age of the engine, hopefully that's something i can get Caterham to provide.

I'll speak with VOSA too and see what they can say, I'd always assumed they were in the same league as the DVLA when it came to being helpful to joe public.

[Steve_D]

smighall said:

.....Will have do some digging to try and prove the age of the engine...

Find a Haynes manual for the car the engine came from. There is quite often a list of engine numbers and specifictions in the front. VOSA will accept this printed info as proof of engine age and will photocopy for their records.

smighall said:

I'll speak with VOSA too and see what they can say, I'd always assumed they were in the same league as the DVLA when it came to being helpful to joe public.

As said by Paul VOSA have been nothing but helpfull when getting info and assistance on the run-up to a test. The test itself can proove to be rather anal but you just have to accept it is a set of rules which you have to comply with.

Steve