Club 80-90 Forums

I have a 1990 T3 Westfalia which had the original  JX engine changed for an AAZ by the previous owner. So far so good (if you live in the UK!).

We moved to France a few years ago and I need to register the van here. The good point is that it is L.H. drive, the not so good point is the non original engine. Engine swaps and upgrades are just not done here in France (and maybe also other continental countries - due to type approval). My only hope of realistically registering the van is through FFVE (French historical vehicle association). I think it unlikely that they will certify my van as it has a non standard engine. Anyone have realistic suggestions as to what I could do? FFVE would probably accept an alternative engine if it had been originally fitted in the T3 range of vans. Sourcing one of these as an alternative engine has so far not yielded any results. Looking forward to some suggestions. Andy

I've done a few wiring harnesses for French folks doing swaps, and I'm aware of their restrictions, so have asked about it a couple of times. All I can say is that is may help if your brother/sister/uncle etc. is the CT tester ! Sorry that's not much help to you, but there may be ways and means of getting around it. Try chatting to folks in your local VW club and see if they can advise ?

Thanks syncroandy.

I don't think the CT will be a problem. The FFVE certificate probably will be though.

The other course is to go for a regular registration which will involve a 350€ gas inspection fee with Qualigaz and probably a visit and inspection with DREAL - I don't know what that would cost though.

I am in provincial France - so no local VW club! Only the MVCA (military vehicle Conservation Association of which I am a member. No interest in the military though, just like the old WW2 vehicles!

I very much appreciate your reply and will continue to look for a suitable and hopefully not too expensive solution. As I plan to sell the vehicle when fixed (Front shock absorbers) I may have to take it back to the UK and sell. It is still UK registered. I don't think it would be any easier to register in Germany (where it was bought by the previous owner) as their rules are probably similar to those in France.

Andy

Maybe it is too obvious but, if you're considering changing the engine, why not go back to the factory JX engine? A good one is a reasonable match for the van.
 

I don’t know anything about the situation in France but there are a lot of T3 specialists in Germany I think offering engine conversion parts so presumably there’s a way to register it available there? Maybe you could phone or email one of them?