I'm currently rebuilding an ex-WD M20 engine bought over 40 years ago as a spare for my 1947 bike but never used. I'm planning on installing it in a 1948 bike which I'm currently building from my stock of spares, but have just realised it has no engine number, just an X, which I guess is the year code. I don't have a log book or registration for the project and am worried that the lack of an engine number may cause problems when I come to apply for a new registration. Any advice would be much appreciated!
From the point of view of registration, DVLA rely only on the frame number, so the lack of an engine number in itself is not a problem. However, if you're following the "reconstructed classics" route then it might be a further discussion point (probably not as there has been no recent manufacture of M20 / 21 crankcases).
If you've decided who you will be using to authenticate the registration application then best to have a word with them. (The BSA O.C. ?) If the worst comes to the worst and they don't think they'll be able to authorise, fit a substitite engine for registration and then notify a change.
DVLA place a pretty heavy burden upon the integrity of the unpaid volunteers of the owner's clubs who can best assist if they have the whole story.
Thanks Rik and Ian for the replies, and especially to Ian for his advice and offer of help. As it turned out there was a very faint engine number, so I can now get a BSAOC dating certificate and sort things out with the DVLA.
