Pre IVA MOT

I have an IVA date for 2nd May at Kidderminster so thought it best to take the car through a dummy MOT test in advance.
And what a nice sunny day to pick!

The guys at F1 Autocentre in Kidderminster were really helpful and gave it a good safety check.

The good news is the brakes - including handbrake which seems problematic on AK's all passed easily. I'm using the latest pulley system design
The emissions on the SBC 350 ended up OK - well under on CO, very close on HC. They were good enough to test this several times and each time it improved - suggestion is  as the engine beds in it improves but would certainly benefit from an expert tune - if I can find one!

On the to do list - 

Slight leak from front brake flexy. - easy fix
Rear brake flexies need re-routing to prevent touching body on compression. - Looks straightforward.
Nearside front wheel touching inside of wheel arch (engine side) on full right lock. Left is no problem. Not sure whats happened here as I checked this previously and didn't seem to be a problem. I guess I'll need to insert a rack limit restrictor. The other thing I noticed was on full right lock - the steering seemed to over-steer - i.e. not self centering. I'm thinking the lock restriction should sort that out.
Headlights - tester said he would pass them at MOT - but they are right on the limit - bizarrely for rotation. In other words I've somehow mounted both headlights about 5 degrees clockwise. Easily solved!

Things I noticed on route to MOT station - car was quite jerky/snatchy at low speeds but I'll put that down to bedding in and me getting used to it.
Very soft and bouncy at the back end - so I need to study up how to stiffen up the GAZ adjustable dampers and will probably raise the rear ride height a little.

On the problem list - 

I failed to calibrate the Speedhut Speedometer on the way to the test so need to sort this out as a priority. Most likely a cabling issue.


So at this point I've got plenty of boxes ticked for the IVA but panic will soon set in!

IVA Booked!

So - I've finally felt confident enough to book the IVA test and the date is 2nd May!
The next 2 weeks will be fraught with last minute panics and tweaks I've no doubt and I'm hoping to slot in an MOT test in between. I don't actually need an MOT test for legal reasons but the test will confirm (or not!) that the basics are all OK such as headlamp aim, brakes and emissions, plus I'd be looking to get a proper tracking alignment done at the same time.

Completing the forms for IVA is a bit of a chore but you can now download and submit the forms on-line from the DVLA website.

The forms are IVA 1C - Application and IVA 4 - Amateur Build declaration

The process is you download the forms, complete them and submit them.  You also need to submit copies of your build receipts ( major items such as Kit, Engine and Brakes , your engine age certificate ( if you are using a re manufactured engine) plus photos of your build process.
If you use the on-line system, be aware that its fussy about file types and has maximum file sizes.

The DVLA then apprarise the information you have sent and - if all ok - they send you an e-mail requesting payment (£450) and the opportunity to book a test.

This took about a week, then I called up and paid by credit card and booked an appointment at Kidderminster quite easily.

So I'm now putting together the full pack I need to take with me to the IVA  which includes originals of all documents, more build photos, certificates for fuel hoses, imobiliser etc.

Next couple of weeks will be busy!