What should you note when changing the engine (engine swap)?

Fitting a different engine generally changes exhaust-, noise- or drive-relevant data and must therefore be reported to the admission authority and re-inspected under Art. 34 para. 2 VTS. For interventions that change exhaust or noise emissions, it must be proven that the rules in force at the first entry into circulation are met.

Where a petrol engine (spark ignition) not from the vehicle’s era is fitted into a vehicle already in circulation, the exhaust emissions must meet at least the requirements that applied to the corresponding vehicle kind from 1 October 1996 — or, for vehicles entered into circulation after that date, the requirements decisive at the first entry into circulation.

Changes to the power transmission (gearbox / axle ratio) are also subject to re-inspection. Without a successful modification inspection, the converted vehicle is not compliant.