How to Change Car Engine Number

Changing the engine number on your car is a serious matter that should only be done by a qualified mechanic. The engine number is used to identify your car and is recorded on the vehicle’s title and registration. If you change the engine number without properly updating the paperwork, you could face legal problems.

Why Would You Need to Change the Engine Number?

There are a few reasons why you might need to change the engine number on your car:

The original engine has been damaged or destroyed.
You are installing a new or rebuilt engine.
You are modifying the engine to increase its performance.

How to Change the Engine Number

If you need to change the engine number on your car, you will need to follow these steps:

Purchase a new engine number stamping kit. These kits are available from automotive parts stores.
Remove the old engine number from the engine block. Use a cold chisel to carefully chip away the old numbers.
Stamp the new engine number into the engine block. Use the stamping kit to create clean, crisp numbers.
Update the paperwork. You will need to notify the DMV of the new engine number. You will also need to update your car’s title and registration.

Legal Issues

Changing the engine number on your car is a legal issue. In most states, it is illegal to change the engine number without properly updating the paperwork. If you are caught driving a car with a mismatched engine number, you could be charged with a crime.

The penalties for changing the engine number vary from state to state. In some states, you could be fined or even jailed. It is important to check with your local DMV to find out the specific laws in your state.

Conclusion

Changing the engine number on your car is a serious matter that should only be done by a qualified mechanic. If you need to change the engine number, be sure to follow the steps outlined above and to update the paperwork with the DMV. Failing to do so could lead to legal problems.