How much would you pay to increase your car’s performance? A new exhaust system, a better air filter, maybe an upgraded computer chip?
What if I told you there was an even cheaper and more effective way to make your car go faster – engine swapping!
But before you get too excited, be aware that this option isn’t for the faint of heart or the low on cash. Swapping out your current engine for a more powerful one can be pretty costly.
But if you’re determined to give your car the boost it needs, keep reading to learn more about engine swaps and how much does an engine swap cost.
Things to Consider Before You Swap Your Car Engine
There are a few things you need to consider before swapping your car’s engine. Take a look below-
Wiring Compatibility
Wiring is often an overlooked aspect of an engine swap. However, compatibility can have a significant impact on the cost of the swap.
If the gauge and amperage of the new engine’s wiring are not compatible with the vehicle’s existing wiring, then additional costs will be incurred in order to make the two systems compatible.
In some cases, it may even be necessary to replace the entire wiring system and hence adding cost.
Cooling System Compatibility
Incompatible engines will require additional costs for things like adapters and extra hoses. Radiators may also need to be replaced or modified to fit the new engine.
Compatibility issues can also arise with the water pump, thermostat, and other cooling system components.
As a result, it’s important to do your research and ensure that the engine you’re planning to swap is compatible with your vehicle’s existing cooling system.
In some cases, it might be necessary to install an auxiliary cooling system, which can also add to the overall cost.
Fluid Reservoirs
Fluid reservoirs can also have a significant impact on the cost of engine swaps. If a new engine is being installed, the old reservoir might need to be replaced.
This can add significantly to the cost of the swap. In some cases, it might even be necessary to install a new reservoir in order to accommodate the new engine.
Factors Affecting The Price Of Your Engine Swap
The following are the factors that can affect the price of the engine swap. Let’s learn more about them-
Engine Blocks
A short block is the most basic type of block, and it typically includes the cylinder block, crankshaft, connecting rods, and pistons.
A long block includes all of the features of a short block, plus the cylinder heads, valves, and camshaft.
A complete engine includes everything in a long block, plus the intake and exhaust manifolds, fuel system, cooling system, and starter.
Depending on the brand, features, and technical specifications, the price of a short block can range from $1000 to $3,000, while a long block can cost between $1,500 and $5,000.
A complete engine can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,500. The price of a high-quality engine can be even higher.
Sample Engine Prices
| Sample Engine/ Type of the Car | Sample Engine Size | Estimation of the Sample Price |
| Honda/Acura K20 | 4-cylinder/2000cc | $1,000 (short block) |
| Chevrolet 305 | 5.0L | $1,000-$3,000 |
| 2011 Jeep Wrangler | 3.8L | $2,800 (used) |
| 2004 Chevy Silverado 1500 | 4.8L | $1,400 (used) |
| 2003 Subaru Impreza | 2.5L | $3,375 (remanufactured) |
| 2012 Lexus LS460 | 4.6L | $6,900 (remanufactured) |
| Ford 302 | 5.0L | $800-$3,500 |
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 3.8L | $2,300 (remanufactured) |
| 2007 Ford Mustang | 4.6L | $3,300 (remanufactured) |
| 2017 Mini Cooper | 2.0L | $3,500 (used) |
| 2005 Toyota Camry | 2.4L | $1,850 (used) |
| 2002 Honda Accord | 2.3L | $3,225 (remanufactured) |
| 2005 Toyota Camry | 2.4L | $3,000 (remanufactured) |
| 2007 Ford Mustang | 4.6L | $2,300 (used) |
| 2003 Subaru Impreza | 2.5L | $1,800 (used) |
| 2014 Mazda 3 | 2.0L | $1,100 (used) |
| 2010 Honda Civic | 2.0L | $3,360 (remanufactured) |
Replacement Transmission
One of the most common engine swaps is the replacement transmission. The cost of this can range from $250 to $3,000, depending on the make and model of the car.
This type of swap is usually done when the original transmission is damaged beyond repair or when it needs to be replaced due to excessive wear and tear.
In most cases, the engine and transmission are swapped out at the same time, which can help to save on labor costs.
However, if the engine and transmission are not compatible, then it may be necessary to have them swapped separately. Either way, the cost of a replacement transmission can have a significant impact on the price of an engine swap.
Swap Kit or Parts Cost
The Swap Kit cost can range from $100 to $5,000. The main factors that will affect the price are the engine type and the level of customization.
For example, a basic Swap Kit for a V8 engine may only cost $1,000, while a custom-tuned Swap Kit for a race-spec engine could cost up to $5,000.
Ultimately, the price of the Swap Kit or Parts will have a direct impact on the final cost of the engine swap.
Brand & Type of Car
It’s no secret that the brand and type of car you drive can have a big effect on the price of an engine swap. Sports cars tend to be much more expensive than basic sedans or hatchbacks.
This is because sports cars generally have more powerful engines that are difficult to replace. In addition, sports cars often have unique body styles that make it difficult to find replacement parts.
As a result, an engine swap on a sports car can often cost thousands of dollars.
On the other hand, a basic economy car will usually be much less expensive to swap out the engine on. This is because these types of cars tend to have less powerful engines and more standard features.
As a result, an engine swap on an economy car can often be done for a few hundred dollars.
Mechanic Fees
Mechanic fees can range from $50 to $100 per hour, and a typical engine swap can take 20 hours or more. As a result, the labor costs can range from $500 to $1,500.
In addition, the parts needed for an engine swap can be quite expensive. A short-block engine can cost as little as $1000-3000, while a complete engine can cost more than $3000-7500. As a result, the total labor cost of an engine swap can be quite high.
Are Swapped Car Engines Reliable?
The answer is yes, but it depends on a few factors. First, the quality of the engine swap itself is important. A well-done engine swap will result in a car that runs just as well, if not better, than a car with its original engine.
However, a poorly executed engine swap can cause all sorts of problems. Second, the type of engine being swapped is important. A swapped V8 engine, for example, is likely to be much more reliable than a swapped 4-cylinder engine.
Finally, the age and condition of the car are also important factors. A newer car with a swapped engine is likely to be more reliable than an older car with a swapped engine.
All things considered, cars with swapped engines can be quite reliable – as long as the swap is done correctly.
Speak To A Custom Auto Body Specialist
The best way to get an accurate estimate of the engine swap cost is to speak to a custom auto body specialist. They will be able to give you a breakdown of the costs for labor, parts, and any other fees that may be associated with the swap.
Keep in mind that the cost of an engine swap can vary depending on the make and model of your car, as well as the extent of the work that needs to be done.
However, speaking to a specialist will give you the best idea of what to expect so you can budget accordingly.
FAQs
Is Engine Swap Hard?
The answer, unfortunately, is “It depends.” There are a lot of variables that go into the equation, including the make and model of the car, the engine you’re swapping in, your level of mechanical expertise, and whether or not you have access to reliable tools and a safe place to work. However, with the right preparation and guidance, it can be easy.
How Long Do Engine Swaps Last?
Engine swaps can last for many years, provided that the new engine is properly maintained. In some cases, a replacement engine will actually last longer than the original engine. This is due to the fact that new engines are often more reliable and efficient than older ones. However, the cost of Duramax engine replacement can be quite expensive, so make sure you know all the cost before getting started.
Conclusion
Hope you got an adequate idea of the engine swap cost. If you want to learn about engine flush, you should check out our article on cost of engine flush.
Engine swap can be a great way to get more power and performance from your car, but they’re not always cheap. Be sure to factor in the cost of all the different parts of the swap along with the labor price to get an accurate estimate of how much the project will cost.