Whether replacing a car’s engine helps it last longer is a common question for car owners looking to extend the life of their vehicle. There are several factors to consider when determining if an engine replacement is worthwhile or if continuing to maintain the existing engine is a better option.
How long do car engines typically last?
Most modern car engines are designed to last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles, or approximately 10-15 years, before needing major repairs. However, the actual lifespan depends on several variables:
- Make and model – Luxury and high-performance vehicles often have complex engines built for power, not longevity.
- Driving habits – Frequent short trips, cold starts, and hauling heavy loads cause more wear.
- Maintenance – Poor maintenance like skipped oil changes reduces engine life.
- Operating conditions – Stop-and-go driving, extreme weather, and dusty conditions add stress.
With proper care and maintenance, such as regular oil and filter changes, spark plug and timing belt replacements, and not ignoring check engine lights, most engines can reach the higher end of their lifespan range.
When does an engine need to be replaced?
There are a few signs that indicate a worn out engine in need of replacement:
- High mileage – Beyond 200,000 miles major repairs are typically needed.
- Low compression – Compression testing checks cylinder sealing. Low results indicate wear.
- Oil consumption – Burning or leaking more than 1 quart per 1,000 miles indicates problems.
- Loss of power – Poor performance and acceleration points to low compression.
- Mechanical noises – Knocking, rattling, and grinding noises signal internal damage.
Once an engine reaches this condition, repairs to individual components like gaskets, pistons, and bearings are unlikely to return the engine to like-new performance and longevity. Installing a remanufactured or crate engine is the best option.
What are the benefits of replacing an older engine?
Here are some of the main advantages of swapping in a new engine over trying to salvage an old worn-out engine:
- Restored performance – A rebuilt engine will have tighter tolerances and better compression.
- Improved fuel economy – Newer engines benefit from decades of efficiency improvements.
- Reduced emissions – Modern engines produce fewer harmful emissions.
- Peace of mind – A new engine should be good for another 100k+ miles.
- Higher resale value – Vehicles with new engines command higher prices.
- Opportunity to upgrade – You can install a larger, more powerful engine.
The cost of a new crate or remanufactured engine often pays for itself through increased fuel efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, and improved vehicle lifespan compared to dumping money into an old engine only to need another repair down the road.
What are the drawbacks of engine replacement?
There are also some potential downsides to be aware of with engine replacement:
- Upfront cost – $3,000 to $5,000 or more for parts and skilled labor.
- Downtime – The vehicle may be unusable for days or weeks during the swap.
- Unknown history – You don’t have full knowledge of a replacement engine’s past.
- Compatibility concerns – The new engine must integrate properly with the transmission, electronics, etc.
- Short-term ownership – You may not drive the car long enough to recoup costs.
- Added value limited – Improved resale value may not offset costs.
These cons make engine replacement a poor choice if you only plan to keep the car another year or two. But for the longer term, an engine swap pays off.
When does engine repair make more sense?
In some situations, rebuilding or repairing the existing engine is the smarter option. This includes cases where:
- The engine has low miles – Under 100k miles means it has life left.
- Issues are minor – Small oil leaks or belt/seal repairs are cheaper.
- It’s an exotic vehicle – Replacement parts may not be readily available.
- Cost is similar – Repairs total more than 70% of replacement cost.
- You need quick transportation – Repairs take hours or days, not weeks.
Even higher mileage engines can keep going strong for years with strategic repairs. But once major components show signs of failure, replacement becomes the better long-term choice.
How much does it cost to replace an engine?
The total cost to replace an engine ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 in most cases. This includes:
- Remanufactured engine – $2,000 to $4,500
- New crate engine – $3,000 to $6,000
- Labor – $500 to $1,500
- Misc. parts – $500 for hoses, fittings, fluids, etc.
Luxury and high-performance cars can run $10,000 or more. The engine alone for some models ranges from $5,000 to $15,000. Location also impacts costs, with major metro areas commanding higher labor rates.
You can save money by installing a used engine from a salvage yard. But these are riskier in terms of determining true mileage, damage, and wear.
How long does it take to replace an engine?
The complete engine replacement process typically takes 1-2 weeks. Key steps and time estimates include:
- Engine removal – 4-8 hours
- Obtaining new engine – 1-3 days for delivery
- Installation of new engine – 8-16 hours
- Reconnect components – 4-8 hours
- Testing & troubleshooting – 4-8 hours
DIY engine swaps can take 4 weeks or longer depending on experience. While professionals can complete the job in 5-7 business days. The vehicle is unusable during the process, so plan accordingly.
Should I replace or rebuild an engine with over 200k miles?
Once an engine surpasses 200,000 miles, a full rebuild or replacement are the only options to restore power and reliability. So which is better?
Here’s a comparison of engine replacement vs rebuild at high mileage situations:
| Engine Replacement | Engine Rebuild |
|---|---|
|
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For most vehicles, replacement is the better option at 200k+ miles. The cost difference between replacement and rebuild is usually under $2000, while the lifespan gain is 50k or more extra miles.
The exception is rare, exotic, or classic vehicles where original components have added value. In those cases rebuilding the original engine may make more sense.
How to choose the right replacement engine?
Selecting the optimal replacement engine involves:
- Choosing remanufactured vs crate – Reman is cheaper but crate is 100% new.
- Matching specifications – Horsepower, displacement, fuel type, etc.
- Assessing warranty – At least 1 year, unlimited mileage is ideal.
- Verifying supplier reputation – Check reviews and certifications.
- Inspecting condition – Have engine inspected upon receipt.
The best approach is to match the replacement to the original engine specifications. Upgrading to a significantly larger or more powerful engine often requires modifying other drivetrain components.
Purchasing from a reputable remanufacturer or OEM supplier minimizes the risks of getting an engine with underlying damage or excessive wear. Opting for the longest and strongest warranty available provides further peace of mind.
Does replacing an engine add value to a car?
Installing a new engine typically increases a car’s value, but not usually enough to directly offset the full cost. Here are a few key factors to consider:
- Condition of other components – Brakes, transmission, etc. must be good.
- Vehicle demand – Popular models hold value better.
- Engine specifications – Match OEM or opt for added horsepower.
- Vehicle mileage – More miles lower upside potential.
- Quality of installation – Properly done with supporting receipts.
Under the right circumstances, such as a high-demand sports car with well-documented engine replacement, the value gain can potentially offset 50-80% of costs. But for typical vehicles, an engine swap often adds just 20-40% of the project cost to resale value.
Typical additional repairs when replacing an engine
Beyond the engine itself, several related components often need replacement when swapping in a new engine:
- Timing belt/chain – Should be replaced to synchronize with new engine.
- Starter – Starters have a high failure rate at high mileages.
- Spark plugs and wires – New plugs ensure optimal performance.
- Engine mounts – Worn mounts cause vibration and strain.
- Fuel and cooling hoses – Degraded hoses should be replaced.
- Oil pump – Critical for pressure and lubrication.
Factor in an extra $500 to $1500 to have these parts replaced at the same time. It eliminates added future labor costs and ensures the entire drivetrain is upgraded.
Is it worth replacing an engine to sell a car?
Installing a replacement engine solely to sell a used car is generally not a wise financial decision. Here’s why it rarely makes sense:
- Adds just 20-40% of cost to value – Does not recoup investment.
- Alternative repairs cheaper – Fixing oil leaks, ignition issues may be smarter.
- Reduces time on market – 1-2 weeks in shop means lost selling time.
- Mileage still a factor – High miles limit interest despite new engine.
- Most buyers prefer original – A replacement engine may deter some buyers.
The exceptions are for selling a classic car where original components matter or a sports car where the engine swap could allow selling at a premium. For typical used cars, engine replacement is unlikely to significantly impact the sale price.
Conclusion
Replacing an aging, high-mileage engine can add years or tens-of-thousands of miles of useful life to a car you plan on driving long term. The costs involved with an engine swap often pay for themselves over time when compared to continually repairing an old engine. At around 200,000 miles, replacement provides more value than rebuilding a worn-out engine.
However, engine replacement is not a smart financial decision solely to increase the sale price of a used car. Other repairs and reconditioning are usually better options. Nor does it make sense on a lower mileage engine that could keep running smoothly for many more years with basic maintenance and repairs.
By taking all factors into account – current engine health, vehicle value, ownership plans, cost comparison of repairs vs replacement – you can make an informed decision on whether and when engine replacement is the optimal move for boosting longevity and performance.