How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Engine?


Buying a vehicle and then maintaining it is one task that requires a lot of effort and finances. There are many times when something or other gets damaged, and you need to fix it. Having minor errors fixed in the car is one thing. However, you do need a more significant investment if you want to improve your engine.

Recently we wrote an article about the 7E8 engine error code. Of course, problems with engines can be much more serious. Your car’s engine can be damaged either after an accident, or it can be in use for a longer time. As a result, after a specific time, the car engine may not work as efficiently and may decrease your car’s average and mileage. This can inadvertently affect the car’s functioning in the long run, and most importantly, it indicates that it is time to invest in a new car engine soon.

What are the factors involved in replacing an engine?

When you are looking to replace an entire engine, there are some essential things to consider. These are as follows:

  1. The size of the engine
  2. The function of the engine
  3. The shop from which you acquire the new engine
  4. What will you replace the engine with? A new one or a used one?

How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Engine?

Engine replacement cost is between $2200 up to $9000. Usually, used engine costs are between $400 up to $1000, while new engines cost from $4000 up to $8000 ($4,000 for a 4-cylinder, $6000 average cost for a V6, and $7,500 for a V8).In the US, the average labor cost to replace the engine is $1500.

Typically, engine prices range from around four to five thousand dollars and can go up according to the size and function of the engine as the process becomes more and more complex. Thus, the car engines will also be at a higher-end price. But, usually, the engines of a domestic car will be less complicated and less expensive than that of a sports car or a larger vehicle.

How much does a new engine cost?

The new engine cost is between $4000 up to $8000. The new 4-cylinder engine costs $4,000; the average new V6 engine cost is $6000, while the new V8 costs $7,500. However, sports cars and luxury cars engines will cost more because they have more significant quality engines.

An engine that has already been used can be acquired for much less. For example, you can spend almost 400 dollars on an already used engine. For this, some factors that need to be considered include the complexity of the engine and the location from where it has been imported.

How much does a v6 engine cost?

At the end is of 2021., the V6 engines cost between $5500 up to $7000. The average price for V6 engines (six-cylinder piston engines) is $6000 in the US.

How much is a v8 engine?

At the end is of 2021., the V8 engines cost between $6000 up to $8000. The average price for V8 engines (eight-cylinder piston engines) is $7500 in the US.

Getting a used engine usually is not a wise decision. This is because a used engine has some issues with its parts, and it can be worn out easily. The performance may not be as excellent and efficient as it was before. Therefore, it is always better than if you can. It would help if you went to get an engine that is newly built.

How much is a used engine?

In 2021, the used engine price costs from $500 to $1000. However, some expensive engines have high-cost parts, and expenses can be from $10000 up to $15000 on parts only.

Another option that you can use is to go for a rebuilt engine. Of course, a rebuilt engine is not entirely new, but the good thing about it is that the parts worn out or not working properly have been replaced by the company itself. In this way, you guarantee that the engine has new working features and will work efficiently and last in the long run. Another benefit of having a rebuilt engine is that it comes with a warranty as well. However, the downside of getting a rebuilt engine is that it is slightly costlier than the standard engine. Usually, there is an extra 1500 dollars added to the cost of the traditional engine if you purchase a rebuilt one.

How long does it take to replace an engine?

It takes 11 hours on average to replace an engine. However, depending on the car’s model, car’s age, number of mechanics, the skill of the mechanic, and type of engine work time it takes to pull and replace the engine is between 8-16 hours.

What is the labor cost to replace an engine?

In 2021, the average labor cost to replace the engine is $2200. It takes 11 hours on average to replace a machine, and usually, at least two mechanics pull and replace the engine. Therefore, the average labor cost per hour is $100.

The cost of engine replacement depends highly on the number of hours that have been spent on replacing the engine. For a standard-sized engine with little work, the engine will be replaced in about 10-12 hours maximum. Furthermore, if the motor is of good quality and not big and depending on the mechanic’s skill level, the engine can be replaced in about eight hours. However, mechanics usually quote 15 hours as a maximum benchmark at which the engine should be replaced. Therefore, the engine replacement cost depends on the number of hours and the cost per hour. Typically, 100 dollars is applied at the expense of one hour, and so, for the maximum hours, it can go up to 1800 dollars as well.

There are other costs as well, in addition to the labor costs. For example, replacing an engine comes with new oil, coolant, water pump, and different sorts of fluids as well. So while giving your engine for replacement, you should also ask the mechanic to let you know about the costs in advance.

Now let us answer several common questions:

First, does replacing the engine affect the value car?

Yes, replacing the engine will increase the value of the car. However, the value of the vehicle will usually be increased by 30% up to 50% of the value of the new engine. For example, if your used car is worth $10000 in the market and the new engine costs $4000 value of your vehicle will be a maximum of $12000.

Is it worth replacing the engine in an old car?

Yes, it can be worth replacing the engine in the old car if you buy a cheap new engine, and you can save the money avoiding new car buying taxes, new car license fees, and new car insurance expenses. However, if replacing an engine costs more than the vehicle’s worth, it is not worth it.

Does it replace the engine reset mileage?

If you replace the engine, you will not reset mileage because the odometer records all parts of a car, not just the engine. Therefore, car mileage resetting is forbidden.

How much does it cost to replace a 5.3 engine?
To replace a 5.3 engine costs average of $7200 in the US. At the end is of 2021., the V5 engines cost between $4000 up to $6000. The average price for V5 engines is $5000 in the US, while labor cost is around $2200.

Can you replace a V6 engine with a V8?
Yes, technically, you can replace a V6 engine with a V8 engine. However, it is much cheaper to buy a new V8 car because engine and labor costs will be above $10000.

How much does it cost to replace a Volvo engine?

To replace a Volvo engine costs from $7000 up to $15000. Volvo is an expensive brand, and engine prices are usually 20%-50% higher than competitors for the same engine type. In addition, labor cost is around $2500 while new V8 engines are more than $9000.

How long does it take Hyundai to replace an engine?
It takes 12 hours on average to replace a Hyundai engine. However, depending on the car’s model, car’s age, number of mechanics, the skill of the mechanic, and type of engine work time it takes to pull and replace the engine is between 10-14 hours.

For the end, there is the last question:

What to do after engine replacement?

  • First, replace the timing belt, gaskets, and seals.
  • Make the oil change
  • Replace hoses
  • Replace belts (to avoid squealing of the car)
  • Replace clamps
  • Replace spark plugs
  • Replace thermostats
Robert Aksamit

Robert Aksamit

Robert Aksamit is a mechanical engineer and automotive industry expert. Robert was born in Minnesota and worked in the US automotive industry for 25 years. He is highly regarded for his passion and dedication to continually improving vehicles in response to customer feedback. Robert has a keen eye for sourcing the best vehicle components and materials on the market and is always looking for ways to enhance the user experience. As a writer, Robert covers automotive-related topics. Read more on Robert Aksamit's about page. Contact Robert: robert@promtengine.com

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