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Which is better? Rebuilding an engine or replacing it entirely? Well, the state of the engine is what should decide which action you need to take.
Rebuilt engines could deliver similar performance as new ones if the rebuilding was done perfectly. But rebuilding won’t fix certain engine problems, so it’s important you know more about this action. But then is it cheaper to rebuild an engine or replace it?
Of course, rebuilding an engine is cheaper than replacing it. Engine replacement is the costliest thing to do on a car; it can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000, or even more, depending on your car’s model and make. In contrast, a rebuild could cost less than $2,000, in most cases anyway.
In this article, we will be discussing the differences between replacing a car engine and rebuilding the engine!
What Does It Mean To Rebuild an Engine?
Rebuilding an engine means taking off the specific damaged parts and replacing them with new ones – either OEM or aftermarket models.
For example, in rebuilding an engine, the pistons, head gasket, and a few other things may be replaced, which stands in contrast to getting a new engine where every part of the engine is purchased new.
A rebuilt engine may perform pretty much as new or even better (if high-performance replacement parts were used). But then, an engine rebuild may cost almost like a new one if the parts to be replaced/rebuilt are too many.
For example, if the cylinder heads, pistons, gasket, torque converter, and other critical components need to be rebuilt at a go, the cost could go as high as $6,000. So, is an engine rebuild really cheaper? Let’s talk about this.
Engine Rebuild Vs. Engine Replacement
There are many things to consider before settling on either doing a rebuild or simply stepping up your budget and getting a new engine.
Each of these critical actions has its pros and cons. You may be looking at the monetary gains, but truly, it goes beyond that – talk about the performance of the new or rebuilt engine and the reliability and warranty.
With engine replacement, you get every aspect of the engine replaced with a new one. While this may cost up to $7,000 or more, you’re sure to get better performance with decent warranty coverage.
Also, engine replacement would make your car drive like a new one – the acceleration, fuel economy, and many other aspects would work just fine.
On the other hand, rebuilding an engine could make the engine run smoothly and fine, no doubt, but the performance may not be the same as a brand new one.
But rebuilding an engine does not usually come with warranty coverage – even if it does, it’d be just a few months. Rebuilding is recommended when what needs to be worked on the engine isn’t too many or too critical.
Is It Cheaper To Rebuild An Engine Or Replace It?
You’d be saving a good sum from all indications by doing a rebuild instead of replacing the engine entirely. Engine rebuild can cost around $2,000 – $4,000 for basic cars and $5,000 – $7,000 for luxury and performance cars.
In contrast, engine replacement doesn’t cost less than $4,000 regardless of the car – of course, replacing the engine on higher-end cars can cost up to $10,000. So, apparently, rebuilding would save you thousands of dollars!
It is better to have a rebuild when your engine components get damaged due to overheating or excessive friction. But if you have a severe crash that damaged many parts of the engine – mainly the crankshaft, while a rebuild could still salvage the situation, engine replacement would be a better choice.
When you do a rebuild, these are the most likely components to be replaced: the O-rings, bearings, timing belt/chain, gaskets, valve springs, seals, and oil pump. Most times, if the crankshaft, torque converter, and pistons need to be replaced, the mechanic may suggest a complete replacement.
What More?
When people ask, “Is it cheaper to rebuild an engine or replace it?” It’s more like asking, is it better to repair my old car or get a new one?
Repairing/building the old car would save you a ton of money, but you won’t have as much performance guarantee or warranty as you would have if you went for a brand-new one.
Engine rebuilding would save you a lot and revitalize your car, but in some cases, it’s best to take the bull by the horn and go for a brand-new engine.