How much will it cost to replace a car engine?

Expect to pay roughly $4,000–$10,000 for a typical gasoline car in 2025, with budget used-engine swaps sometimes landing around $2,500–$6,000 and trucks, luxury, diesel, or high-performance models often running $8,000–$20,000+. Labor usually makes up $1,500–$4,500 of the total, depending on shop rates and complexity. The final price hinges on the engine type (used, remanufactured, or new), your vehicle’s make/model, regional labor rates, and any “while we’re in there” extras.

What you’re paying for

An engine replacement bill has several moving parts: the engine itself, labor to remove and install it, mandatory fluids and consumables, programming and calibration, and shop fees/taxes. Understanding these line items will help you compare quotes.

• Engine unit: used “take-out,” rebuilt, remanufactured long block, or new crate engine
• Labor: typically 10–25+ hours depending on vehicle and drivetrain layout
• Consumables: oil, coolant, filters, gaskets, seals, belts, mounts, hardware
• Programming: ECU/immobilizer programming, relearns, and emissions readiness
• Logistics/fees: towing, core charge, shop supplies, hazardous disposal, taxes

Each component can swing the final invoice by hundreds to thousands of dollars, so ask for a detailed parts-and-labor breakdown for true apples-to-apples comparisons.

Engine options and typical parts prices

Your choice of engine source has the largest impact on cost and warranty. Here’s how common options compare in 2025.

• Used take-out (salvage yard): $1,500–$4,500 for mainstream 4–6 cyl; $3,000–$7,500 for V8/diesel. Warranty is usually 30–90 days (parts only). Lowest upfront cost; condition varies by mileage and history.
• Rebuilt (shop reconditions your engine): $2,500–$6,000 for machine work/parts, plus R&R labor. Quality depends on the rebuilder; warranty often 6–12 months.
• Remanufactured long block: $3,500–$7,500 for common gasoline engines; $6,000–$12,000 for V8/diesel. Often 1–3 year warranty; consistent quality and updated components.
• New crate (OEM or performance): $4,500–$10,000+ for mainstream gas; $9,000–$20,000+ for high-performance or specialty. Strongest warranties; highest parts cost.
• Short block/partial assemblies: $2,000–$5,000, but added labor/parts to transfer heads and accessories can erase savings.

For most daily drivers, remanufactured long blocks balance cost, warranty, and reliability. Used engines can save money if verified low-mileage with compression/oil-pressure proof.

Labor, rates, and time

Labor time is driven by engine bay packaging, drivetrain (FWD/RWD/AWD), and procedures (subframe drops, turbo plumbing, hybrid components). Shop rates vary by region and brand specialty.

• Book time: 10–20 hours for many mainstream cars; 20–30+ hours for AWD, turbo, luxury European, or tight engine bays
• Labor rates: about $90–$150/hr in many regions; $150–$250/hr at dealerships and metro/coastal markets
• Install extras: programming, calibrations, and test drives add 1–3 hours

Total labor commonly ranges $1,500–$4,500, but complex vehicles can exceed $5,000 before parts.

Typical installed price ranges by vehicle category

These ballpark totals include parts and labor but exclude taxes and towing. Your quote can land lower or higher based on parts choice and local rates.

• Economy compact (NA 4-cyl): $3,000–$7,000 (used) or $4,500–$8,500 (reman/new)
• Midsize sedan/CUV (4-cyl or V6): $4,000–$9,500
• Half-ton pickup/SUV (V8 gas): $6,500–$12,000
• Heavy-duty diesel pickup: $8,000–$20,000+
• European luxury (BMW/Mercedes/Audi): $9,000–$20,000+
• High-performance/sports cars: $15,000–$40,000+
• Hybrids (engine only, not battery): $5,000–$10,000, with added complexity for cooling/emissions integration

If you opt for a low-mile used engine, costs trend toward the lower end; premium reman or new crate choices push to the upper end.

Hidden and variable costs to expect

Beyond the engine and labor, several smaller items often appear on the invoice and can add up quickly.

• Fluids, gaskets, mounts, belts, spark plugs: $200–$800
• ECU/immobilizer programming and relearns: $100–$300
• Radiator, hoses, water pump, thermostat: $150–$700 if due or damaged
• Clutch (manual) or torque converter (auto) while accessible: $400–$1,500
• Exhaust/turbo hardware and catalytic converters: highly variable; emissions parts can be costly
• Towing: $100–$300 locally
• Core charges on reman/new engines: $300–$1,000, refunded when the old engine is returned

Ask your shop to list recommended “while we’re in there” items separately so you can prioritize based on budget and vehicle age.

When replacement makes sense—and when it doesn’t

Replacing an engine is a large investment. Consider the car’s value, overall condition, and how long you plan to keep it.

• Good candidates: solid body/transmission, no major rust, recent tires/suspension, and a market value that supports the repair
• Borderline cases: high rust, failing transmission, chronic electrical issues, or when repair > 60–80% of vehicle value
• Ownership horizon: if you’ll keep the car 2–5+ years, a reman engine with warranty can be cost-effective versus buying a replacement vehicle

If the vehicle has multiple looming big-ticket repairs, you may be better served putting the money toward a newer car.

How to get a reliable quote

Detailed quotes reduce surprises and protect your warranty. Provide full vehicle details and ask targeted questions.

• Share your VIN, mileage, engine code, and symptoms/failure history
• Request a written estimate with parts source (used/rebuilt/reman/new), part numbers, labor hours, and rate
• Confirm what’s included: fluids, gaskets, mounts, programming, towing, taxes, and core handling
• Ask about warranty terms (parts and labor), who honors it, and what voids it
• For used engines: ask for donor VIN, mileage proof, compression/oil-pressure results, and any prior car fax/records
• Timeline: verify engine availability, shipping time, and expected in-shop days

Comparing two or three detailed quotes—ideally including an independent specialist and a dealership—usually yields the best balance of price and assurance.

Ways to reduce the bill (without cutting corners)

You can often trim costs with smart choices that don’t compromise reliability or warranty coverage.

• Choose a reputable remanufactured long block over new crate to save thousands with solid warranty
• Source a low-mile used engine from a trusted recycler with documentation
• Use an independent shop with strong brand experience and OEM-equivalent parts
• Tackle maintenance items now (plugs, belts, water pump) to avoid duplicating labor later
• Skip cosmetic extras until after the car proves out over a few weeks of driving

Be cautious about rock-bottom quotes; savings vanish if the engine fails early or the warranty is hard to access.

How long it takes

Lead time depends on engine availability and shop workload. Installation itself can be quick once the engine arrives.

• Engine sourcing: same day to 10 business days (longer for rare or performance engines)
• In-shop time: 1–3 business days for many cars; 3–7 days for complex or corroded vehicles
• Break-in/validation: some shops request a 500–1,000 mile checkup for reman engines

Plan for at least a few days to a couple of weeks from approval to pickup, with possible delays for parts logistics.

Bottom line

For most mainstream vehicles in 2025, a professionally installed replacement engine will land between $4,000 and $10,000, with significant variation based on engine source, vehicle type, and local labor rates. Trucks, luxury European models, diesels, and high-performance cars often exceed $10,000. A detailed, written quote and the right engine option—often a reman long block—offer the best blend of cost and reliability.

Summary

Engine replacement costs span a wide range: roughly $2,500–$6,000 for a basic used-engine swap on an economy car, $4,000–$10,000 for most mainstream vehicles, and $8,000–$20,000+ for trucks, luxury, diesel, or performance models. The main drivers are engine choice (used, rebuilt, reman, new), labor hours and shop rates, and vehicle complexity. Get detailed quotes, prioritize reputable sources and warranties, and weigh the repair against your car’s value and long-term plans.

How much does a V8 engine cost?

Pricing

General Shop Labor Rate	$125.00/hr
V8 Shortblock	$500.00
V8 Longblock (No Covers/ Pans)	$650.00
V8 Complete (Non-Competition)	$850.00
V8 Complete (All Competition Engines Excl. Custom Work)	$1,250.00

Is engine replacement worth it?

It is 100% not worth replacing the engine unless the engine is blown and you can get it done right, for cheap. Engines vary in cost depending on the car but it is a very labor-intensive procedure and that’s where a lot of the money will go – but it’s not worth replacing the engine if its already working fine.

Is it worth fixing a bad engine?

Sure. It’s simple economics. If the fixed car will provide reliable service long enough that the cost of repairing it is less than replacing it, then do it. Once a worn/old engine is properly rebuilt, the car is significantly more likely to operate reliably for another decade.

How much would it cost to put a new engine in my car?

Engine Replacement Cost
On average, drivers can expect to pay between $5,000-$10,000 for an engine replacement. Of course, costs can vary based on a few factors. The two most common factors that will influence the overall cost of the replacement are vehicle type and new or used engine.