What is the cost of a car engine?

In 2025 U.S. pricing, a bare replacement engine can cost anywhere from about $800 for a high‑mileage used four‑cylinder to well over $20,000 for a brand‑new performance or diesel unit; installed totals typically run $3,500–$7,500 for common four‑cylinders, $6,000–$12,000 for V6/V8s, and $10,000–$20,000+ for diesels or high‑performance models. Costs vary by engine type (used, rebuilt, remanufactured, or new), vehicle make, and labor rates, and whether you’re replacing just the engine or a larger powertrain assembly.

What “engine cost” really includes

When people ask the price of an engine, they might mean the parts-only cost of the engine itself (short block, long block, or full “crate” assembly), or the total installed cost that includes labor, fluids, programming, and incidentals. Prices also differ by whether the unit is used, rebuilt, remanufactured, or brand‑new OEM/aftermarket, and whether it’s gas, diesel, hybrid, or an EV drive unit.

Common engine purchase types and typical 2025 price ranges (parts only)

The following list explains the major engine purchase categories and what you can expect to pay in the U.S. for the engine itself, before installation or ancillary items.

• Used take-out (salvage yard, low to high mileage):

  – 4‑cyl: ~$800–$2,500

  – V6: ~$1,200–$3,500

  – V8 (mainstream): ~$1,800–$5,000

  – Performance V8s (e.g., LS/Coyote variants): ~$3,000–$8,000

  – Diesel pickups (long block assemblies): ~$3,500–$8,500

  – Hybrid engine/transaxle assemblies: ~$2,500–$6,000

  – EV drive units (motor/gearbox): ~$2,000–$8,000 (Tesla units often $4,000–$12,000 used)

• Rebuilt (individual builder reconditions a used engine): generally 20–40% less than comparable remanufactured units; quality varies. Typical:

  – 4‑cyl: ~$1,800–$3,800

  – V6: ~$2,500–$4,800

  – V8: ~$3,500–$6,500

  – Diesel: ~$5,000–$10,000

• Remanufactured (factory-spec process, warranty, e.g., Jasper, ATK, Tri Star):

  – 4‑cyl long block: ~$2,500–$5,500

  – V6 long block: ~$3,500–$6,500

  – V8 long block: ~$4,500–$9,000+

  – Diesel long block (e.g., 6.7 Power Stroke/Duramax/Cummins): ~$6,000–$12,000+

• New OEM or performance “crate” engines (most complete):

  – Mainstream 4‑cyl/6‑cyl: ~$4,000–$10,000

  – Popular V8 crates (e.g., Chevy LS3, Ford Coyote): roughly ~$8,000–$12,000 depending on spec

  – High‑output/performance crates (e.g., supercharged Mopar Hellcat family, limited‑run specialty): frequently $15,000–$25,000+ when available

These ranges reflect typical advertised retail pricing as of 2025 and can swing based on availability, mileage, included accessories, warranty length, and regional demand.

Total installed cost: what most owners actually pay

The installed price includes labor, fluids, programming, and often additional parts that are smart to replace while the engine is out. Labor rates and complexity drive the biggest differences.

Typical installed totals by vehicle category (2025)

The list below outlines ballpark “drive-in, drive-out” totals for common scenarios at independent shops in the U.S.; dealer quotes often run higher.

• Economy/mid-size 4‑cyl (reman or low‑mile used): ~$3,500–$7,500
• Mainstream V6 (sedans/crossovers): ~$5,000–$9,000
• Domestic V8 (trucks/muscle cars): ~$6,000–$12,000
• Diesel pickups (3/4‑ton and up): ~$8,000–$20,000+
• Performance/luxury (turbo, supercharged, exotic): ~$10,000–$30,000+ depending on parts availability
• Hybrid powertrain assemblies (engine + transaxle): ~$6,000–$12,000+
• EV drive unit swaps (motor/gearbox, not full battery): ~$4,000–$15,000+ depending on model and coding

Totals vary with labor hours, shop rate, parts chosen (used vs. reman vs. new), and extra work such as cooling system, timing components, or turbocharger replacement.

Where the money goes: line‑item cost drivers

Understanding the components of an engine replacement helps explain quotes and identify savings.

• Labor: 10–20+ hours for most ICE engine R&R; complex AWD/turbo models can exceed 25 hours. Typical 2025 shop rates run ~$125–$225/hr.
• Ancillaries while accessible: gaskets/seals ($150–$400), timing set/chain/belt ($200–$900), water pump ($50–$300), belts/hoses ($50–$250), mounts ($100–$400), spark plugs/coils ($50–$250), fluids/filters ($75–$200), turbo rebuild/replace if needed (varies widely).
• Programming/coding: ECU updates, immobilizer/VIN relearn, sensor calibrations—often ~$100–$300, more on late‑model vehicles.
• Shipping and core charges: freight ~$150–$500; core deposits ~$300–$1,500 refunded when your old engine is returned in rebuildable condition.
• Machine shop (if rebuilding yours): inspection, machining, and parts typically ~$500–$2,000+, depending on damage.

Requesting a detailed, line-item estimate helps compare shops fairly and avoid surprises from add-ons discovered mid‑job.

Examples and context for popular engines

High‑demand engines have well-known market ranges; these examples provide context, though exact pricing fluctuates with supply and spec.

• Chevrolet Performance LS3 6.2L crate: commonly advertised around ~$8,500–$10,000 for the engine alone; installation and supporting components add substantially.
• Ford Performance 5.0L Coyote (Gen 3/4) crates: typically ~$9,000–$11,500 depending on version and accessories.
• Mopar supercharged HEMI “Hellcrate” family and specialty crates: when available, often list above ~$15,000 and can exceed ~$20,000+ for higher‑output variants and complete kits.
• Diesel long blocks (e.g., 6.7L Power Stroke, Duramax, Cummins): reman units frequently ~$7,000–$12,000+ parts-only, with installed totals commonly five figures.
• EV drive units: used Tesla rear drive units are often ~$4,000–$12,000; new service replacements, when purchasable, can exceed ~$10,000 before labor and coding.

Availability, emissions compliance, and included accessories (ECU, wiring, front dress) significantly affect these figures, as do warranties from the supplier.

How to get an accurate quote

To pin down the true cost for your vehicle, come prepared with details and ask targeted questions.

• Provide the full VIN, mileage, and exact engine code to ensure correct fitment and emissions compliance.
• Decide on used vs. reman vs. new, and ask for warranty terms in writing (parts and labor, mileage, duration).
• Request a breakdown: engine price, labor hours/rate, ancillaries, programming, fluids, taxes/fees, shipping, and core policy.
• Ask if the quote includes recommended while‑you’re‑there items (timing components, water pump, mounts) to prevent repeat labor.
• Compare at least two reputable sources (independent specialist vs. dealer) and check parts availability timelines.

Clear scope and documentation help avoid change orders mid‑job and ensure comparable bids across shops.

Key factors that change the price

Even for similar vehicles, these variables can push costs up or down.

• Rarity and demand for the exact engine code or year
• Turbocharging/supercharging, direct injection complexity
• AWD vs. FWD/RWD packaging and removal complexity
• Emissions equipment and regional regulations
• Local labor rates and shop specialization
• Warranty length (longer warranties generally cost more)

Setting expectations around these variables helps explain why quotes for “the same car” can differ by thousands.

Bottom line

Expect parts-only engine prices to span roughly $800–$12,000 for most mainstream vehicles and to exceed $20,000 for high-performance or heavy-duty diesels; installed totals commonly land between $3,500 and $12,000 for everyday cars and well above that for trucks and performance models. Your exact number depends on engine type, condition, warranty, and labor.

Summary

A car engine’s cost in 2025 ranges widely: used units for common four‑cylinders start under $2,000 parts-only, while new or performance crates and diesel long blocks can exceed $20,000, with installed totals varying from about $3,500 to well over $15,000. Define whether you want used, rebuilt, remanufactured, or new; get a line‑item estimate including labor and ancillaries; and compare reputable suppliers to balance price, downtime, and warranty.

How much does it cost to replace a car engine?

Key Facts. The average cost of engine replacement in the US is $6,287 to $12,878, depending on the vehicle’s make and model and the mechanic’s labor fee.

Is it worth replacing a car’s engine?

Performance Improvement: A new engine can enhance the car’s performance, providing better acceleration, fuel efficiency, and reliability compared to a worn-out engine. Increased Longevity: A new engine can significantly extend the lifespan of the vehicle, especially if the rest of the car is in good condition.

What is the cost of an engine in a car?

Car Engine

Company Name	Currency	Price
Pratik Enterprise	INR	75000
S G ELECTRONICS	INR	3100
Adm Joinflex India Pvt Ltd	INR	65000
Bijay Motor Parts	INR	70000

What is the average price of a car engine?

Costs vary widely based on the make, model, and engine type, as well as labor rates and whether you choose a new, rebuilt, or remanufactured unit. However, typical costs of a replacement engine will run between $2,000 and $10,000.