If you need to replace the engine in your car, whether you are looking to do a simple replacement just to get the car going again, or you want to upgrade the car with a more powerful engine, you are no doubt wondering how much it's going to cost to swap the engine.

When swapping an engine, it's important to consider several factors which will have a big impact on the cost of the job.

Factors That Will Affect the Cost of Swapping an Engine

The Cost of the Replacement Engine

The cost of the replacement engine is obviously going to be the first expense you will have. The price of a replacement engine can vary greatly depending on what engine it is. Cheaper engines will typically start around $500, but more sought after high performance engines can cost several thousand dollars or more.

Type of Engine

Is the engine exactly the same as the one it is replacing? Cars can often have several different engine models even in the same car model, and they can have subtle differences that can affect how easily the installation goes.

If the replacement engine is exactly the same as the old engine, then the swap should be quick and easy, which will be the lowest cost.

However, if there are differences, then the installer will have to make modifications to make it work, which will add to the cost. This could include things like wiring, ECU, location of fluid reservoirs, mounts and more.

The Condition Of The Engine

The condition of the replacement engine is also going to play a big part in how much the swap costs. If the replacement engine is in good condition, it can often be swapped straight in with few extra expenses other than fluids.

However, if it has some faulty parts, these will need to be replaced, which will add to the cost of the engine swap.

LVVTA Certification (If Required)

If the engine being installed is of a larger capacity of produces more power, it will need to get a certification in order to pass WOF and be road legal. This will often cost at least $500, so keep this added expense in mind if you are planning on upgrading your engine.

Labour Costs

If you are not fitting the engine yourself, you will need to consider the cost of paying a mechanic to do it for you. Mechanics in Auckland typically charge from $50-$100 per hour, and a more simply engine swap will typically take a day. That means the minimum you can expect to pay to swap an engine will be around $500, but usually it will be more than that.

So How Much Will An Engine Swap Cost?

Taking into account all the factors listed above, you can expect an engine swap to cost at least $1000 including the cost of the motor on the very cheap side, and several thousand dollars on the more expensive side. Newer vehicles tend to cost more, and can be up to $10,000 is the motor is being sourced from a dealer or is a hard to find model.

Need a Replacement Engine For Your Car?

If you need a replacement engine for your European car, we can help. We have a wide range of European car spares including engines for many cars including VWs, Audis, Skodas, Volvos, Peugeots and more.

Contact us today by calling (09) 829 2618 or emailing info@aawreckers.co.nz and we'll help you find the engine you need!