AutoAndTech|As brand new car models arrive in the automobile scene, expect the price of vehicles to get higher and higher every year. Such high payments offset the value of new car warranties and aren’t very friendly for your pockets. Luckily, you have maintained the condition of your own model by changing its oil, tires, and examining all its parts during your weekly car check-up.
Car maintenance definitely boosts your vehicle’s reliance, durability, and performance every time you use it. If you’re interested in modern cars, the high price and economic value won’t matter to you because you believe it’s worth the satisfaction. However, if you find joy and contentment with old and classic models, you place a lot of effort and use more resources in taking care of your car so that it still looks as good as new. That being said, if your car model is at least five to ten years old, make sure to have maintenance and servicing done on it at least every month. This kind of car model can be a great candidate for an engine rebuild.
Despite car maintenance and servicing, however, there’s a chance that your engine has been experiencing break downs recently. Some of the symptoms of engine failure include excessive oil consumption, low oil pressure, water mixing into oil, excessive smoke from the tailpipe, tapping or knocking sounds, and oil getting into the radiator or air cleaner. Inadequate maintenance, excessive overheating, issues in lubrication, and the typical wear and tear from high mileage are the usual causes of such engine problems. With these problems, is it better to upgrade your engine or is it more efficient to replace it instead?
Should you keep throwing money for an upgrade or should you sell the old engine and use the money to buy a replacement?If your old model is experiencing constant engine failures, it’s important to note that not all engine problems can be fixed with engine replacement. Likewise, when an engine has already died and broken down, an engine upgrade might not be the best solution. It all depends on the state of your car’s intake and exhaust systems.
Below, we break down the differences between engine replacement and engine upgrade and compare which of these two options is perfect for your car. This way, you can make the right decision that could be less costly and more helpful for you in the long run.
Replacement vs Upgrade: Which Suits Your Engine?
When it comes to getting an engine replacement or upgrade, the model and the year of the car’s release should be considered. For vehicles such as the Corvette, the car’s serial number should be stamped on the original engine, and you should also be able to see the manufacturing date on the engine and other car parts. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) should also be visible. Some people believe that knowing the VIN is necessary when it comes to engine replacement. Here’s the truth: the original-numbers matching engine is only required depending on the market. An example from LiveAbout explains that an original 1967 Big Block with a horsepower of 427/430 should keep the original engine.
Meanwhile, other base models don’t necessarily have to keep the original-numbers matching engine. Still, it’s quite smart to keep the original engine stored in a safe place in case you’ll need it for something.Before deciding which option you should choose, calculate the cost of your car without repairs. If your car’s original value was at least $5,000, then the estimated repair cost is at least $1,000. With this example, if you had to sell your car after the repair, you would still get back the money you just put into it. If this is the case, the best solution is to make some engine repairs by upgrading it.
However, if the repaired engine is still causing you some problems, it would then be smarter to get a new engine. Furthermore, if the value of your car doesn’t increase with every upgrade or replacement, it’s highly likely that you’re better off getting a brand new model. Keep in mind that you should find the cheapest and budget-friendly model so that you don’t go into debt.
Replacing Your Engine
Here are the factors you should consider when choosing to replace your car’s engine:
- You want more horsepower for your engine: A simple upgrade and modification won’t be enough to boost your engine’s horsepower. This way, you can choose the right horsepower from a catalog. Plus, should your new engine break down, your old engine would still be available for use.
- Your broken engine cannot be rebuilt or remodified: If your engine already has a big hole or if some of its pieces are already broken, you might want to choose to get a replacement. Find a similar engine instead of finding new parts that will upgrade the broken engine block.
- Take into account the cost of an engine replacement: In order to get the most accurate estimation of the cost of an engine replacement, you can talk to a trusted mechanic.
The cost of the replacement will depend on several factors, which includes the type and size of the engine itself. Some engines with high performance can cost up to $9,000 or more, while some engines can cost at least $1,000 to $2,000.
- Check all the parts of the engine that need replacement: See if all other parts of the engine need replacement. For instance, are the water pump and hoses still in good condition? What about the computerized and electronic components? These parts are usually not considered when asking for quotes for an engine replacement.
- You prefer a new engine instead of something that’s been rebuilt and re-manufactured: With the condition of your engine, as well as the constant problems that resurface, it’s up to you to decide whether you want a new engine or not. Most car models have readily available engines that can replace your old one.
For instance, most Corvettes run on a Goodwrench 350 engine and these are available at Chevy dealers. It may be appealing to use secondhand engines instead of buying new ones, but the new engines are better because they have never been used before.
Upgrading Your Engine
When should you upgrade your engine instead of getting a replacement? Here are the factors you should consider:
- The engine block can still be rebuilt: If the condition of your engine block is still enough for rebuilding, you can choose to upgrade it by buying new pistons, cranks, heads, and other new parts. If you have practiced rebuilding an engine before, you can perform the task yourself.
- However, you can also send it out to a professional and let them assemble it. A professional engine rebuilder will provide a finished and painted engine block with a warranty at about the same cost as sending it out to a machine shop.
- The engine is in good condition, but you want to install new components: Buying a rebuilt engine means new parts can be installed on the block. Such an engine has been remanufactured to follow the proper specifications and standards.
If your engine is in good condition, you can opt for an engine upgrade instead of buying a new one. The components you need will be added to your upgraded engine block.
- You want the cost-effective choice for the long-term: Remanufactured and rebuilt engines get better mileage and emit fewer pollutants than old and worn-down engines. This makes them a cost-effective option compared to a new engine.
- You want to conserve energy and resources: Upgraded and rebuilt engines can save a tremendous amount of energy because it avoids the tedious process that comes with processing discarded engines. This also conserves energy and resources that are needed in manufacturing new engines.
- The costs of an upgraded engine are about 10 to 20% of a new engine: A typical rebuilt and re-manufactured engine can cost from $2,000 to $4,000. This can save you a lot of money, with additional savings in insurance compared to a newer engine.
The price mainly depends on the vehicle model and technician labor charges, as well as the extent of other repairs performed. Contact a trusted mechanic or service provider to request for the most accurate estimation on the costs of an upgrade. Consider whether an engine repair can save you some money or if an engine replacement can boost your car’s performance. But whether you choose an upgrade or an alternative, keep in mind that a well-equipped engine shop is the best place to run to.
Taking care of car maintenance and minor repairs can ensure that your vehicle can still run as smoothly even in the next five years. The kind of automobile a typical travel will need will likely change in the next few years, especially with innovations and developments in technology. The best type of engine is one that is very friendly to your pocket, while still giving you the kind of engine performance you need.
