Engine replacement cost
Replacing a car engine usually costs $2,000 to $10,000 with installation. The engine you choose drives the price: a used engine from a salvage yard is the cheapest, while a new or remanufactured engine costs more but comes with a better warranty.
Quick answer
$2,000 – $10,000engine plus installation
Most engine swaps cost $2,000 to $10,000. A used engine in an economy car can be about $1,800; luxury or high-performance engines can pass $16,000.
Cost by type of engine
| Option | Engine price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Used engine (salvage) | $600 – $6,000 | Cheapest; short warranty, unknown history |
| Rebuild your existing engine | $2,500 – $4,000 | Total job; keeps your original block |
| New crate or OEM engine | $3,000 – $14,000+ | Best warranty; highest price |
Engine prices from Synchrony (2025) and ConsumerAffairs (2026). Labor is extra unless noted.
Remanufactured engines are rebuilt in a factory to original specifications and usually fall between used and new on price, with warranties often longer than a used engine's.
Labor costs
| Item | Typical |
|---|---|
| Labor hours | 10 – 25 hours |
| Labor cost | $1,200 – $2,200 |
| Shop rate | $120 – $159 per hour (most shops) |
Swapping an engine takes most shops 10 to 25 hours. Front-wheel-drive cars with transverse engines and crowded engine bays take the longest.
Is a new engine worth it?
A replacement engine makes sense when the rest of the car (body, transmission, rust) is in good shape and the car is worth noticeably more than the repair, or when you would otherwise take on a car payment. Compare the numbers with our repair or replace calculator.
What changes the price
- Engine size. Four-cylinder engines cost less than V6, V8 and turbocharged engines.
- Engine source. Used, remanufactured or new, and the length of its warranty.
- Supporting parts. Mounts, hoses, sensors, fluids and the clutch on manual cars are often replaced at the same time.
- Where you go. Dealers often charge 25% or more above independent shops. Most shops bill about $120 to $159 an hour (AAA, citing a 2025 PartsTech survey).
- The parts. OEM (factory) parts cost more than aftermarket or remanufactured parts. Ask which ones the estimate uses and what warranty comes with them.
- Extras. Related parts found during the job, fluids, shop supply fees and sales tax are not included in these averages.
How to get a fair estimate
- Ask for a written estimate that lists parts, labor hours and the shop’s hourly rate before any work starts.
- Ask whether the quote uses OEM, aftermarket or remanufactured parts, and what warranty comes with the parts and the labor.
- Get a second quote for any repair over a few hundred dollars. Independent shops often charge less per hour than dealers.
- Ask the shop to show you the old part or the reading that proves it failed, and to call you before doing extra work.
- Check for recalls and warranty coverage first: many powertrain, emissions and hybrid parts carry longer factory warranties.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace an engine?
About $2,000 to $10,000 including labor for most cars. Luxury and performance models can cost $16,000 or more.
Is it cheaper to rebuild or replace an engine?
A rebuild of your existing engine typically costs $2,500 to $4,000. A used engine can be cheaper, but a rebuild by a good shop usually comes with a better warranty.
How long does an engine replacement take?
Usually 10 to 25 hours of labor, so plan on the car being in the shop for several days to two weeks, depending on parts availability.
Sources
Prices are national averages and typical ranges from published cost data. Your price depends on your vehicle, location, parts and shop, so get a written estimate. Car Repair Atlas is not a repair shop; read our disclaimer.