How to Buy a New Engine
by Richard Kalinowski
While used engines are readily available from scrap yards, auctions and private sellers, new engines are scarcer, often only available from the car manufacturing company. For most consumers, commonly sold used engines will work well; as Hoiyen.net Online News explains, "there is really no need to buy a new engine for an old car." However, if you've got a new automobile with unforeseen engine issues, or if you simply want to upgrade your engine, a brand new engine may be the best option. With the right steps, you can successfully purchase the proper brand new engine for your automobile.
Step 1
Make sure your old engine is truly damaged beyond repair before you commit to buying a new engine. As explained by AA1Car.com, "many internal problems can be repaired without having to completely overhaul an engine." A new engine costs thousands of dollars, so all other options should be exhausted first.
Step 2
Research your car's specific make and model to find out what kind of engine you need. The best guide to your car's engine is the owner's manual; however, you can also check the Kelley Blue Book (see Resources). The Kelley Blue Book contains some very basic engine information along with most of the KBB's car listings.
Step 3
Make sure your car can support any upgrades you plan on installing. If your new engine will not be a stock engine (also called a "crate" engine) then you need to make sure your ideal upgrade is feasible. The best way to do this is to look for online retailers selling "mounting kits" or "upgrade kits" for your specific car model and desired engine. If mounting kits are not available, chances are you'll need to talk to an auto-body specialist about doing a custom upgrade. Custom engine installations are often very expensive, so always perform this research in advance.
Step 4
Consider performance chip installation for your new engine if your desired upgrade turns out to be too costly. As explained by Howrah.org, "the performance chip is a cost-effective option to derive the full power out of your car engine." When shopping, keep in mind that performance chips are commonly called "ECU chips" by auto mechanics and other specialists.
Step 5
Order from a dealer or directly for the manufacturer. Once all your research is complete and you know which engine to get, go to a car dealer specializing in your car brand, or simply log on to the official website for your car brand. Ordering from a source other than a reputable dealer or manufacturer can lead to problems; you may end up with a refurbished engine rather than a true, brand new, factory-produced engine.
References
Things You'll Need
- Internet Access
- Car Owner's Manual
Writer Bio
Richard Kalinowski began writing professionally in 2006. He also works as a website programmer and graphic designer for several clients. Kalinowski holds a Master of Fine Arts from Goddard College and a Bachelor of Science in education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
