Can you buy brand new car engines?
Buying options for a brand-new engine
There are two broad pathways: factory-new engines sold through official dealers and crate engines offered by manufacturers or specialized builders. Each path has its own requirements, costs, and warranty terms.
OEM replacement engines through dealerships
Factory-new engines are often sold through a carmaker's parts department or an authorized service network. This route provides a direct link to the maker's warranty and service support, and the installation is typically performed by an authorized technician to preserve warranty coverage. Availability depends on the model, year, and regional distribution.
- Factory-new replacement engines are usually sold via official parts departments or approved dealer service centers and typically carry a manufacturer warranty when installed by an authorized shop.
- Availability is model- and region-specific; not every engine option is stocked for every car, and lead times can be long for older or low-volume models.
- Installation is commonly handled by the dealer or an authorized service network to ensure warranty validity and proper calibration.
- Expect to pay a premium relative to many aftermarket options, and be aware of potential core charges for remanufactured units (not typical for brand-new engines).
In practice, this route offers a straightforward path for matching the original powertrain, but it may be limited by stock and regional rules.
Crate engines from manufacturers
Many OEMs and performance divisions offer crate engines — brand-new, factory-engineered units shipped in a crate and designed to drop into a range of vehicles. They often include warranty support and require professional installation, with additional components such as ECU tuning and mounting brackets sometimes sold separately.
- Manufacturer-backed crate engines (for example, GM Performance Parts, Ford Performance, Mopar) provide a factory-built option that’s designed for direct installation in compatible platforms and typically come with a warranty.
- Displacement and spec options vary widely, from stock-based LS/LT and Coyote variants to high-performance setups; price and lead times depend on the engine and its configuration.
- Crate engines may or may not include accessories like intake manifolds, wiring harnesses, or ECU; check what’s included and what you must source separately.
- Warranty coverage is important; ensure you understand what the warranty covers and any installation requirements to maintain eligibility.
Overall, crate engines offer a flexible path for enthusiasts and professionals seeking a factory perspective, with the caveat that you must handle integration and calibration carefully.
Independent crate engine builders and specialists
Beyond the big-name OEM crate programs, independent engine builders offer brand-new engines built to order. These are typically long-block or short-block assemblies that come with some warranty and are often tailored to specific applications, from street use to racing builds.
- Independent manufacturers and custom builders can provide a wide range of displacements, configurations, and power levels, sometimes with turnkey options or with customer-supplied components.
- Warranty terms vary by company; read the fine print and confirm what is covered (labor, parts, or both) and the installation requirements.
- Delivery times and pricing are highly variable and depend on specifications, availability of components, and shipping logistics.
- Compatibility with your vehicle’s ECU, exhaust, and accessory mounts should be verified before purchase.
For buyers, this path offers flexibility but demands careful vetting of the builder’s reputation, warranty terms, and technical compatibility with the installation site.
What to consider before buying a brand-new engine
Before committing to a purchase, buyers should assess several practical factors to avoid surprises later.
- Engine compatibility with your vehicle: ensure mounting points, engine code, transmission interface, and wiring harness compatibility match your car.
- Emissions and regulatory compliance: confirm the engine meets local emissions standards and that you can legally register the vehicle after the swap where required.
- Warranty terms and support: understand what is covered, for how long, and whether installation must be performed by an authorized shop to maintain coverage.
- Required accessories and integration: determine what ECU/PCM, harnesses, sensors, exhaust, and other components are included and what you must source separately.
- Cost, timing, and logistics: factor in base price, shipping, taxes, installation labor, and potential delays in lead times.
- Return and support options: verify return policies and what happens if the engine doesn’t run as expected after installation.
Careful planning helps ensure the swap is reliable, compliant, and within budget.
Summary
Brand-new car engines are available through several channels, including OEM dealer replacements and manufacturer-backed crate engines or independent builders. Availability, price, and required installation vary by model and region. Prospective buyers should verify compatibility, warranty terms, and regulatory compliance, and should plan for installation with a qualified shop to maximize reliability and preserve any warranty coverage.
