How much would a mechanic charge for an engine swap?
Engine swaps typically cost between roughly $2,500 and $8,000, though complex projects or new crate engines can push the total well beyond that. This article explains the main cost drivers and what to expect when budgeting for an engine swap.
Costs vary widely depending on the car, the engine option you choose (used, remanufactured, or new/crate), labor rates in your region, and whether electronics and ancillary systems (like wiring, ECU programming, and cooling) require extra work. Below is a breakdown of the typical ranges and the main factors that influence them.
What goes into the price
Before you price out an engine swap, it's helpful to understand the major cost components that commonly appear on an estimate.
- Engine source: used salvage engine, remanufactured/rebuilt engine, or new crate/brand-new engine
- Labor: time required to remove the old engine, install the new one, and test/run the vehicle
- Supporting parts: mounts, hoses, belts, radiator and cooling components, fuel system parts, exhaust components
- Electronics and programming: ECU/PCM programming, immobilizer work, wiring harness compatibility, dashboard and sensor integration
- Miscellaneous: core charges, disposal fees, shop supplies, and fluids
In practice, the total price reflects not only the engine itself but how seamlessly the new powerplant can be integrated with the vehicle’s electronics and drivetrain. This is why estimates can vary by several thousand dollars even for the same car model.
Typical price ranges by engine type
Engine cost is the largest variable in most quotes; here are common ranges for the engine itself, before labor.
Used engine
Engine alone (short block or complete motor) from a salvage yard or used parts supplier typically runs about the following range, depending on model and condition:
- Engine cost: $1,000–$2,500
- Notes: condition and mileage matter; core charges may apply; some vehicles require more extensive checks or additional components to run reliably.
Even when you source a used engine, most buyers end up paying more once installation and ancillary parts are included, so budgeting for a total higher than the engine price is prudent.
Remanufactured/rebuilt engine
Remanufactured or rebuilt engines offer a middle ground between used and new, with better reliability guarantees in many cases:
- Engine cost: $2,500–$5,500
- Notes: comes with a warranty from the shop or supplier; still requires installation labor and supporting parts.
For vehicles that require precise tolerances or modern electronics, remanufactured units are a common choice to balance cost and reliability.
New crate/crate-style engine
New or crate engines are the most expensive option but provide the most confidence in reliability and longevity for many buyers:
- Engine cost: $4,000–$8,000+ (sometimes higher for performance or specialty engines)
- Notes: typically accompanied by a warranty; installation costs can be higher if adaptation is needed for transmission, wiring, or ECU integration.
New engines are most common when restoring a classic with a rare engine, replacing an expensive-to-rebuild unit, or pursuing higher performance builds.
Labor costs and typical hours
Labor represents a major portion of the total; the exact amount depends on the vehicle and how much electronics work is required.
- Typical hours: 12–24 hours for straightforward swaps on older, simpler vehicles; 30–50 hours for modern, electronics-heavy swaps or when custom electronics work is needed
- Labor rate: widely varies by region and shop; common ranges are $75–$150 per hour, with high-cost metro areas charging $150–$225 per hour
Because labor is usually the largest variable, getting multiple written estimates with a detailed breakdown is especially important for engine swaps.
Other factors that can drive up price
Several conditions can add to the bill beyond the engine and basic installation.
- ECU programming and immobilizer concerns, especially with modern cars
- Wiring harness compatibility and potential harness fabrication
- Transmission compatibility and the need for adapters or transmission upgrades
- Cooling system upgrades (radiator, fans, hoses) to suit a different engine
- Exhaust system changes and catalytic converter considerations
- Post-swap testing, alignment, driveshaft work, and road testing
Being prepared for these optional or required steps can help avoid surprise costs; in many cases, shops will provide a separate line item for programming or wiring work so you can decide what to include.
Strategies to save money
Customers can take steps to keep costs reasonable while still getting a solid engine swap.
- Choose an engine within the same family to minimize wiring and ECU tweaks
- Provide a known-good engine from a reliable source when possible
- Shop around and obtain several detailed, itemized quotes
- Ask about core charges, warranty terms, and what is included in the estimate (labor, parts, programming)
Clear communication and a detailed plan with the shop can prevent scope creep and help you compare apples-to-apples when choosing a facility.
Bottom line: getting a fair price
Expect a broad range depending on engine choice, the vehicle, and your location. A typical installed total might look like:
- Using a salvage or used engine: roughly $3,000–$7,000 total
- Using a remanufactured engine: roughly $5,000–$9,000 total
- Using a new crate engine: roughly $8,000–$15,000+ total
To avoid surprises, ask for a written, itemized estimate that separates engine cost, labor hours, and all ancillary parts, and confirm what’s covered by any warranty.
Summary
Engine swaps are price-sensitive projects with a wide cost spectrum. The total you pay hinges on engine type, vehicle compatibility, labor rates, and electronics work. By understanding the main cost drivers, obtaining multiple detailed quotes, and planning for potential extras like ECU programming and cooling upgrades, you can budget more accurately and choose a solution that fits your vehicle and your budget.
How much does labour cost for an engine swap?
Engine swap labor costs typically range from $700 to $3,000, based on an average hourly rate of $70 to $150 and 10 to 20 hours of labor. The final price depends on vehicle complexity, shop rates, and location, with urban areas and dealerships charging more, while independent garages are often cheaper.
Factors affecting labor costs
- Hourly labor rate: This can range from about $70 to $150 per hour, but may be higher ($150 to $250) at dealerships, especially for luxury or high-performance vehicles.
- Total labor time: The job can take anywhere from 10 to 20 hours, depending on the vehicle's make and model and the complexity of the swap.
- Vehicle complexity: Swapping a simple engine might take less time than replacing a more complex engine (e.g., a V8 with 4x4 or AWD).
- Location: Labor rates are generally higher in urban areas due to higher costs of living.
- Type of repair facility: Dealerships often have higher labor rates than independent garages.
How to estimate your specific cost
- Determine the total estimated hours: Ask the shop for an estimate based on your vehicle's specific make and model. A common estimate is around 8 to 10 hours for a standard swap.
- Calculate the total cost: Multiply the estimated hours by the shop's hourly labor rate.
- Example: For a 10-hour job at a $125/hour rate, the labor cost would be $1,250 ($125 x 10 = $1,250).
- Consider additional fees: Keep in mind that this estimate typically does not include parts, fluids, or other necessary parts like a new clutch, motor mounts, or hydraulic cylinder.
How much does it cost for labor to swap an engine?
Engine replacement pricing breakdown
| Parts/service | Average cost |
|---|---|
| New engine (crate or OEM) | $3,000 to $14,000 or more, depending on engine type and vehicle make |
| Used or rebuilt engine | $600 to $6,000, with used typically on the lower end |
| Labor | $1,200 to $2,200, based on shop rate and job complexity |
How much does it cost to get a car engine swapped?
An engine swap can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $25,000+, depending on the type of swap, with a basic "like-for-like" swap being on the lower end and a complex performance swap being on the higher end. Factors like the cost of a new or used engine, complexity of the installation, additional supporting modifications (like custom mounts, wiring, and new transmissions), and labor rates significantly impact the final price.
Cost breakdown
- Parts (Engine):
- Used/rebuilt engine: $600 to $6,000.
- New crate engine: $3,000 to $14,000 or more, depending on the vehicle and engine type.
- Labor:
- Typical shop rate: $1,200 to $2,200 for installation alone.
- Hourly rate: Can range from $80 to $125+ per hour.
- Supporting modifications: These can add thousands of dollars to the total, especially for performance swaps:
- Custom engine/transmission mounts
- New clutch and flywheel
- Upgraded cooling systems
- Custom wiring harnesses
- ECU and tuning
- Potentially a new transmission to handle more power
Factors that influence cost
- Swap complexity: A direct "like-for-like" engine swap is cheaper and easier than swapping for a different, more powerful engine (like an LS into a Miata).
- Engine source: A used engine from a junkyard is the cheapest option but can be risky, while a new or professionally rebuilt engine costs significantly more but is more reliable.
- Vehicle: The cost varies significantly by vehicle. Replacing the engine in a basic sedan will be much cheaper than in a high-end sports car or a large truck.
- Labor costs: Labor is a major factor, and complex swaps require more time and expertise, which increases the final price.
- Additional work: The mechanic may need to do additional work, such as replacing gaskets or other parts, which adds to the total cost.
- Legal compliance: Depending on your location, you may need to pass certain emissions and safety tests, which can add significant costs to a performance swap.
