Swapping out your truck engine is usually a better fix than rebuilding, especially if you can find a good-quality used engine with lower mileage.
Cost comparison
Rebuilding:
- Labour costs for tear down, inspection, machining, and assembly.
- New OEM parts like pistons, rings, bearings, and gaskets.
- Additional repairs are often needed once torn down.
- Potential hidden costs from unnoticed internal damage.
Replacement:
- Cost of a used engine.
- Labour for removal and installation.
- Trade-in discount (money off with part exchange).
The total cost of a quality used truck engine swap ends up being lower than a proper rebuilding job once all the fees and new parts are tallied up for the rebuild – in most cases, anyway – especially for high-mileage trucks.
Availability of new parts
One factor that increases rebuild costs is parts availability, especially for older models or less common makes. Many OEM engine parts, such as pistons, rings, and bearings, are getting harder to source new as engines/vehicles go out of production.
You may have to settle for costly remanufactured parts or make a compromise with non-OEM options, which could impact reliability.
With a replacement engine, you can choose from a wider variety of makes, models, and production dates to find the best fit for your needs without issues with parts availability.
Superior quality
Rebuilt engines use a mixture of new and used components, which can lead to imbalances and incompatibilities between the parts. This patchwork approach increases the likelihood of issues and won’t fix underlying problems.
A used engine replacement keeps all the components correctly matched and working together as initially designed and tested by the manufacturer for optimal performance and durability, giving you greater reassurance.
Lower mileage option
While your old engine may only have 600,000 miles, most rebuilds reset that same mileage with all the core components being re-used.
With a replacement, you could obtain an engine with significantly lower mileage, like 400,000 or even less than 300,000, for major savings. Lower mileage lengthens the remaining service life and ensures more time on the road.
Minimised downtime
Rebuilding requires tear-down, parts sourcing, re-assembly, and extensive testing, which can sideline your vehicle for extended periods. Replacing the engine is much faster, minimising downtime and getting you trucking again quickly.
Warranty protection
For even greater peace of mind, some replacement engines from reputable suppliers come with warranties against defects and failures, providing they are professionally installed (some are sold as seen, so always test beforehand).
Bottom line economics
Quality used truck engines can provide 50% more savings than rebuilding while offering potential mileage upgrades and avoiding many of the risks associated with rebuilds.
A replacement engine is often the most economical and reliable solution when you factor in the convenience and warranty benefits.
