It’s not every day that a person searches used motors for sale but if you need a new engine for your car, you have come to the right place.

Dropping a new powerplant in your vehicle is a major expense and is not a purchase that should be made without a significant amount of research and preparation.

Regardless of whether you are looking for used jeep engines, used ford engines or any other type of used engine, we can help. Our network of reputable engine resellers will help you find a great motor at a fantastic price.

Before you plop down your hard earned cash on a new engine it pays to do a little research. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about searching for used motors for sale and how to get the best deal on your new engine.

Finding an Engine

One of the first things you need to do is determine what type of engine you need. While this may seem daunting, once you collect some specific information it is fairly easy. Following are a few details to collect before starting your used motors for sale search.

Remember, we are always a phone call away to help you find the best power plant for your car.

VIN: The VIN number contains a ton of information about a specific vehicle including the engine code. The VIN number can be found in a few different spots:

• The dashboard of the car at the bottom of the windshield on the driver’s side. It can most easily be seen from the outside of the vehicle.
• Sticker on the inside of the driver’s side door.
• On the actual engine block.
• On the underside of the hood.
• On the vehicles paperwork or your insurance card for that vehicle.

The VIN contains the engine code as well as the date of manufacture. Running your VIN number through a VIN exploder will give you the information you need. We like to use this one.

Secondly, you will need to determine what type of engine you are looking to purchase, a long block or short block. Here is a very quick overview of the different choices:

Short Block: A short block engine is the most affordable option for engine replacement but you will need to provide or purchase additional parts. A short block is an incomplete engine that comes with an engine block, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, bearings and oil pan. You will need to provide cylinder heads, gaskets, and an oil pump from your old engine or purchase them.

Long Block: A long block is a more complete engine, it comes with everything that is included in the short block but also includes cylinder heads, camshafts, valves, valve springs and a new head gasket. You may need to provide some parts such as valve covers, exhaust manifold, and timing covers.

Once you have determined what kind of used motors for sale you need and collected the information about your current engine, its time to go shopping.

Shopping for a Used Engine

Shopping for used motors for sale is not as simple as pulling up Amazon and waiting for the box to arrive, it will take some legwork, research and negotiating. Here are a few tips for what to look for and how to get a good deal on a great used engine:

• Where to Buy a Used Engine: There are a number of different options when shopping for a used engine. Check your local salvage yards and then hit the keyboard. Plenty of engine resellers can be found online and it is even possible to shop for a new (used) engine on EBay.

One of the best ways to find a quality used engine is to search our site. We can connect you with a variety of used engine sellers. Our site allows you to submit a request for a used engine or transmission to a large network of suppliers. The suppliers will contact you directly by email, phone or text message with information and pricing.

• Prices are Negotiable: In most cases the price of a used car engine can be negotiated so put on your bargaining hat. Even if the price is set, you may be able to get an extended warranty thrown in or a discount on shipping. Ask for a discount for paying cash if that is an option and work with a number of resellers to find the best engine at the best price.

The cost of shipping an engine can be a major expense so make sure this cost is part of the final negotiated price.

• Do Your Research: Never be afraid to ask tons of questions about any engine you are seriously considering. Ask about what parts come with the engine and which parts you will have to supply.

Carefully verify that the engine is compatible with your vehicle and will fit without having to modify the long block. Ask to review all documentation that comes with the engine including the mileage verification.

Keep in mind that while the used engine you purchase will fit your vehicle, the manifolds or wiring harness might have to be changed out. This happens because the long block is the same but the vehicle it was removed from is different. For example, a Chevy Malibu and a Buick Century engine fit each other but some bolt on parts are different. This is usually not a huge expense but make sure you include these costs in your budget.

Ask if they have started the engine, done a compression test or a cylinder leak down test. Make sure the valve covers and oil pan have been removed for an internal inspection and an oil pressure test is completed.

Finally, check into the reseller. Read reviews and check with the BBB to make sure they are a legitimate reseller who sells quality engines and guarantees their product with a good warranty and excellent customer service.

Carfax: While many engine resellers offer a free Carfax report and most buyers ask for one, take the information with a grain of salt. Carfax doesn’t typically record repair or maintenance information so is little help in regards to the actual engine. In addition, some less than honest resellers may pull a VIN number from a site such as Autotrader and generate a Carfax report. In most cases you would not know the difference.

Wrecked Cars: While you may be reluctant to purchase an engine that has been in a wreck, in many cases the savings can be well worth the risk. Ask plenty of questions, make sure the engine has been tested, and demand a great warranty and an engine coming out of wrecked car can be an excellent purchase.

• Mileage: Modern engines are engineered to run for hundreds of thousands of miles so don’t make it a top priority, especially if you are looking for a engine that is at least five years old. A high quality warranty is more important than the actual mileage.

• Warranty: Always ask about a warranty when buying a used engine. Look for a high quality warranty that lasts at least 90 days, the longer the warranty the better. A warranty that covers both the engine and labor is best. If an extended warranty is offered, we recommend buying it.

• Get a Mechanic Involved Early: Unless you are installing the engine yourself you should get a mechanic involved in the process early. They can help you verify that the engine will fit, negotiate a price and inspect the engine once it arrives.

Key Points

Looking for used motors for sale is a big undertaking and a major expense. Here are a few final things to remember.

Upfront Research: There are few things as disappointing as having your new engine arrive only to discover it doesn’t fit. Do your research and make sure you buy the correct engine, use a mechanic to help you make sure you are getting the correct engine.

Final Expenses: Remember that there will always be a variety of small expenses dropping the engine in to your car. Spark plugs, wires filters and the various fluids that a new engine needs.

Shop a Variety of Vendors: Shop a number of vendors to make sure that you get the best engine at the best price. Look for a high quality warranty and only buy from reputable dealers.

We can help, our vendors who have used motors for sale are top notch and will quickly respond to your request. Get started now, request a quote on a new engine.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace an Engine?

A blown or destroyed engine is one of the worst and most expensive things that can happen to a vehicle. Regardless of whether the engine was destroyed by a fire, an accident or a blown head gasket, the solution is the same, you need a new engine.

Replacing an engine can be a daunting task and in almost all cases will require the services of a professional. If your vehicle requires a new engine, one of your first questions will probably be “how much is this going to cost?”

There is no definitive answer to that question as each engine and situation is different but it is possible to come up with a ballpark figure. Before you start pricing engines there are a few other factors you will have to consider, ranging from the type of engine you need to whether a new or rebuilt engine is the right choice for you.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about replacing an engine.

What You Need to Consider

Dropping a new engine in a vehicle is pretty complicated work and should always be done by a professional unless you are extremely comfortable working on your car.

Before you get started, you need to decide what type of engine you need and determine the scope of the job so you can accurately estimate the cost to switch out the engine.

One of the first considerations is whether you need a “short-block”, a “long-block” or a complete engine. Here is a quick overview to help you determine your engine needs:

• Short Block: A short block will be the most affordable option but you will need to provide some additional parts. This is an incomplete engine that comes with the engine block, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, bearings and oil pan. However, you will need to provide additional parts that may include, but are not limited to, cylinder heads, gaskets, and an oil pump.

Make sure that any parts you are taking off your old engine to put on the new short block are in decent shape and will fit on your new powerplant.

• Long Block: This is a more complete engine and comes with everything the short block has as well as cylinder heads, camshafts, valves, valve springs and a new head gasket. You may still need to provide some parts such as valve covers, exhaust manifold, and timing covers.
  

• Complete Engine: This will include all necessary parts and will be the most expensive option. Crate engines are easy to find, and the more common ones are fairly affordable.

Another factor you will need to consider is whether you are buying a new engine from the manufacturer or looking for a used one. Here are a few pros and cons of each:

New: Comes with a warranty and should include all parts. You know what you are getting with a new engine and have recourse if something should go wrong. Obviously this is the more expensive option when it comes to replacing your engine.

Used: Going with a used engine will absolutely save money but it does require some due diligence. Shop around, read reviews and do some research. A few tips for finding a used engine:

• Make sure it will fit: Get the VIN number, engine code, and the production date off of your current engine and make sure the new one is compatible. Make sure the engine will interchange directly without having to modify the long block. Expect to have to change some of the bolt on parts because different vehicles use the same long block but different bolt on accessories like intake and exhaust manifolds.

• Get Engine History: Get the VIN number and pull a CarFax to make sure the engine was not involved in a car accident. Ask the supplier if the engine has been run tested, compression tested or inspected internally. Verify that the engine has good compression, good oil pressure and the internal components are up to specifications.
  

• Get Your Mechanic Involved: Have your mechanic review the engine details and make sure it will fit properly and is a good choice for your particular car. Once the engine arrives, have your mechanic inspect it to make sure it is in the condition agreed upon and all parts are included.

• Shipping Costs and Warranty: Shipping costs can be substantial with an engine so make sure those costs are included in the final price you agree on with the seller. Verify that the engine supplier offers a warranty you can count on, the longer the warranty the better. Ask about extended warranties and labor warranties. Make sure the seller has a good reputation online and check with the BBB and other consumer safety sites before signing on the dotted line.

Engine Costs

The cost of an engine can vary dramatically depending on what type of engine you are looking to purchase, so determining an exact price can be difficult. Short block engines for a run of the mill mass produced vehicle can be pretty affordable while replacing the engine in a Ferrari can require you to take out a second mortgage on your home.

Here are a few ballpark figures when it comes to engine costs:

• Long Blocks: The typical American or Japanese rebuilt four-cylinder or V-6 can run from $1,500 to $2,500. This price can go up dramatically for a sports or luxury car. A Corvette Z06 LS7 crate engine will run you $14,000 while a used Ferrari engine can push that cost up to $45,000 or higher.

Diesel engines will cost more as a general rule. Expect to pay roughly $5,000 to $10,000 for a rebuilt Detroit Diesel engine and around $4,000 for a Ford Powerstroke.

• Short Blocks: You can often pick up a rebuilt short block for under $1,000 but cost can go up to $2,000 depending on what type of engine you need. Remember, with a short block you will need to provide or purchase additional parts, so make sure you include those costs in your estimates.

Labor Costs

Much like the cost of the engine, labor costs can vary dramatically. In many cases, labor costs can be just as expensive as the engine itself. Giving an exact cost here is impossible as each engine provides its own set of challenges but following is a quick overview of labor costs.

Dealership: Having a new engine installed by a car dealership is usually one of the most expensive ways to replace an engine. Expect labor costs to run up to $200 an hour which means if dropping in the new engine takes 15 hours (this is fairly typical) you can be on the hook for $3,000 in labor costs and that is if everything goes smoothly, complications can run that cost even higher.

Independent Garage: Hourly rates tend to be lower at these types of garages so you may only be paying between $75 and $125 per hour, which drops the price down to $1,125 on the low end. In the majority of cases, labor costs will run at least $1,000 and go up from there.

Older vehicles tend to be cheaper than newer cars and if you go with a short block remember to consider the time spent adding all of the additional parts before it an be dropped into the car. This can add up to a significant expense so be sure to factor these costs in when deciding on a short or long block.

While it can vary between cars, expect an engine replacement to take at least ten hours of labor and more commonly, 15 to 20 hours. A short block will involve more labor costs than a ready to go crate engine, but the crate engine will have a higher cost than the short block so its important to sit down and run the numbers to figure out which is the least expensive option in your particular situation.

Do It Yourself: This is obviously the least expensive option but is not recommended unless you are extremely confident working on your vehicle. Replacing an engine is one of the more complicated repairs you can perform and in almost all cases it is best left to a professional.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that there can be huge variances in the cost to replace an engine but we can draw a few conclusions and come up with a basic ballpark figure.

In most cases, a standard engine replacement on the typical car or truck will usually run between $2,500 and $5,000 at a local garage and could run up to $7,000 or more if you use a dealership and buy a ready to go crate engine.

This figure will go up dramatically if you are replacing the engine in a high-end sports car or even a European sedan. If you are dealing with a luxury automobile expect to pay 50 to 100 percent more than a typical car.

Finally, remember to include the various odds and ends you will need such as plugs, wires, caps, air filters, fuel filters, hoses, lines, engine mounts, oil filter and the various fluids your new engine will need. While none of these items are super expensive, they all add up.

The best advice is to shop around and read reviews. Consider hiring a mechanic before starting the process so they can help you determine the best engine for your needs. They may also be able to help you secure an engine and do an inspection when it arrives.

A bit of careful planning will ensure that you find an engine that fits both your budget and your vehicle.

With the recent flooding that took place in the Houston area, we’ve received a number of questions from customers who are wondering what to look for when it comes to buying a used engine that may have been involved in a flood. Ideally, you need to know what to look for and take steps to minimize any damage that has been done.

Tips to get your flood damaged engine back on the road

1. Put the engine on a stand and remove the valve covers, spark plugs and oil pan. This will give you full access to the engine drivetrain. Flip the engine upside down and spray down the crankcase, connecting rods and oil pump with fresh oil. If you can, run fresh oil through the oil pump. Rotate the crankshaft to wash down the cylinder walls and connecting rods with fresh oil. Then rotate the engine upright and soak down the upper cylinder head. Rotate the crankshaft to get the oil back onto the rocker arms, pushrods and rocker assemblies.
2. Remove the timing cover and inspect the timing chain/timing belt, idler pulleys and tensioners. Fresh oil on the timing chain, pulleys  and tensioner will go a long way in preventing issues.
3. Put fresh oil into the cylinders and rotate the engine. Make sure to push out any water and oil that might be inside. If water comes out, repeat the process until only oil is being pushed out.
4. Make sure to flush the oil journals from the top of the heads until clean oil comes out of the oil filter adapter where the filter screws on. This will make sure most of the water is removed from the oil system.
5. Reassemble the engine using new gaskets. Fill with fresh oil and a new oil filter. Disconnect the ignition coil so the engine will not start then crank the engine a few times. Reuse the original spark plugs for initial start up. After the oil burns off, replace with new spark plugs. This will circulate the oil through the engine and pick up any stray water that might be lurking inside. Then drain the oil, replace the filter and reconnect the ignition. When you start the engine let it run at a low idle for a bit. Cut the engine off and check the oil on the stick to make sure it is free of water.

It’s never a good sign when a used engine has been in a flood, but by taking the proper precautions you can minimize damage and get back on the road in no time.

ASAP Motors finds used engines, motors, and transmissions for sale, then nationwide sellers compete for your business. Just submit a request using our free used engine locator service and our dealers will contact you directly with pricing and information about the Chevy, Ford, Honda, Toyota, or other used motor, engine, or used transmission that you’re looking for.

With the recent flooding that took place in the Houston area, you need to know how to spot water damage in used engines. Here’s where to begin:

How to check for water or flood damage when buying a used engine

1. Is there flood water in the engine oil? Pull the oil dipstick and inspect the oil.
   1. If the oil stick has water droplets on it, chances are, the engine has been contaminated with water but not run with water in it. If it’s fresh water and the engine has not been run, chances are very good the engine can be saved but it needs to be flushed very soon. If the water has been inside the engine too long the main bearings will start to rust and cause damage.
   2. If the engine oil is milky, that means the engine has been run with water in the crankcase and chances are very good it will have bearing damage or much worse. If the oil stick is dry, remove the oil filter and look at the condition of the oil. If the filter is gone and the engine is drained, remove the oil pan for inspection.
2. Remove the valve cover and inspect the cylinder head for surface rust
   If flood water has gotten into the engine it will show up with this inspection. When water gets in the engine from flooding it will sit in the oil pan. As the water evaporates, it will rise to the top of the engine and cause surface rust on the bolts, valves and camshaft. If the engine was run with oil in it, there will be signs of milky oil in the oil journals, rocker arms and pushrods.
3. Look inside the air intake pipe or the throttle body assembly for white residue
   1. If flood water has gotten inside the motor’s air intake you will see places the water has cleaned some residue. When inspecting the throttle body, look for a white residue.
   2. If water appears to have gotten inside this area of the engine it is more than likely ruined. When the engine is run or even attempted to be run with water in the intake it will get pulled into the cylinders. Once water gets into the cylinder, the piston will try to compress it but it can not. That causes a piston to break or a connecting rod to bend. The result is major internal damage.
4. Visually inspect the area around the spark plugs
   If flood water has gotten up high on the engine the spark plug valley will retain water and corrosion will happen. This is an easy inspection when looking for water damage.
5. Look closely at wiring harness connectors for a green color at the tips
   When water gets on copper this is a common issue. Also, look at the insulation of the wire harness. When a harness sits in water it will cause the insulation to buckle or look deformed.
6. Check the color of the power steering pump fluid
   The power steering pump fluid is supposed to be a nice red color. If flood water got inside the power steering pump, the fluid will look very pink.
7. Check the alternator for corrosion
   The alternator will start to corrode in a short amount of time. Look inside the alternator through the vent ribs, if the copper coil has corrosion you know water has gotten inside.
8. Check the ac compressor
   The clutch on the front is made of steel and the bearings inside the pulley will make noise if water got inside it.

ASAP Motors finds used engines, motors, and transmissions for sale, then nationwide sellers compete for your business. Just submit a request using our free used engine locator service and our dealers will contact you directly with pricing and information about the Chevy, Ford, Honda, Toyota, or other used motor, engine, or used transmission that you’re looking for.