Rebuilt Engines As A Money Saving Option

By Maria Roberts


In the event of a car breaking down in most cases a simple fix can get it back on the road without too much money being spent. In more serious cases the motor may need replacement and this can be very expensive. A cheaper alternative is to choose rebuilt engines rather than a brand new factory unit.

It may be that not the entire unit is damaged; replacing just the block, casings or head may solve your problem. Factory supplied units can run to thousands of dollars, so simply replacing the damaged component could save a small fortune. Replacements will range in price depending on the component required to fix the fault.

Most local auto engineers will be able to offer a rebuild option and if this is to be done it is advisable to obtain a few prices to get the best price. Many internet based companies also offer this service and most will have units ready to fit in exchange for the broken one plus a fee. In some cases it can also be cheaper to just buy a rebuilt one and not send the old one for a build.

The majority of companies who carry out a rebuild will offer a time based or mileage warranty with the replacement. This can be from three to five years or 10 to 100 thousand miles so it is a good idea to think about which suits your needs better. With any warranty it may be that any future work or servicing on the rebuilt motor will have to be varied out by them so check this also.

A rebuild is by far a cheaper way to get a vehicle back on the road but it is worth noting that if it is not original it can affect the resale value. Also with a classic vehicle some clubs may not allow it to be entered into competition after changes. Insurers will also need to be notified as the serial numbers of the block will be different to the ones currently on record.

Rebuilt units for many of the more common vehicles range in price from approximately 1500 dollars to 6000 dollars. Motors for rarer classics or vintage cars will be significantly more due to the fact that parts are harder to come by and not all mechanics can carry out the work. If the car is an older model it is well worth seeking the advice of a club or motoring organization for expert advice.

When sending a motor away for a rebuild it is worth taking time to think about who will extract it and how it will be shipped. This task can be performed in the home workshop but it is a better option to have a qualified mechanic to do this. Many special tools and lifting equipment may be needed and safety procedures observed.

Once the block has been extracted you can contact shipping companies to compare prices. Normally they charge by weight and for a large block this can be expensive. Many companies who offer rebuilding services include this cost in the price so that is another factor to consider when pricing the overall job. Once you have chosen the service check the item or items are packaged securely to avoid possible damage and make sure the courier have insurance which will cover any loss in transit.




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