Is it worth putting a new engine in a truck?

Upgrading a truck’s engine is a major investment that requires careful consideration. There are several factors to weigh when deciding if it’s worth the time and money to replace your truck’s current engine with a new one. In this article, we’ll explore the key questions to ask and things to consider to help determine if putting a new engine in your truck is the right choice.

What are the potential benefits of a new truck engine?

Installing a new, upgraded engine in place of an old, worn out engine can offer some compelling benefits. Here are some of the main advantages you may gain by swapping in a new engine:

• Improved performance – A new engine will typically provide more horsepower, torque, and improved acceleration.
• Better fuel economy – Newer engines are designed for better fuel efficiency, which saves on gas costs.
• Reduced emissions – Modern engines often produce fewer harmful emissions.
• Increased reliability – You’ll get rid of an old, high-mileage engine prone to breakdowns.
• Longer engine life – A new engine gives you additional years before facing another costly engine replacement.
• Higher resale value – Upgraded engines typically increase the value of a truck.
• Eligibility for newer technology – New engines give you access to modern tech like start/stop systems.
• Less maintenance – New engines require fewer repairs and less scheduled maintenance for several years.

If your old engine is worn out or damaged, then a new engine gives you an opportunity to significantly enhance your truck’s performance and reliability. Even if your current engine is still functional, upgrading to a new engine can provide notable gains.

What factors determine the cost of a new truck engine?

There are several variables that affect how much a new truck engine replacement will cost. The main factors include:

• Engine type – More powerful, high-performance engines are more expensive. Smaller, fuel-efficient engines tend to have lower costs.
• New vs remanufactured – A new crate engine from the factory costs more than a remanufactured engine.
• Labor – Expect higher labor costs if the engine swap requires extensive modifications to install the new engine.
• Shop fees – Rates between repair shops vary, so get multiple quotes.
• Additional parts – You may need new manifolds, sensors, or other components that add to costs.
• Engine brand – Premium engine brands like Caterpillar or Cummins have higher costs than other brands.
• Warranty – Extended warranty coverage for the new engine adds expense.

On average, plan on spending anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 or more for a new engine. Remanufactured engines can save $1,000 to $3,000 compared to new crate engines. Heavy-duty diesel engines for large trucks are typically the most expensive options. Precisely estimating the total costs requires quotes from the shops performing the work.

Is it better to rebuild or replace your truck’s engine?

When faced with an aging, damaged engine, a common dilemma is deciding between rebuilding the existing engine or replacing it with a new one. Here’s a look at how to choose:

Reasons to rebuild your current engine

• Cheaper than replacement – Rebuilds cost $3,000 to $6,000 less on average.
• Retains break-in – A rebuilt engine retains the ideal break-in clearances of your old engine.
• Keeps familiarity – You stick with the same engine you know rather than getting used to a new one.
• Environmentally friendly – Reuse and refurbishment generates less waste.

Reasons to replace your engine

• Higher performance – You can upgrade to a more powerful engine.
• New warranty – You’ll get a warranty with a replacement engine but not a rebuild.
• New technology – A new engine gives you the latest tech improvements.
• Greater longevity – A new engine may last far longer before another rebuild is needed.
• Sellability – Newer trucks with upgraded engines have higher resale value.

For minor issues, engine rebuilds are often the value choice. But if the engine has significant damage, extremely high mileage, or needs an upgrade, replacement becomes the better long-term move.

How can you finance a new truck engine?

Since new truck engines are a major expense typically costing between $5,000 and $15,000, you’ll need to plan how to pay for this upgrade. Here are some options to finance a new engine:

• Cash – For those who have sufficient savings set aside, paying cash is the simplest approach.
• Personal bank loan – Banks may offer auto repair loans with better rates than high-interest cards.
• Credit cards – Financing with a credit card allows you to pay over time but can add interest costs.
• Dealership financing – Some dealers provide low APR financing for engine replacements.
• Manufacturer financing – Many manufacturers offer financing programs through partnerships with lenders.
• Equity loan – You can borrow against your truck’s value by refinancing your existing loan or taking out a home equity loan.
• Business loan – Trucking companies can take out a business loan to cover fleet engine repairs.

Compare all your options to find the most affordable monthly payment. Avoid high-interest loans whenever possible. Extended financing may help make a new engine more affordable, but adds to the total costs over time.

How much downtime for a truck engine replacement?

When deciding on replacing your truck’s engine, a key consideration is how much time the truck will be out of service during the engine swap. The total downtime depends on these factors:

• Engine removal and installation – Labor times vary greatly but expect 1-3 days.
• Replacement engine availability – You’ll have less downtime if the shop has your engine in stock or it ships quickly.
• Additional repairs needed – If other components like the transmission or drivetrain also require work, it lengthens the process.
• Shop efficiency – Well-equipped shops with experienced technicians can typically finish faster.
• Modification requirements – Expect longer downtime if significant changes are needed to mount the new engine.

In general, plan on being without your truck for 1-2 weeks for a straightforward engine swap. Having a backup truck available allows you to keep operating while your regular truck is in the shop. If the truck is your only vehicle, arrange alternate transportation if it will be out of service for an extended period.

Should you upgrade other components with the new engine?

When investing in a new replacement engine, it’s a smart opportunity to evaluate upgrading related components to enhance the truck further. Some additions to consider include:

• Transmission – Upgrading to a more robust transmission designed to handle the new engine’s power.
• Drivetrain – Adding improved axles, driveshafts, transfer cases, or differentials tailored for the engine.
• Suspension – Installing a suspension lift kit to accommodate larger tires and provide greater ground clearance.
• Brakes – Upgrading the brake discs, pads, lines, or calipers to improve stopping ability.
• Electronics – Wiring harnesses, engine control modules, and sensors may need updates to work with a new engine computer.
• Exhaust – Larger engines may require free-flowing performance exhaust manifolds and systems.
• Fuel system – Adding higher capacity fuel pumps, injectors, and lines to keep up with engine demands.

Assessing these other systems determines if they can handle the performance gains from your new engine or need freshening up as well. Replacing worn components now prevents bottlenecks later.

What are the top new truck engine options?

There are many excellent engine models to consider when replacing your worn-out existing truck engine. Here are some of the top options:

Engine	Description
Cummins R2.8	A popular light-duty diesel engine rated at 160-400 hp and 320-750 lb-ft of torque.
Cummins ISB	Midrange diesel engine with 200-320 hp and 520-850 lb-ft torque for heavy loads.
Caterpillar C7	Versatile diesel engine ranging from 190-425 hp with torque up to 1,450 lb-ft for 18-wheelers.
DT466	MaxxForce 7 diesel engine produces 210-300 hp and 520-860 lb-ft torque for Ford trucks.
Duramax LML	Top GM diesel engine rated at 397 hp and 765 lb-ft torque, ideal for Chevy and GMC trucks.
Navistar VT365	International brand diesel engine offering 215-300 hp and 520-860 lb-ft torque ratings.

Work trucks and fleet vehicles have demanding needs, so focus on durable commercial-duty engines designed for reliability under heavy use. Lean towards newer engine designs with the latest technology.

What are the steps in the engine replacement process?

Replacing a worn out engine with a new or remanufactured model is a complex, labor-intensive process. Here are the typical steps involved:

1. Find an experienced diesel mechanic shop to perform the engine swap work.
2. Select the new replacement engine along with any accompanying parts needed.
3. Remove accessories like alternators, starters, manifolds, sensors, etc from old engine.
4. Disconnect old engine from transmission and mounts and hoist it out.
5. Inspect oil pans, bell housing, mounts, and hardware for reuse or replacement.
6. Prep new engine for installation, adding any accessories, adapters, or parts.
7. Hoist in new engine, connect to transmission, and secure to mounts.
8. Hook up exhaust, electronics, fuel lines, coolant system, and other components.
9. Modify oil pans, motor mounts, or other items as needed to fit new engine.
10. Refill fluids, test engine function, and road test truck after installation.

Attention to every detail is crucial for proper engine fit, operation, and longevity. Allowing technicians adequate time ensures a smooth removal and replacement process.

How can you extend the life of a new truck engine?

To get the maximum lifespan and performance from your new truck engine, here are important tips for proper care and maintenance:

• Follow scheduled maintenance in owner’s manual – Don’t skip oil changes, filter changes, inspections, etc.
• Use only recommended fluids and oils – Using the manufacturer specs ensures ideal lubrication.
• Watch operating temperature – Avoid overheating through coolant flushes, fan clutch repairs, etc.
• Let engine warm up properly – Limit idling and drive gently when cold.
• Ensure adequate airflow – Change clogged air filters, repair fan issues.
• Address leaks quickly – Oil, coolant, or fuel leaks can cause rapid engine damage.
• Install a good gauge package – Monitor critical data like oil pressure, temperature, charge rate.
• Add supplemental engine treatments – Oil additives, fuel injector cleaners can remove deposits.
• Fix minor issues early – Small problems often become major when ignored.
• Adjust driving habits – Avoid excessive revving, rapid acceleration, and overloading.

Protecting your investment through attentive maintenance practices, early repairs, and avoiding operational mistakes will help your new engine last for many years and miles.

Conclusion

Upgrading to a new engine is a great way to boost the performance and longevity of an aging truck. But it requires carefully weighing the costs versus benefits. Examine your repair history and engine’s condition to decide if replacement is justified. Research your replacement engine options to get the optimal choice for your needs. And take steps to properly maintain your new engine to achieve a long service life. Follow this guidance to determine if investing in a new truck engine is the smart move.