Replacing an engine is one of the most complex and labor-intensive jobs an auto mechanic can undertake. The total labor cost to replace an engine depends on a variety of factors, including the type of vehicle, engine, and repair shop. In general, though, you can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $3000 or more in labor costs alone for an engine replacement job.
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Average Labor Costs for Engine Replacement
According to national auto repair chains like Midas and Meineke, the average labor cost to replace an engine ranges from $1600 to $2800. This can vary based on the vehicle make and model, with luxury, imported, and high-performance vehicles generally costing more. Here are some typical average engine replacement labor costs:
| Vehicle Type | Average Labor Cost |
|---|---|
| Compact car (Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic) | $1600 – $2000 |
| Midsize sedan (Toyota Camry, Honda Accord) | $1800 – $2500 |
| Full-size truck (Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado) | $2000 – $3000 |
| Luxury vehicle (BMW, Mercedes-Benz) | $2500 – $4000 |
These costs reflect book time estimates for how long the job should take in an ideal scenario. Book time does not include diagnostic time or other unexpected issues that can come up during an engine replacement. Because of this, many shops charge hourly labor rates that end up costing more than book time estimates.
Factors Affecting Engine Replacement Labor Costs
There are several variables that affect how much you will pay in labor for an engine replacement project. Key factors include:
Engine Type
The type and size of engine makes a big difference in labor time. Replacing a large V8 or diesel engine often costs more than replacing a 4-cylinder due to increased parts costs and complexity. Exotic engines in high-end imports also cost more.
Vehicle Make and Model
Labor time guides provide different estimated hours depending on the specific vehicle. More common vehicles tend to have lower rates, while rare or exotic vehicles require more time and expertise. Luxury and imported vehicles also tend to cost more.
Repair Shop Hourly Rate
Shop hourly labor rates can vary widely from $70 per hour to over $200 per hour for specialty shops. Dealerships tend to charge the highest rates.
Location/Accessibility of Engine
The location and accessibility of the engine in the vehicle chassis impacts how long the swap takes. Mid-engine and rear-engine cars take longer, as do vehicles where the engine bay is cramped.
Engine Condition
If the original engine experienced major damage or catastrophic failure, extra labor may be needed to extract it and clean the engine bay. A worn-out engine with corroded fasteners also increases repair time.
Additional Repairs Needed
Many related repairs are required when replacing an engine, such as installing a new clutch/flywheel, fluids, belts, hoses, spark plugs, etc. These add to the total labor hours.
Diagnostic Time
Actually diagnosing the need for a new engine takes time, which shops usually bill hourly. This pre-repair diagnostic time will get added to overall labor costs.
What’s Included in Engine Replacement Labor
While parts and fluids are billed separately, here are some of the key tasks that are included in engine replacement labor:
- Diagnosing engine failure
- Engine, transmission, and component removal
- Disconnecting hoses, wiring harnesses, lines, etc.
- Installing mount brackets on replacement engine
- Installing replacement engine and aligning it
- Reconnecting all components, hoses, wires to engine
- Replacing fluids, filters, and belts
- Tunup, testing, and break-in of new engine
Additional repairs
When replacing an engine, it’s extremely common for additional worn parts to need replacement as well. Some typical added repairs include:
- New clutch and flywheel
- Serpentine belts
- Accessory drive belts
- Spark plugs and wires
- Air filter
- Fuel filter
- Engine mounts
- Coolant hoses
The costs of these additional repairs and parts will be billed on top of the base engine replacement labor costs.
Getting an Accurate Estimate
It’s challenging to estimate engine replacement costs sight unseen. The best way to get an accurate quote is to have your vehicle inspected by the repair shop. They can then provide a firm estimate based on the engine type, specific labor time, and your vehicle condition. Be sure to get any estimate in writing first. Knowing the exact make/model of replacement engine is also key for estimating costs. Overall, expect to pay $800 to $3000 or more in labor for an engine swap, with parts being additional.
Saving on Engine Replacement Labor
Here are a few tips that can potentially lower your engine replacement labor costs:
- Shop around for quotes – rates can vary greatly between mechanics.
- Choose a smaller independent shop over a dealer.
- Negotiate the hourly rate if paying hourly rather than a book time estimate.
- Provide your own parts to reduce markup.
- Only pay for what’s needed – decline unnecessary additions.
- Ask if there are any current promotions or coupon codes.
- Inquire about a new customer or group discount.
- Consider DIY if you have automotive experience.
When Does Engine Replacement Make Sense?
With high parts and labor costs, a replacement engine is a major investment. In some cases, you may be better off buying a different used car altogether. As a general rule of thumb, it makes financial sense to replace an engine if:
- The vehicle has relatively low mileage otherwise.
- It’s a newer model year vehicle.
- You need very reliable transportation.
- Repair costs are less than the car’s value.
- It’s an exotic or rare classic car.
For an older high-mileage car, you may want to consider selling it as-is and putting that money towards a different used car instead. Evaluate your specific situation carefully when deciding on engine replacement.
Conclusion
Replacing an engine is one of the most expensive repairs an auto mechanic can perform. While labor costs vary widely based on vehicle, engine, and shop rates, expect to pay roughly $800 to $3000 or more in labor to swap an engine. With high costs, engine replacement mainly makes financial sense for newer and more valuable vehicles vs. old high-mileage cars. Whenever faced with major engine repairs, get written estimates from multiple shops first, then weigh the costs vs. the vehicle value carefully before deciding on replacement.