Prices can be as low as a few hundred dollars for a used unit and can exceed ten thousand dollars for a brand-new crate engine, with most engine purchases landing in the low thousands before labor is added.
Understanding the price landscape
Engines are sold in several states—used, rebuilt/remanufactured, factory remanufactured (crate) engines, and new OEM crates. Each option carries different warranties, mileage certainty, and accessory completeness. The price you see is only part of the total cost; installation, software, and ancillary parts add substantially.
Engine prices (engine-only, before labor)
Prices below are engine-only costs, not including labor or installation, and can vary by region, supplier, and model.
- Used engine (junkyard or donor): 500–2,500 USD
- Rebuilt/remanufactured engine: 2,000–4,500 USD
- Factory remanufactured crate engine: 3,500–8,000 USD
- New OEM crate engine (brand-new, in the box): 4,000–12,000 USD; high-performance variants can exceed 12,000 USD
- Diesel engine (new crate, automotive class): 6,000–15,000 USD
- Large marine/industrial engines (price varies widely): 8,000–40,000+ USD
Prices vary by model year, warranty offered, and whether the engine comes with accessories or a partial harness. Always verify exact specifications before purchase.
What affects price
Several factors determine how much you’ll pay beyond the basic condition of the engine. The following considerations shape the final quote.
- Engine type and configuration (gasoline vs diesel; inline vs V; number of cylinders)
- Age, mileage, and hours of operation
- Manufacturer, model, and engine family
- Inclusion of peripherals (starter, alternator, accessories, wiring harness)
- Warranty length and coverage (new vs remanufactured)
- Source channel (dealership, independent shop, salvage yard, online retailer)
- Location, shipping, and availability
When planning a purchase, compare quotes that include or exclude core charges, shipping, and any required testing or programming fees. Check compatibility with your vehicle’s VIN and engine code to avoid misfits.
Cost snapshots by engine type
Common gasoline four-cylinder engines (rough size range 2.0–2.4L)
Typical engine-only price ranges include: used 500–2,000 USD; rebuilt/remanufactured 2,000–3,500 USD; crate/new engines 4,000–8,000 USD. Expect labor to add roughly 1,000–2,500 USD for a straightforward swap, depending on the shop, location, and ancillary work required.
V6 and V8 engines
Prices for midsize to large engines trend higher: used 1,000–3,000 USD; rebuilt/remanufactured 3,000–5,500 USD; crate/new 4,000–9,000 USD; high-performance variants can push past 10,000 USD. Labor costs scale with complexity.
Diesel engines
Diesel prices are typically higher: used 1,500–3,000 USD; rebuilt/remanufactured 3,000–6,000 USD; new crate 6,000–15,000 USD depending on displacement and emission systems; installation costs are similar to gasoline but can be higher due to specialist knowledge.
Summary
Engine prices span a broad spectrum—from a few hundred dollars for a salvage-yard unit to well into the tens of thousands for a brand-new crate engine. Most buyers will see engine-only costs in the low-to-mid thousands; total cost should include labor, core charges, and any required adapters or software. Shop around, verify compatibility with your vehicle, and compare total quotes to determine the best value for your needs.