# OK, so gotta replace my car's engine... **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 27, 2016, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-so-gotta-replace-my-cars-engine/767010 "2016-09-27T00:44:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![ssgenius](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5ac83/32.png) [@ssgenius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ssgenius)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-so-gotta-replace-my-cars-engine/767010/21 "2016-09-29T03:53:59Z")
Something else to consider is whether to replace the clutch (assuming it is the 6 speed) This again adds to the cost. Obviously, the labor costs of replacing the engine also have to be considered. Something that one person considers easy is often a lot harder than expected and takes longer as well. The other point is the condition of the rest of the car. If it is in good shape then it is a good idea to go for it. ---
**Author:** ![ssgenius](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5ac83/32.png) [@ssgenius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ssgenius)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-so-gotta-replace-my-cars-engine/767010/22 "2016-09-29T04:01:19Z")
Replacing it may be a little more work than you think [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/RlMfVUW6oao/maxresdefault.jpg "2006 Honda Civic Engine Swap(rebuild) GoPro Time Lapse") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlMfVUW6oao) ---
**Author:** ![SpeedwayRyan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce7236/32.png) [@SpeedwayRyan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpeedwayRyan)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-so-gotta-replace-my-cars-engine/767010/23 "2016-09-29T14:24:29Z")
[quote=“ssgenius, post:22, topic:767010”] Replacing it may be a little more work than you think [/QUOTE] Looks like it takes less than 90 seconds. 🙂 I’ve swapped engines myself in a few vehicles. I know there’s work involved, but I still think with a good used engine (and even with a new clutch and various other “might as well replace it while we’re here” parts), this car could be back on the road for a lot less than 7 grand. ---
**Author:** ![epbrown01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7ba0ec/32.png) [@epbrown01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/epbrown01)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-so-gotta-replace-my-cars-engine/767010/24 "2016-09-29T16:11:48Z")
> [@samclem](#): > > I had a 2003 Camry engine totally rebuilt 4 years ago–$3000. > Had a 2004 Accord engine redone the top half. $1700 this year. > > $7000 is crazy. Keep asking around and find someone to do it for $3-3500. This. My sister had a Civic engine blow up on her (her fault) and the dealership wanted five grand to replace it. I found a same year model at a junk yard and had a buddy (a former Honda dealership mechanic) swap the engine - it came in under two grand, total. She drove it another 6 years. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-so-gotta-replace-my-cars-engine/767010/25 "2016-09-29T16:41:43Z")
Another possible expense might be having to replace the catalytic converter–when I had the engine replaced on my 4Runner, the check engine light went on after about 20 miles and I had to spend almost $500 extra to get the converters replaced. ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctor_jackson/32/32_2.png) [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2016, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-so-gotta-replace-my-cars-engine/767010/26 "2016-09-30T13:03:45Z")
If it helps, here is the checklist I run through when faced with a “fix it or replace it” decision: How much is the current car worth if running? How much can I get for it as is? What is the total cost of repair to get it running? What shape is the body and transmission in? Have I noticed any issues other than the engine? What is the cost to fix it up “right”? Can I replace it with something at least slightly better for the cost of repairs plus what I can get for it as is? If not, how much more will a slightly better replacement cost? Can I replace it with something much better for the cost of fixing it up right plus what I can get for it as is? If not, how much more will a much better replacement cost? And finally: Do my finances dictate any part of the decision? Once I know the answers to those questions I can make as informed a decision as possible. It’s still as much art as science, though. ---
**Author:** ![John\_DiFool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_difool/32/19543_2.png) [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2016, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-so-gotta-replace-my-cars-engine/767010/27 "2016-09-30T14:23:03Z")
Decided to put in the new engine. Yes, went through all of those points… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-so-gotta-replace-my-cars-engine/767010.md?page=1)