Upgrading your car’s performance or replacing a worn-out engine can be thrilling through engine swaps. However, the cost of an engine swap varies depending on different factors, such as the type of car, the replacement engine, and the mechanic handling the swap.
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To help you out, this article answers the question how much does it cost for engine swap by providing a breakdown of average engine swap prices for popular car makes and models:
How Much Does it Cost for Engine Swap?
The cost of an engine swap can vary depending on several factors. On average, for popular car models like the Honda Civic, Mazda RX-8, Nissan Skyline, BMW 3 Series E36, Subaru Forester, and Toyota Camry, the prices range from $2,000 to $24,250. However, these are estimates and subject to change based on the type of car, replacement engine, labor costs, and additional parts required.
Factors such as location, mechanic expertise, and transmission involvement can also influence the overall cost. It’s crucial to research and obtains quotes from reputable mechanics to get an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs.
Honda Civic
The average cost to swap a motor in a Honda Civic is around $2,000 to $2,500, depending on where you go.
Mazda RX-8
Replacing an engine in an RX-8 without a warranty at a dealership costs around $4,700. If you’re considering an RX-8 motor swap, the cost will differ depending on how you plan to approach the project, but it should be achieved with around $10,000.
Nissan Skyline
The cost of a Nissan Skyline engine swap varies depending on the engine type and the mechanic doing the swap. For example, swapping a twin-turbo 2.6 L RB26 inline-six from a Nissan GT-R into a 1975 Nissan Skyline KGC110 costs around $20,000.
BMW 3 Series E36
A 6-cylinder to 6-cylinder E36 swap costs around $1,000 to $2,000 in labor.
Subaru Forester
On average, it costs between $3,000 and $5,000 to replace an engine in a Subaru Forester, depending on the model and year of your vehicle6. Replacing a 2009 Subaru Forester engine costs $4,500 to $6,000.
Toyota Camry
The cost of a Toyota Camry engine swap varies depending on the engine type and the mechanic doing the swap. The average engine swap cost varies from $2,050 to $24,250, including parts and labor, to replace a vehicle’s engine with the exact same engine type.
Summary of Engine Replacement Cost:
| Car Model | Engine Swap Cost Range | Average Cost Range |
| Honda Civic | $2,000 – $2,500 | $2,250 |
| Mazda RX-8 | $4,700 (warranty) | $10,000 |
| Nissan Skyline | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| BMW 3 Series E36 | $1,000 – $2,000 | $1,500 |
| Subaru Forester | $3,000 – $5,000 | $4,500 |
| Toyota Camry | $2,050 – $24,250 | $13,150 |
Engine Swap Cost and Prices per State
The cost of an engine swap also varies depending on the state you’re in. For example, the cost of an engine swap in California ranges from $2,500 to $10,000, while in Texas, it ranges from $3,000 to $10,000.
The cost of an engine swap varies depending on several factors, including the type of car, the replacement engine, and the mechanic doing the swap. It’s important to do your research and get quotes from different mechanics to find the best price for your engine swap.
What are the Factors that Affect the Cost of an Engine Swap?
There are several factors affecting engine swap expenses. These factors include:
- Labor cost: The labor cost for an engine swap can vary depending on the installation’s complexity and the mechanic’s experience level. Mechanics typically charge between $50 and $100 per hour of labor, and the job can take up to 20 hours to complete1. The labor cost for an engine swap is typically around $2,000.
- Type of replacement engine: The cost of the replacement engine itself can range from $500 to $20,000, depending on the car’s make and model and the engine condition (new, old, or rebuilt). New engines can cost between $4,000 for a 4-cylinder, $5,500 for a V6, and $7,000 for a V8. Used engines can be acquired for much less, sometimes as little as $400 to $700.
- Block type: The cost of an engine swap can be affected by whether you choose a short block, long block, or complete engine. Short-block engines are about one-third the total size or components needed to make a full engine and are generally cheaper than long-block or complete engines.
- Transmission: The cost can increase significantly if a new transmission is involved in the swap. A new performance-oriented transmission could cost $2,500 or more5.
- Vehicle make and model: The cost of an engine swap can vary depending on the make and model of your car. Swapping an engine in a luxury or high-performance car can be more expensive due to the complexity of the installation and the cost of the parts3.
- Swap kit and additional parts: There are more parts to swap than just the engine. You will have to factor in all the parts costs with your engine swap, which can vary depending on what’s needed for your vehicle.
- Location: Where you live also impacts the engine swap cost. Nationwide, mechanics charge $90 to $150 per hour on average. Based on the car’s complexity and type of swap required, they could spend between 8 and 20 hours on the job, averaging $720 to $3,000 for labor alone.
- DIY or professional: The cost of an engine swap can also be affected by whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a professional. If you have the necessary skills and tools, you can save on labor costs by performing the swap yourself.
Considering all these factors, an engine swap can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on your car type, the replacement engine you use, and other factors. However, if you are putting in a high-performance engine or working on a luxury car, the cost could reach as much as $20,000.
Read more: Engine Swap vs Rebuild: Which Is Right for Your Car? Explained
Conclusion
In conclusion, engine swaps provide an exciting opportunity to upgrade your car’s performance or replace a worn-out engine. If you asked, how much does it cost for engine swap, the answer varies depending on factors such as the type of car, replacement engine, and mechanic handling the swap.
Average prices for popular car makes, and models range from $2,000 to $24,000. However, it’s important to note that these are estimates and can vary based on location, engine type, and other factors. Research different mechanics and obtain quotes tailored to your specific needs to ensure the best price and results.
If you’re ready to enhance your car’s performance, don’t hesitate to reach out to experienced professionals who can guide you through a successful engine swap.
Get in touch today and unleash the full potential of your ride!
