Everything You Need To Know About The Best Used Motors And How To Buy Them

by Mary Bean Blogger and writer

What would you do with a couple used engines from the local junkyard? Take them down to the shop and make something crazy? Some people have the balls to do it, and a few even have the time, money, and resources. And unless you have the dime to spend on a crate motor, building used engines is the way to go. But which ones can you actually count on?

What to Look for in Used Engines?

Most resellers can provide at least some idea of mileage, service history, and overall condition, but whether you’re digging through eBay and Craigslist ads or picking up a parts car in town, there are some things you need to know about used engines before you take the plunge.

Some engines just aren’t worth it. There’s a reason everyone does an LS swap – it’s trusted. Even if you do a total rebuild at great expense, some used engines have inherent weaknesses or parts are hard to come by.

The rest of the car is important. Inspect bearings, bushings, and overall cosmetics to get an idea of whether the previous owners took care of things. Check for oil weeps and coolant residue on the block and heads and for signs that someone’s been in the engine bay before.

Don’t gamble – do a reseal. Plan on spending weekend and a few hundred dollars to pull the engine, take it apart, and have a look at what’s inside. You get peace of mind from having fresh gaskets, belts, and timing, and you can check out the internals.

Some of these used engines are more common than others, but the only real limitations are your wallet and your imagination. Consider how swaps work though – can you swap a gasoline rig with a diesel engine easily? Can this engine fit in that body? Will this engine or transmission mate together nicely? Are diesel engines a better choice? Ask yourself all these questions before jumping into a complicated swap job! Anyway, without further ado let’s dive in to some of the best used engines available, broken down by country of origin.

Quick Tips for Buying Used Motors

When you are shopping for used motors, follow these tips to help you get what you need. This checklist will help you to avoid headaches down the road.

1) Verify that you need an engine to begin with. If the mechanic tells you that you do, it’s always smart to get a second opinion.

2) Collect all the information you need to make the right purchase. This includes the VIN, production date and engine code.

3) Shop for your used motors by calling to various sellers and getting quotes.

4) Try to find an engine with under 75,000 miles. This will have less wear and tear on all the major components.

5) Verify the mileage through a CarFax report.

6) Ask the seller about the history of the motor.

7) Run all the information by your mechanic.

8) Verify warranty info.

9) Settle on a reasonable price with the seller.

10) Have the engine installed by a mechanic if you don’t feel comfortable doing the complicated job.

Sponsor Ads

• Ad Space Available - Rent it Now!

Created on Nov 10th 2020 12:49. Viewed 212 times.

Comments