A rebuilt or remanufactured engine is usually the safer choice than a used one: it has new bearings, rings, seals and gaskets, and has been measured and machined to specification, while a used engine comes with unknown mileage, maintenance and wear. A used engine costs the least up front and can make sense in an older, low-value vehicle, but the labor to install it is the same either way, so a bad used engine means paying for that labor twice.
Used vs rebuilt vs remanufactured at a glance
| Used | Rebuilt | Remanufactured | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up-front cost | Lowest | Middle | Middle to high |
| Wear parts | Original | Failed and worn parts replaced | Rebuilt to a set standard, with wear parts replaced |
| Known weak points | As built | Depends on the builder | Often updated |
| History | Usually unknown | Known from the rebuild | Known from the process |
For how the two rebuild terms differ, see rebuilt vs remanufactured.
If you are considering a used engine
- Ask for the donor vehicle’s mileage and how it was taken out of service.
- Ask whether it was run before removal, and for compression or leak-down results if available.
- Check the oil for sludge, metal or coolant.
- Read the seller’s return terms before you pay, and budget for gaskets, seals and a timing service anyway.
When a used engine makes sense
A used engine can be reasonable when the vehicle has low value, you plan to keep it briefly, and a documented low-mileage donor is available. For a work truck you depend on, or an engine with known weak points, a rebuilt or remanufactured unit is usually the better value over time.
Short block, long block or complete engine
Rebuilt and remanufactured engines are sold at different levels of completeness, from a bare short block to a long block with heads and valvetrain. More complete assemblies cost more but leave fewer of your old parts in the engine; see short block vs long block and what comes with a long block.
Replacement engines we list
Examples from our catalog include the Chevy 5.3L V8 Engine 1999-2007 ($2,699.00), the Ford 5.4L V8 Engine 2004-2008 ($3,999.00), the Dodge 5.7L Hemi 2005-2009 (Non MDS) ($4,299.00) and the D&J Precision Plus Remanufactured Long Block for the 2019-2024 Ram 6.7L Cummins ($12,232.99). Check each listing for what is included. Browse all engines and remanufactured engines.
Budget and plan the swap
See engine replacement cost, the engine replacement checklist, crate engine vs rebuild and how long do remanufactured engines last?
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Shipping is a flat $80.00 per order to US addresses, with 15-day free returns. Questions? Ask a parts specialist.