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Buying an engine is one of those high-stakes purchases where the seller matters as much as the product. An engine isn’t like a bolt you replace on the roadside — it’s the mechanical heart of your vehicle, and the wrong choice can leave you stranded or rebuilding the engine sooner than you hoped. Picking a trusted store helps you find the right fit, secure the correct warranty, and get reliable technical support when you need it. Think of it like choosing a surgeon: you want experience, proven results, and clear answers.
This guide highlights reputable US engine sellers — from remanufacturers to performance shops and online parts warehouses — and walks you through the differences between new, remanufactured, rebuilt, and used engines. I’ll give you tips on matching engines to your vehicle, what to inspect when buying, and how to plan budgets so the engine you buy performs for miles, not weeks. Let’s dig in.
Below are established names you’ll see often when shopping for a replacement or high-performance engine. I cover what each does best, the kinds of engines they offer, and who should consider them. These businesses vary from nationwide parts retailers to specialist remanufacturers that build complete long-block engines.
Jasper is known as one of the largest remanufacturers in the US. They sell complete remanufactured engines and long-blocks that are rebuilt to factory or better-than-factory specifications. Their engines often come with multi-year warranties measured in miles, and they perform thorough testing before shipment.
If you want a remanufactured engine backed by a long warranty and documented build standards, Jasper is a solid pick. Their products are great for drivers who want peace of mind and a near-factory feel without paying for a brand-new crate engine.
A1 Cardone specializes in remanufactured engines and engine components, and they supply a wide range of models across domestic and import vehicles. Their reman process often includes upgraded components and leak-proofing techniques designed for longevity.
Choose Cardone if you’re looking for a balance of cost and reliability from a brand that focuses on remanufacturing core drivability components. They also have a broad parts catalog if you want to refresh accessories while you replace the engine.
Summit Racing and JEGS are go-to retailers for performance engines, crate motors, and high-performance components. They stock crate engines from reputable builders, short blocks, and long-blocks meant for racing or high-output street builds. You’ll also find parts to assemble or upgrade engines, from camshafts to pistons and aftermarket ignition systems.
Racers, hot-rodders, and anyone building a performance vehicle. If you want to swap in a higher-horsepower crate engine or assemble a custom build, these retailers make sourcing parts quick and straightforward.
RockAuto is an online parts superstore with an enormous catalog. While they don’t manufacture engines, they list replacement engines, short-blocks, and reman units from various suppliers, plus every accessory and gasket set you’ll need to complete an engine replacement. Their strength is variety and competitive pricing.
If you prefer to comparison shop parts, RockAuto helps you pair a replacement engine with affordable gaskets, sensors, and hardware. It’s ideal for DIY mechanics and shops looking to source everything for an engine swap in one place.
These national chains are household names for auto parts and, in many cases, can help order replacement engines, reman units, and accessory parts. They often work with remanufacturers and local wholesalers to supply engines and can provide local pickup or delivery to repair shops.
Drivers who want the convenience of nationwide coverage and the local support of brick-and-mortar stores. They’re practical if you need last-minute parts during an engine swap or want to coordinate a local install.
LKQ specializes in recycled and used engine cores from salvage yards, while CarParts.com lists both new and remanufactured units. LKQ’s advantage is availability for older or out-of-production engines; you can sometimes score a low-mileage used core that’s been inspected and tested.
Owners of older vehicles or hard-to-find engines. If your car is no longer common on the road, LKQ and similar recyclers can be invaluable for sourcing compatible engines without the new-engine price tag.
eBay Motors connects buyers with private sellers, salvage yards, and businesses selling used and rebuilt engines. Listings vary widely in quality, mileage, and completeness, so you’ll need to do your homework and ask for documentation like compression test results or teardown reports.
Budget-minded buyers who can inspect engines in person or arrange for a trusted mechanic to do so. Great deals are possible, but buyer beware: verify condition, mileage in miles, and return or buyer protection before committing.
Understanding the jargon helps you decide. A "new" crate engine is factory-fresh and pricier; "remanufactured" engines are rebuilt to strict standards with replaced wear items and tested; "rebuilt" can mean varying levels of rebuild quality depending on the shop; "used" engines are sold as-is with mileage noted in miles. Choose based on budget, vehicle value, and how long you expect the engine to last.
Ask these questions before you buy: Does the seller provide a warranty and how many miles does it cover? Is the engine tested before shipment? Are detailed specs and compatibility checks available so you don’t get a misfit? Can the seller provide a core exchange option if you’re buying a reman unit? Good stores are transparent on these points.
Before you add to cart, confirm engine compatibility by VIN or the engine code stamped on the block. Check oil pan shape, bellhousing bolt pattern, transmission compatibility (automatic vs manual), motor mounts, and accessory locations. A helpful analogy: installing an engine is like transplant surgery — the arteries and nerves (mounts, wiring harness, coolant lines) must line up. One wrong match and the swap becomes a custom fabrication job.
When you can see the engine in person, don’t skip the basics. Look for obvious leaks, check the oil for metal flakes or milky appearance (a sign of coolant contamination), and ask for a compression test in miles terms and a leak-down test if possible. If the seller provides run-in videos, listen for knocking or unusual noises and ask for a cold start and hot restart clip to detect issues like piston slap or valve seating problems.
Core charges are common with remanufactured engines; you pay an extra fee that’s refunded when you return your old engine core. Warranties vary from a few months to several years or tens of thousands of miles. Read the fine print: some warranties cover internal failure but exclude external parts like manifolds or accessories. From a budgeting perspective, a slightly higher-cost reman with a longer miles warranty often beats a cheap used engine with no protection.
Swapping an engine is a major job. If you have a hoist, a clean workspace, and mechanical experience, you might tackle a swap yourself and save labor costs. But many buyers choose to have an experienced shop handle installation, which can be worth the labor cost in saved headaches and warranty compliance. Keep in mind that professional install shops will generally charge by the hour, and labor for an engine swap can range widely depending on vehicle complexity.
If you’re upgrading for power, plan beyond the engine block. You’ll likely need upgraded cooling, a stronger transmission, better brakes, and a tuned ECU. Performance crate engines often deliver more horsepower and torque, measured in lb-ft, but they may alter fuel economy and require premium fuel. Consider the whole vehicle as a system — a powerful engine without matching supporting systems can lead to early wear or failure.
Don’t stop at the engine price. Add the costs of gaskets, mounts, sensors, fluids, belts, hoses, and labor. Factor in the timeframe you expect to keep the vehicle: for a daily driver you keep for 100,000 more miles, invest in a reman with a strong warranty. For a seasonal project car you’ll flip in a year, a lower-cost used engine might be acceptable.
When an engine arrives, inspect the crate carefully for damage and note any immediate leaks or fluid seepage. Verify the engine matches the listing and serial numbers if provided. If you can’t inspect in person, ask the seller for detailed photos of the block, tag, and accessory mounting surfaces. Keep records and photos in case any issues must be resolved with the seller or your payment provider.
Once installed, follow a strict break-in routine if recommended by the remanufacturer: moderate driving for the first 500 miles, avoid sustained wide-open-throttle runs, and change the oil at the early specified interval. Use recommended oil viscosity and quality, and monitor coolant temperature and oil pressure in the first few hundred miles to catch leaks or abnormal readings early. Regular maintenance pays dividends in longevity.
Common errors include buying an engine without verifying transmission compatibility, skimping on gaskets and seals during installation, and failing to replace wear items like water pumps or timing components when the engine is swapped. Think of the engine and supporting parts as a team — replacing the engine and neglecting worn teammates leads to failure.
Shopping for an engine can feel overwhelming, but breaking the decision into clear steps helps: choose the engine type (new, reman, rebuilt, or used), pick a reputable seller that provides clear specs and warranty miles, verify fitment thoroughly, and plan for installation and extra parts. Whether you hunt for a performance crate motor at Summit Racing, a remanufactured long-block from Jasper, or a budget-friendly used core from LKQ, focus on compatibility and warranty to protect your investment.
Ready to start shopping? Gather your vehicle’s VIN, note the engine code if available, and write down must-have specs like horsepower and lb-ft torque ranges you need. Armed with that info, you’ll navigate listings with confidence and find an engine that brings your ride back to life.
Conclusion: Buying the right engine is as much about choosing the right vendor as it is about finding the right unit. Use trusted stores, verify specs in miles and measurements, and plan for the full cost of the swap. With research and the right partner, your next engine can be a long-term upgrade, not a short-term headache.
| Motor Vehicle Engines | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Mc Enterprises 4322-3019 Coleman Furnace Blower Motor Fits Select 1982-1983 Volkswagen Vanagon 1981 Volkswagen Kombi | $ 1.241,- |
