Can a Car's Engine Be Replaced?
3 Answers
A car's engine can be replaced as long as the replacement engine has a valid certification. However, due to the complexity of engine replacement procedures, it is advisable to have the replacement done at an authorized auto repair shop with the necessary qualifications. After the replacement, the change must be registered with the local vehicle management office. Once registered, the car can still undergo annual inspections and be driven legally on the road. Since the engine is the powertrain of a car, often referred to as the heart of the vehicle, providing the necessary power, it is crucial to maintain it properly in daily use.
Sure, it can be replaced, but it's really a hassle. My old car's engine had cylinder scoring, and the repair shop quoted 30,000 RMB to fix it, while a used engine only cost 15,000 RMB. But during disassembly, we found the transmission mount holes didn't align, and two wiring harness connectors were missing, so we had to spend another 5,000 RMB modifying the mount and customizing the wiring. After all that, I spent a whole day at the DMV queuing for inspection and registration. The worst part was failing the annual inspection due to emissions standards—I should've just scrapped it and bought a new car. Nowadays, engine replacement prices are inflated, aftermarket parts barely last three years, and used parts are a gamble. Without a reliable mechanic, it's best to avoid this mess altogether.
It can be done, but the question is whether it's worth it! A couple of years ago, I bought a salvage car thinking I could bring it back to life with a new engine. The junkyard engine cost me 5,000, but the installation fee was another 3,000, ECU programming 1,500, and fluids plus parts another 2,000. The worst part was the engine shaking at idle after installation—took me half a month to figure out it was due to incompatible engine mounts. Later, a used car dealer told me such modified cars depreciate by 30%. A painful lesson learned: for an old car, replacing the engine is worse than just buying a new one—unless it's a rare collector's item.
