
Engine can be replaced. Here is an introduction about vehicle modification: Introduction: Replace, add, or remove components of the original factory model or alter its appearance, etc. Purpose: Improve comfort and safety, such as audio systems and sound insulation. To enhance the comfort and safety of the car, modifications to the chassis are necessary, including shock absorbers, brake steel hoses, rims, front strut bars, rear strut bars, front chassis braces, rear chassis braces, etc. To boost performance, modifications to the powertrain are the most critical. To increase the car's power, components like spark plugs, ignition wires, air filters, fuel-saving accelerators, water-fuel catalysts, horsepower boosters, electronic voltage stabilizers, and exhaust pipes need to be replaced.

My neighbor Lao Wang did this before. His old Jetta had driven 200,000 kilometers, and the engine was burning oil terribly—the repair costs were almost half the price of a new car. He went to a repair shop and replaced it with a used engine, spending over 8,000 yuan including labor and parts. The mechanic said there are several scenarios for engine replacement: whether it can pass the annual inspection is crucial; it’s definitely not recommended for new cars still under warranty; for old cars, replacing the same model engine is the most cost-effective, while switching to a different model might require upgrading the transmission and drivetrain; and don’t forget to update the engine number registration! After the replacement, Lao Wang drove it for over half a year without issues, though the fuel consumption was a bit higher.

Technically, replacing an engine is feasible, but it's about cost-effectiveness. It's best not to tamper with a new car still under warranty - manufacturers definitely won't cover it. For older cars, first assess their value - my 15-year-old Focus is only worth about ten thousand, while a new engine costs over twenty thousand, making replacement not worth it compared to buying a new car. If you must replace it, find a reliable repair shop. You'll need to use diagnostic tools to reconfigure ECU parameters, and adjust transmission oil lines and pipes. Oh, and for turbocharged cars, intake and exhaust pressures need rematching, while naturally aspirated engines are simpler. Most importantly, remember to register the change with the DMV, or it won't pass the annual inspection.

Last time I asked the mechanic when getting my car repaired, he said the engine can definitely be replaced but it depends on the model. If it's the same model engine, a direct replacement would cost just a few thousand yuan. However, swapping to an engine with a different displacement is a huge hassle—you'd need to reprogram the ECU and might even have to adjust the suspension system. Many accident cars in the used car market have had their engines replaced. The key is to check for signs of tampering on the rubber mounts and fixing bolts, and also ensure the engine block's production date is earlier than the vehicle's manufacturing date for reliability.


