An engine swap can be one of the most useful things you can do for your vehicle if you are looking to give it a bit of a boost. Some people choose engine swaps in order to benefit from an engine with fewer miles, and others swap a new one in so that the vehicle can go faster or achieve higher power during operation.
Whatever your reason for considering an engine swap, you may have wondered if this is the sort of task that you can tackle on your own. While it is certainly possible for someone with experience and knowledge to swap engines without the help of a professional, you should be aware that working with a pro comes with a host of benefits that make it the right choice most of the time.
The Cost Will Be More Consistent—And Probably Lower
Engine swaps are not cheap, but they do not have to be needlessly expensive. Doing the work yourself instead of trusting a professional often leads to not only highly variable costs, but higher ones as well. This typically comes from someone with less experience being unable to identify problem areas or alterations that will be necessary ahead of time.
Then they order a part, find that it does not work or needs modification, then have to order an additional part—and so on. Over time, this can lead to higher costs than simply entrusting the task to a professional auto body and engine swap mechanic. You are more likely to see not only a lower cost, but a cost more consistent with the estimate that you have been given, especially if you work with an expert who has done swaps for a long time.
They Have The Tools Required
Swapping an engine calls for more tools than just your standard ratchet. Professionals have the space, money and experience to operate useful tools that are not always easily accessible to hobbyists. This can include machines to lift and place the engine or easier ways to lift the vehicle in case changes to the underside need to happen as part of the swap.
They Will Know Ahead Of Time What The Problem Areas Are
Engine swaps are almost never as simple as “just bolt it in and call it good.” Even if you are using the same brand across the board, you will likely need to make significant adjustments in order to get your engine to work seamlessly with the rest of your vehicle.
Everything from ensuring that the engine is transferring its power to the wheels (which might mean transmission tinkering) to routing the AC and oil usage appropriately could require modified parts in order to get everything to fit and work together.
It’s no good to be 70% done with a swap only to find that you cannot locate a part that works for a certain system; that is where the higher cost of doing it yourself comes from. An expert can help you to avoid this type of pitfall and ensure that your vehicle is working appropriately and is safe to drive.
They Can Do The Job Faster
A professional who has done a number of engine swaps already will have the process down to a science—at least as much as this highly variable process can be. This means that you can have your swapped vehicle back much sooner than if you tackled the process on your own. A non-problematic swap can take just a couple days, while a more nuanced one may take a bit longer.
Still, the average DIY-er will take weeks or even months to complete a swap, so you will be in good (and speedy) hands if you trust a professional instead. Even a completely new swap that has never been done before, which requires immense knowledge and fabrication abilities, might only take a professional about 200 hours—instead of the multiple years that many DIY mechanics will spend working on the project on their own.
Work With The Expert Engine Swap Mechanics For Fast, Reliable Results
Whether you are considering an engine swap but do not know whether it is the right choice for you or you would like to do a swap but need help with the process, be sure to trust the pros instead of tackling the swap on your own.
Professionals can offer a wide variety of benefits, and the end result will be a reliable, safe vehicle. The experts at Robs Customs & Restorations would be happy to help you understand your options and set your expectations for your swap. Reach out to schedule an appointment to discuss your vision.