by Mobile Mechanixx

Created on: January 28, 2007   Last Updated: April 10, 2007

While this article cannot deal with every possibility, it will give quite a few tips and tricks specifically for those who have not done this before. An engine swap can be a very large job to undertake, especially if you have never done one before. This is not an insurmountable project, just a very big one. The main things to have are a basic knowledge of using hand tools, patience, and extreme attention to detail. Patience is very key here, because if you get frustrated, continuing on the job at that moment can lead to breaking things. Taking a breather for a few minutes will allow you to regain your composure, and keep you from throwing things at your car! Attention to detail is needed during the breakdown, so that you can reassemble correctly.

If you are considering this job, your vehicle is probably old enough that a Haynes manual exists for it. BUY ONE! This cannot be overemphasized! Haynes manuals contain enough information, and pictures of the job being done, to make this article next to useless!

The first step is to determine what exactly you will need. Obviously, you need to acquire a replacement engine. Auto shops can provide you with new, or re-manufactured engines. In most cases, a re-manufactured engine will be slightly less, and just as good as new. This is a safe way to go, as the engine will be model specific. Salvage yards can provide a used engine for a much lower price. While this can be a great option, especially if a low mileage engine can be found, it is best if you go and look at the car that it comes from before the removal. You will need to know that the engine is identical to the one you remove, or you will run into problems that are usually to serious for the first timer to handle.
When you replace the engine, you will also need other things from the parts store. Oil, antifreeze, silicone gasket maker, an air intake manifold gasket, and exhaust manifold gasket are definitely required. Liquid wrench, PB Blaster. and/or 3in1 penetrating oil, as well as a small butane torch will come in handy for those hard to remove bolts. A new air filter, pcv valve, spark plugs, spark plug wires, rotor, and rotor cap are probably a good idea as well. Replacing the water pump and timing belt is also something I would recommend, but may not be imperative, depending on what you can afford. You will need a good selection of quality hand tools as well. If you do not have the tools, or access to them, buying them may bring the price of the job up to or beyond

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