How Much Does It Cost To Replace A 5.3 Engine?
The unimaginable happens, your dashboard engine light pops up, your truck is overheating, odd smells are coming from your vehicle, and strange noises start to arise. The car you’ve been driving since you were 16 is starting to fall apart, and you suspect it’s the engine. In an attempt to save your car, how much does it cost to replace a 5.3-liter engine?
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A 5.3 Engine?
Purchasing a 5.3-liter engine is quite costly, ranging from $1,300 to $3,000. Including the cost of labor, it takes $3,400 to $4,500 for a professional to rebuild an engine. A cheaper alternative is to purchase a new vehicle or rebuild the engine personally. Repair kits range from $300 to $1,000.
We have all the information you need to know about how much it costs to replace a 5.3 engine! To understand resources to fix your engine, signs to look out for engine failure, questions to ask your mechanic, and understanding when it’s best to purchase a new vehicle, continue reading below!
What is a 5.3 Liter Engine?
A 5.3-liter engine is a small block V8 configuration and is considered to be quite technically advanced. It has sufficient power, torque, strength, and endurance over long periods of time. It is a high-quality choice when choosing to replace your engine, however, that quality comes at a price. Older 5.3 engines alone cost around $1,300 to $3,000.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace an Engine?
Unfortunately, when a car’s engine is completely shot, that is a sign that your vehicle’s lifetime is coming to an unfortunate end. For a 5.3 liter engine or V8 engine, brand new engines could come at a whopping cost of $7,000. Price varies on the complexities of the engine and brand of car, truck, or SUV, however, a used engine or rebuilt engine can be as low as $400 to $700.
The reason why a car’s life is “over” when the engine has failed is because of the sheer cost it is to replace an engine. For a typical case of engine replacement, it will get about 10 to 12 hours of shop time. Easy jobs can be as short as 8 hours, while difficult cases can be up to 15 hours. Shop hourly rates depend on the dealership and circumstance, but they can range from $90 per hour to $150 per hour.
Oftentimes, cars will need replacement parts that do not include the engine, including but not limited to, hoses, belts, intake, water pump, fuel pump, and so on. Oftentimes, dealerships will change your oil, new coolant, and other fluids. To avoid extra charges, be very clear and transparent about what you want to be done to avoid extra charges.
How do I Know if my Engine is Ruined?
Cars are tricky machines. Sometimes, it can be very difficult to decipher what exactly is wrong with your vehicle. With the engine being one of the major components, here are a few ways you can tell that your engine is failed and it’s time for a replacement.
Check Engine Light
The first sign that there is an issue is the dreaded check engine lights. It’s easy to ignore the light because it’s subtle and silent in nature, but it is the easiest way to spot an issue.
Excessive fuel consumption
If you are noticing that you’re losing gas much more quickly than normal, it could be a sign of a dying engine. While a poor fuel economy can be a sign of other issues, in conjunction with the other signs listed here, it’s a sure sign that something is up with your engine.
Engine Knock
Engine knocking is when pockets of air-fuel burn individually or overheat on their own, not by a spark plug. If not treated, it causes unneeded damage and a lot of cash out of your pocket.
Oil Patches
If there are excessive oil patches whenever your car is parked for a period of time, that could be a gasket or oil pan leak. If these have been going on for a long time, they can cause damage to your engine and perpetuate the problem.
Rough Idle
When your car is idling, or waiting at a red light or stop sign and see how it responds. This means that the car does not stop and wait smoothly and the RMPs will jolt up and down below 600 RMP.
Where Should I Purchase my Engine Repairs?
You will spend the least amount of money if you do the rebuild yourself or with the help of a friend. However, if you get your engine fixed at a dealership, it is more likely to be fixed correctly. It’s up to you and your level of car knowledge to know how to approach this issue.
Engine Repair Kits
Engine repair kits are much more affordable than going to a dealership and you can expect to pay $460 to $730 for a 5.3-liter engine repair kit. It will most likely include pieces such as gaskets, seals, bearings, freeze plugs, and piston rings. Advanced kits may all have pistons, oil pumps, camshafts, and valvetrain parts.
Dealership
If you have evaluated that it is in your best interest to get your engine replaced, go to the dealership that specializes in your vehicle. For example, if you had a Jeep Wrangler with a faulty engine, go to any approved Jeep dealership to get the details on the costs and length that the car will be in the shop.
Is it Worth it to Replace my Engine?
At the end of the day, it’s sometimes easier to make the investment in a new and working vehicle than try and patch together an old and nonfunctioning automobile. It oftentimes is more expensive than the car is worth to replace an engine, and that is when a bittersweet moment can come in.
You can sell your “totaled car” in exchange for cash and use it towards a new vehicle. The easiest way to get this done is through a dealership, where they may re-sale it or auction it off. They can help you find a plan and new vehicle for your lifestyle.