Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Excessive smoke from tailpipe; excessive oil consumption; knocking or tapping sounds; low oil pressure; low compression; water mixing in oil; oil getting into the air cleaner and/or radiator; lack of power; low or no compression in one or more cylinders.   

High mileage wear and tear; lubrication problems; excessive overheating. 

Contact Motorworks Engine Center first or take your vehicle to a reputable service shop, dealer or installation center and get a second opinion. Not all engine problems require engine replacement. Often the problems are not serious and may only require relatively minor repair or maintenance.

Whether you plan to keep or sell your car, continued operation in this instance will require engine overhaul or replacement. The basic options are: a) rebuild the same engine, b) replace it with a locally rebuilt engine c) install a factory supplied remanufactured engine d) install a new engine e) install a used engine. New engines are not available for all makes/models and can be much more costly than all other options. 

That depends on your financial situation, the overall condition of the car, and your personal preferences. Engine replacement is more affordable than people realize and has become one of the fastest growing segments of the automotive industry. It can save you tens of thousands of dollars compared to buying a new car. Just as there are many new car owners who invest in other key components such as transmissions and clutch assemblies, millions of owners each year elect to replace their worn out or damaged engines as well. As a rule, replacing the engine only makes good economic sense if the rest of the car is in relatively good condition and will have a market value close to blue book after installation.  

No. While dealers may install new or remanufactured engines the cost is usually very high and they are less experienced. A specialized engine replacement shop carrying the same or better quality engines will almost always give a better overall value in terms of quality, service and price. 

Installation of a quality remanufactured engine for a typical American car will usually cost between $4,500 and $6,500. Rebuilding the engine on a typical American car will usually cost about the same or slightly more.  Many European, imported, and highline engines can be a similar cost or in many cases may cost a quite a bit more. Prices will vary depending on many factors. Rebuilt engines, (depending on who does the job, the age of the engine, availability of parts, and more) may have fewer new components, are not subject to uniform industry quality standards and specifications, and may have different warranty protection. In either case, these figures translate to about 10-15% of a typical new car cost. As with all our figures the actual cost depends on the type of vehicle in question, some vehicles may have significantly higher costs and some may have significantly lower costs. Contact Motorworks Engine Center for a free estimate and to find out what options may be available.

Be sure to ask the installer before you commit. Warranty for a rebuilt engine is normally provided only by the local installer and may be shorter in duration. A remanufactured engine should carry a nationwide or regional guarantee backed by the engine maker.  

Depending on who built it and if any shortcuts were taken, a rebuilt engine may have a shorter life than remanufactured units but the costs can sometimes be much less especially on the higher priced engines.

The rebuilding process is typically performed in a local shop. Each job is handled differently and depends upon the judgment and skill of the individual mechanic. Parts believed to be serviceable, are inspected, cleaned and reused to the maximum extent possible. Only worn or broken parts are actually replaced, unless stated otherwise.   

Remanufacturing is a factory process. It starts with a sound, undamaged engine core that is carefully cleaned, conditioned and machined to OEM tolerance specifications. All wearable components are systematically replaced with new parts including but not limited to pistons, piston rings, valves, lifters, etc. Remanufacturing is similar to building a new engine including standardized procedures, quality controls and final factory testing before shipment.  

No. As in every product, some manufacturers are better than others. Quality suppliers conform to strict manufacturing and testing standards, use only OEM quality components, and back their products with solid warranties. Only a relatively small number are fully certified by original car makers. For example, of dozens of suppliers in the US, only five are fully certified under Ford Motor Companies stringent Q-1 program.  Motorworks of NY handles only quality remanufactured engines from Q-1 type manufactures and other proven, reliable suppliers. 

Very important. For a good quality remanufactured engine, the chance of a defect is well under 3%. The risk of problems can increase to over 50% with improper installation. Replacing an engine is a skillful and complex task requiring knowledgeable and experienced people. Motorworks Engine Center of NY specializes in this business and employs the right equipment, tools and highly experienced mechanics. Our shop typically replaces between 10 and 15 engines per week, as compared to what may be only 1 or 2 in an entire month at general repair centers and even at many dealerships. Be sure to check on the experience of the installer before investing in a replacement engine.  

A quality remanufactured engine, with proper maintenance, is capable of lasting as long as a new engine. Rebuilt engines, lesser quality remanufactured engines, or used engines are less predictable and may only last through the limited warranty period or not much beyond. Much depends on the skill and experience of the rebuilder or the quality/mileage of the used engine. Life expectancy may vary a great deal.

Minimum to look for is 12 months/12,000 miles, we extend the mileage to 36,000 miles and offer options up to 36 months as well. Be careful about extended warranty plans. This is not necessary for a high quality engine that is backed by the manufacturer. Some installers boast about a much longer warranty period standard but rarely back it up or stay in business long enough to handle any claims. Many companies that offer a longer warranty charge high deductibles, limit labor coverage, or prorate the warranty. Truth be told a defective engine will show itself very quickly so extended warranties are rarely worth it. Motorworks of NY’s 1 year 36,000 mile warranty on our remanufactured engines is never prorated, it is the same on the last day as it was on the first day. If a longer warranty makes you feel better we do have extended warranty plans on our remanufactured engines up to 3 years 36,000 miles (price varies per engine), but it is usually money better off in your bank account.

Finding a reliable engine specialist when you need one at an affordable price is not an easy task. There are thousands of gas stations, garages and dealers who may handle engine work, usually at very high prices, and very few are experts.

As for us we have been in business and under the same ownership since 1991. A good majority of our staff has not changed since then either. We do a lot of the engine replacements for the area’s small shops and dealers. We work on everything from antique vehicles for restoration or preservation to new vehicles that have been involved in accidents or engine flooding/hydrolock from rain. We work with all insurance and warranty companies. We do all the engine repairs that no one else wants to!

Motorworks of NY has done the research for you so you can be assured of the best quality, installation and price. Before investing money in your car’s engine, be sure to check with Motorworks of NY where the very best really does cost much less.

Ready to get your car or truck back on the road?

0% Interest Payment Plans Available!

Major purchases don’t have to wait. Get what you want now and pay over time.

In partnership with synchrony.

*Synchrony is a trademark of Synchrony Bank.