Reasonable price to replace engine in a 2.3L '97 Ranger?

[nadsab]

Can anyone tell me what a reasonable price would be for a mechanic to replace an engine in a Ford Ranger - 4 cylinder 2.3 L - with a newer engine that has 120K miles on it - including the engine and labor? "Newer engine" is not a rebuild - from a junk yard with 30 day warranty...

We might have to do this trying to figure out what to do - if we can afford it.

UPDATE - forgot to mention that it's an automatic trans, and the trans is OK and stays in only engine replaced...

 

[Mark_88]

It can actually vary quite a bit depending on a few factors...but a direct swap including the engine (assuming all parts are the same) shouldn't be more than $500...

If you have to replace a clutch it should only add the cost of the clutch and a bit more but it's a good time to do the slave and clutch together if they are high mileage.

These engines are really only the motor mounts and the six or eight transmission bolts...or maybe ten but I've never counted them...slide it out and drop in the new one...connect all the wires and hoses and it shouldn't take more than three hours tops with someone who knows what they are doing...

 

[nadsab]

It can actually vary quite a bit depending on a few factors...but a direct swap including the engine (assuming all parts are the same) shouldn't be more than $500...

If you have to replace a clutch it should only add the cost of the clutch and a bit more but it's a good time to do the slave and clutch together if they are high mileage.

These engines are really only the motor mounts and the six or eight transmission bolts...or maybe ten but I've never counted them...slide it out and drop in the new one...connect all the wires and hoses and it shouldn't take more than three hours tops with someone who knows what they are doing...

Sorry I forgot to mention it is an automatic transmission. The trans is good so all we would be doing is swapping the engines...

When you say 500 bucks - do you mean for the labor only?

If labor only, what would be a reasonable price for a used 2.3 liter used (not rebuilt) engine with slightly over 100 k miles on it - an engine in good running condition that is?

 

[Mark_88]

I would say the $500 would include the engine...but it depends on labour charges from the mechanic...and where you get the engine.

Check the parts for sale thread below...I've seen a few 2.3 engines that were swapped out for others for sale...I need one myself but most of what I've seen is in the US and I simply can't go there right now to buy one...having a bit of a time finding one here in Ontario since most of the wreckers are scrapping anything older than 98...that's not the case where you are in Mi so you should be able to find one for anywhere from $100 to $200 in decent shape...but I don't live there so I have no idea to be honest.

 

[Sunk]

You need to call around your area, to different shops and yards and find their prices. I'm pretty sure there's a yard here that sells engines for around $250 or so. But if they know it runs, I could see some yards charging way more. I'd think $500 plus for labor to, but it really depends on the rates in your area.

 

[nadsab]

I did some checking around over the weekend - instead of a used engine we are thinking about buying a completely rebuilt engine and having our mechanic swapping it into the truck. It seems the going rate for a completely rebuilt engine - valve seats machined, new timing chain, resurfaced head etc etc goes for about 1500 bucks give or take a 100 - plus a 300 dollar core charge.

These are available through the major auto parts retailers - all come with a three year warranty. Is that about the going rate for a rebuilt?

 

[kryptonitecb]

That is close to the cost of a 5.0

Sent from the road while ignoring traffic

 

[4b316]

Thats about right for a auto chain store long block.I would check around the yards in your area to see what a used motor cost with a warranty.It would be a little cheaper at a U pull it yard.If your mechanic will do it for $500 for engine and install,it would be a good price.Probably up to 8-900 dollars around here,most yards are charging $500 just for a engine that have to pull.Not a bad engine to change if you wanted to try yourself

 

[modelageek]

You are in Michigan. You might consider parting it out and buying something else.

 

[Takillya]

Here in eastern Canada they're scrapping as well best option here is to watch kijiji for a good deal on a parts try k with a rotted frame, if u keep your eye open for a week or 2 u can find a whole truck for under 700 and I have seen even a 07 sold with a rotted frame for as low as 400

Rebuilt 97 2.3L