When an engine is beyond repair, a like-for-like replacement gets you moving again. We source a quality-checked unit, fit it professionally, transfer your ancillaries and clear the codes.
As with all our engine work, you get a fixed price agreed before we start — no moving numbers once the car is with us.
When replacement is the right route
Replacement makes sense when speed matters more than keeping your original engine, or when the existing unit is beyond economical repair. Because the replacement can be sourced and prepared while your car is still drivable, it's often the shortest time off the road of the three options.
Sourcing the right unit
Getting the engine code right matters more than the badge on the boot. The same model year can carry several different engines with different mountings, sensors and ECU expectations. We identify the exact unit your vehicle needs from the registration and VIN, then source a quality-checked engine that matches — not merely something close enough to bolt in.
What we check before fitting
Every incoming unit is inspected before it's fitted: turning over freely, no obvious damage, correct ancillary mounting points, and matching the ordered specification. Fitting an engine that turns out to be wrong or damaged wastes days, so it's checked on arrival rather than on the ramp.
After the swap
Your ancillaries are transferred and inspected, fluids renewed, timing set, and the ECU adaptations reset where the vehicle requires it. The car is road-tested and the fault codes cleared before you get it back.
How we do it, step by step
- 01
Identify by VIN
We confirm the exact engine code your vehicle needs, not just the model and year.
- 02
Source and inspect
A quality-checked unit is sourced and inspected on arrival before anything comes apart.
- 03
Swap
Old engine out, replacement in, ancillaries transferred and checked individually.
- 04
Commission
Fluids, timing, ECU adaptations, fault codes cleared and road-tested.
What affects the price
- ›The engine your vehicle takes and how readily available it is
- ›Labour access — some engines take twice the hours of others
- ›Condition of the ancillaries being transferred across
- ›Whether the original failure caused collateral damage (loom, mounts, cooling)
Typical turnaround: 1–3 working days once the replacement unit is with us
Warranty: Both the unit supplied and our fitting are covered. Terms confirmed in writing before work starts.
Rebuild, reconditioned or replacement — which is right?
The cheapest route depends on your engine. Here's how the three options compare — we'll advise honestly once we've seen it.
| Option | Typical price | Time | Best when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine rebuild | From £1,200 | 2–4 days | The block is sound and you want to keep your original engine |
| Reconditioned engine | From £900 | 2–5 days | Your engine is beyond economical repair |
| Engine replacement | On quote | 1–3 days | You need the fastest route back on the road |
Prices are indicative starting points. We confirm one fixed price before any work begins.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an engine replacement cost?
It depends on the engine and vehicle. We diagnose and source first, then give you one fixed price to approve before any work begins.
Can you source any engine?
We can source engines for virtually all makes and models. Enter your registration for an exact quote.
Do you fit used or new engines?
We fit quality-checked units appropriate to your vehicle and budget, and advise the best option for you.
How do you know which engine my car needs?
From the registration and VIN we identify the exact engine code. The same model year can take several different units, so this matters more than the badge on the car.
Is replacement quicker than a rebuild?
Usually, yes. The replacement unit can be sourced and prepared while your car is still on the road, so the time actually off the road is shorter.
Will the ECU need coding?
On many modern vehicles, yes — adaptations need resetting and sometimes the immobiliser needs matching. That's included in the job.
What if the replacement engine is faulty?
It's inspected on arrival before anything comes apart, and it's covered by warranty. If a problem shows up, we sort it.
Can you replace engines in vans as well as cars?
Yes — we work on light commercials as well as cars.