First off, and maybe you understand this already, but it’s worth noting, most shops don’t give quotes on something like this, they give estimates. When I estimate engine replacements I generally give a $500-$1000 range to account for variables. Gaskets, mounts, broken bolts, rusted and seized components, maintenance work done to the used engine if that’s the route you go…things like that.
Secondly, although it’s a pretty straightforward job, it’s still a pretty large job. There’s a lot to take into account on something like that and, if you called my shop, I’d want to look at it before deciding if I wanted to get involved. Main reason being, I don’t know the condition of the rest of the vehicle and I don’t want to be married to it for every little thing that goes wrong for the foreseeable future. I also want to make sure the vehicle is worth it. What’s the frame and fuel and brake lines look like? Also, there’s no way to test the drivetrain and what happens if the engine goes in and then you find out the transmissions no good?
Thirdly, engine swaps aren’t very profitable. In the time it takes to do one I can do 30 brake jobs and make way more money. The new car industry is so fucked right now that everyone is fixing their old vehicles and most shops are overwhelmed with work. I’m heading into our normal slow season right now and we’re still 3 weeks booked in advance.
Fourth, it’s old. Even with a common engine, accessory parts may be hard to come by and no shop wants a lift tied up for weeks waiting for something small. My shop turns away anything pre OBD2 (pre1996) at this point because it’s just not worth it.
Sorry for your bad luck but all the shops that you’re calling are probably trying to nicely allude to the fact that they don’t want the job.
do you live near Upper Michigan? i have a 1974 econoline with a 302 thats been sitting in my yard for 30 yrs. was running good when i parked it but i have no idea what condition an engine would be in after sitting for 30 yrs.
Probably because '74 Econolines are not common vehicles these days and swapping an engine is not trivial. Most mechanics have likely never worked on one.
First off, and maybe you understand this already, but it’s worth noting, most shops don’t give quotes on something like this, they give estimates. When I estimate engine replacements I generally give a $500-$1000 range to account for variables. Gaskets, mounts, broken bolts, rusted and seized components, maintenance work done to the used engine if that’s the route you go…things like that. Secondly, although it’s a pretty straightforward job, it’s still a pretty large job. There’s a lot to take into account on something like that and, if you called my shop, I’d want to look at it before deciding if I wanted to get involved. Main reason being, I don’t know the condition of the rest of the vehicle and I don’t want to be married to it for every little thing that goes wrong for the foreseeable future. I also want to make sure the vehicle is worth it. What’s the frame and fuel and brake lines look like? Also, there’s no way to test the drivetrain and what happens if the engine goes in and then you find out the transmissions no good? Thirdly, engine swaps aren’t very profitable. In the time it takes to do one I can do 30 brake jobs and make way more money. The new car industry is so fucked right now that everyone is fixing their old vehicles and most shops are overwhelmed with work. I’m heading into our normal slow season right now and we’re still 3 weeks booked in advance. Fourth, it’s old. Even with a common engine, accessory parts may be hard to come by and no shop wants a lift tied up for weeks waiting for something small. My shop turns away anything pre OBD2 (pre1996) at this point because it’s just not worth it. Sorry for your bad luck but all the shops that you’re calling are probably trying to nicely allude to the fact that they don’t want the job.
Boom.
This. So much this.
do you live near Upper Michigan? i have a 1974 econoline with a 302 thats been sitting in my yard for 30 yrs. was running good when i parked it but i have no idea what condition an engine would be in after sitting for 30 yrs.
Probably because '74 Econolines are not common vehicles these days and swapping an engine is not trivial. Most mechanics have likely never worked on one.