If you're in the market for a V8 engine, you may want to know “how much does a V8 engine cost'? And “what is the cheapest V8 available”?
A typical V8 engine can range from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the engine's specs and where you buy it. Domestic engines are generally more inexpensive than import engines, and “running motors” pulled from wrecked vehicles are more affordable than a newly rebuilt or new crate engine.
The price of building an engine yourself can be lower than $1,000 with primarily used parts, while new high-performance V8 engines can go for upwards of $50,000 depending on the use case.
Replacement V8 in the shop waiting to be installed
How Much Does a V8 Engine Cost New?
The cost of a new V8 engine can vary greatly but typically falls between $3000 for a relatively low-performance model and $40,000 or $50,000 for high-performance engines with extreme use cases such as racing.
Economical: What's the Best Price for a V8 Engine?
Used engines for sale at the junk yard
From a Junkyard Or Used Engine Dealer? How Much Does a V8 Engine Cost Used?
You can find a decent used V8 on the market for under $4000 from a used engine dealer. These engines are pulled from wrecked vehicles and are in good running condition. They are almost always available with a warranty and are shipped anywhere in the USA.
For example, this 5.3L V8 engine, with 51,000 miles on it, out of a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, is $3,270 from qualityusedengines.com. In addition, it comes with a five-year or 50k mile parts and labor warranty and free shipping to the continental USA.
Used 5.3L V8 for sale
You'll have to pay an extra $500 (core charge) if you don't send them back the same engine in your vehicle.
A New Crate Motor
New crate engines come directly from the manufacturer and are more expensive than a motor from a used engine dealer.
The benefit of a crate motor over a used engine is that it is brand new, has a longer warranty, and can be ordered and installed at the dealership.
New crate economy V8 engines generally cost around $5000, but you'll have to call a local dealership to get a firm quote.
Performance: How Much Does a 1000hp Engine Cost?
If you're looking for something on the high-end performance market that can crank out over 1000hp, you should be prepared to drop a pretty penny on your new engine.
High-end engines like the 10.4L, 1004hp V8 Crate Engine ZZ632 retail at under $38,000.
The high price for performance engines is due to higher machining tolerances (smaller clearances), more robust materials (higher quality metal alloys), and higher-skilled engine assemblers.
How Much Is a V8 Engine for a Camaro?
The price of a V8 for a Camaro is close to whatever you want it to be.
For example, at jegs.com, you can buy a Chevrolet Performance LT1 376 cubic inch/460hp engine that you would find in a 2017 Camaro for $20,646.99.
Camaro Performance LT1 V8 for sale
Closer to the budget of the scale, you can get a 350 cubic inch/330HP engine for $3,933.00.
Small block Chevy V8 for sale
As with all engine purchases, it depends on the route you take. If you buy a used engine, build it yourself, or get it from an engine rebuilder.
How Much Is a V8 Engine for a Mustang?
Like Camaros, how much a V8 engine is for a Mustang depends on several factors, like horsepower level.
Ford V8 Coyote high performance engine for sale
An E-Force Supercharged Ford Coyote 5.0L with 785 horsepower will cost you $32,218.95 from jegs.com.
If you're looking for a V8 for your 67 Mustang, you can buy a 302 cubic inch/300 horsepower small block for $3,650.00.
Ford V8 small block engine for sale
How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Engine?
Depending on several factors, replacing an engine can cost from $2,000 up to $20,000 and above. These factors include:
the manufacturer and model of your vehicle
whether you replace your engine with:
if you replace the engine yourself or pay a mechanic to do it
Is It Cheaper to Rebuild or Replace an Engine?
In general, it's cheaper to rebuild an engine than replace it if you're doing all the work yourself.
This changes if you are going to be hiring a mechanic.
It can take over 100 hours to rebuild a motor properly, so buying a replacement motor from a used engine seller is best if you are on a budget. However, an experienced auto shop can swap an engine in less than 10 hours, and you won't have to pay for the hours it takes to rebuild a motor.
Get quotes from several reputable shops before making your final decision to ensure you get the best price for the engine and the services. In addition, the mechanic may be able to recommend you a reputable engine reseller.
Replacing a V8 engine
Is Replacing an Engine Worth It?
Replacing an engine is worth it if you want to continue using your car.
Replacing an engine is often the only course of action available if an engine is catastrophically damaged.
If you're thinking about replacing an engine just for fun, then you'll need to look at your budget and willingness to spend the time on the project.
Replacing an engine can be time-consuming, especially if you want the thrill of doing it yourself, but if you're a build-it-from-the-ground-up kind of person, nothing beats the satisfaction of building your own engine.
Can I Replace My V6 Engine with a V8?
You can replace a V6 with a V8, but the engine swap cost from a V6 to V8 can be pretty high.
Depending on the vehicle, you may have to make significant modifications to the engine bay to accommodate the larger V8 in place of the V6.
How much is a V8 engine swap?
A V8 engine swap will cost between $1,000 and $4,000 to swap one V8 for another, including any modifications to the engine bay, wiring adapters, labor, and incidentals. This does not include the cost of the replacement engine itself, which will add at least $3,500 for a used V8.
If you're doing the labor yourself, then you can expect the price of the swap to go down a good amount.
Why Swap a V6 to a V8?
A V8 is (in general) a more powerful engine than the V6, offering increased horsepower.
You'll also notice an increase in sound for a V8, so if you're doing any cat-back mods or headers, you'll be able to hear it purr.
The V8 has better hauling capacity and torque if you're lugging stuff around a lot.
In many cases, a V6 will do for most people just fine. This is because the V6 has better fuel economy.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a V8 Engine Yourself?
Building a V8 engine can cost anywhere from $3000-$6000, depending on where you get the parts and the quality of parts you're looking for.
If you're patient and are content to root around for parts at swap meets, etc., you can likely get a V8 engine built for a lot cheaper.
Building your V8 engine requires some expertise and know-how with your specific car, and when you install your V8, you may find you have to replace other systems in your vehicle as well, especially if you're upgrading from a V6 to a V8.
What Makes a V6 Engine Different from a V8 Engine?
The V6 engine is a little more stable than a V8 engine, usually requiring less maintenance.
In addition, you'll get better handling with a V6 compared to a V8 at the expense of less horsepower and hauling capability.
How much does a V8 engine weigh?
The weight can be from 400-700 pounds, which explains why the V8 has less handling than the V6.
The V8 is good at hauling due to the high horsepower and power ceiling and is suitable for power and performance if that's what you're looking for.
What Has to Be Changed to Convert a V6 to a V8?
If you're planning on converting a V6 to a V8, a lot of work needs to be done, and it's recommended that you have a professional look at it if you're not experienced with putting in new engines.
Replacing a V8 engine
Modifying other systems like the transmission and suspension can be tricky.
If you have stock V6 suspension, you might want to replace your front springs because the V8 is heavier.
You will almost definitely need a stronger transmission and/or clutch.
New motor mounts and coils for the V8 block will also be necessary to fix the engine.
Beyond that, the specific mods you will need vary depending on your vehicle brand.
Some stock exhaust manifolds fit the V8 block perfectly, while others might not, and you might need a new V8 fan shroud.
Always take great precautions when working on your car and follow common-sense safety guidelines to avoid the risk of injury.
Be sure to have a backup jack supporting the car when working underneath it, and wear eye protection to stay safe from anything dripping or falling into your eye.
If you're new to car mods, it might also be a good idea to have a more experienced car buddy with you to help you with any difficulties that may arise during installation.
Conclusion
Thankfully, there are many options to source a good V8 or even build your own and save money.
Prices may range anywhere from $4000 to $10000 depending on the condition of the engine you're buying and the car you're buying it for.
A dirt-cheap engine might be available for as low as $1500, while brand-new high-end V8s can be in the tens of thousands.
Always shop around and consider your options to ensure you're getting the best deal.