About Engine Swaps:
Has your old engine died? If you would like to change your engine it is possible to change it to a second hand one. When changing your engine, you can either swap your old engine with the same make and model, or alternatively replace your it with a different make or model. If you are replacing your engine with a different make or model/type it is important to note that this is a lot harder, and a lot more expensive than a swap with the same type of engine.
Procedures for an engine swap:
Choosing the engine: Choosing the engine for engine swap is not always the easiest. You will first need to find an engine that fits and make sure that it is compatible with your chassis. It is recommended that you research what type of engine you would need. You will also need to consider the engines power. If the engine is too powerful for the chassis, it could damage it, or driving may be or unsafe harder. Generally if you are swapping your damaged engine for one of the same make and model then it should be able to be replaced directly as it is designed for your car. Due to small differences between engines, sometimes there will be small sensor and wiring changes required that may mean swapping parts from one engine to the other.
Engine mounts: If fitting a different engine then most engines require an engine mount to be correctly fitted into the chassis. This means the vehicle will need to have a custom engine mount fitted. Some custom parts may be required for your engine if different parts of the engine are located in different areas. These mounts must be created in way to ensure that if they were to fail, they wouldn’t endanger the driver or steering components. If fitting an engine designed for the car, then the engine mounts should be correct. Engine Mount Repair
Cooling: If you are upgrading your engine, cooling is an important thing to remember. You should consider using an oil cool and inter cooler in conjunction with a good sized radiator. If fitting an engine designed for the car, then the engine cooling system should be correct.
Drive shafts: Every new engine will need a new custom drive shaft, unless the engine is designed to fit already. Find out more about drive shafts here: Drive Shaft repair and replacement
Wiring and Gauges: The wiring in most engines should be fairly simple for an experienced technician, but can also be very challenging. It is very important that components like engine sensors, the speedometer and fuel meter are functional. If it is a challenge to get these working, an alternative could be the purchase of a digital display.
Certification: You will only need certification if you are retro fitting a different type of engine that was not originally designed for the car. In New Zealand, it will take a bit to get full certification. For more information on vehicle certification visit the NZTA website at https://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/warrants-and-certificates/
If fitting an engine designed for the car, (essentially an engine swap for the same type of engine) then you won’t need certification.
Learn more about engine swaps or conversion here: Engine Swaps – themotorhood.com
Engine Replacements in Hamilton:
Has your current car engine died or is on its last legs? Do you need an Engine Replacement? At Grimmer Motors, our experienced technicians can help you.
We have the ability to search nationwide for the best value second hand engine to suit your vehicle, and can then professionally install and test this engine for you.
For engine swaps / replacements in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!