Types Of Engine Assemblies

What type of engine assembly you should be asking for depends on what kind of project you are taking on. Typical projects are; engine swaps, partial replacements and direct engine replacements.

If you are looking to spice up your vehicle with a higher performance engine you are doing an engine swap. You will want to find a supplier that offers complete engines. These engines have all the external components supplied and attached so the engine is ready to go. Expect to pay a lot for this and if it is a swap make sure you have done a lot of research before you start.

You may have a very good cylinder head, but a bad lower block. In this case you may want to keep the head and purchase a new, used or rebuilt short block. Typically this engine sub-assembly includes the lower block, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, rings, main bearings, and rod bearings. Be sure a qualified mechanic will complete the assembly for you.

Companies that specialize in direct engine replacements usually supply "long block" engine sub-assemblies. A long block includes the complete short block sub-assembly and the cylinder head. The mechanic will use the manifolds, fuel system, ignition system and other external components from your old engine. All of the external components on a motor from Japan are different from those in the U.S., so they are removed to make your installation easier.

The excellent supply of quality engines from used Japanese automobiles has expanded the options for owners of imports that need an engine replacement. Almost all of the used engines being offered are long block assemblies. Sorry engine swappers, but you have to find specialists. Often it is best to buy the complete used Japanese long block assembly versus just a head or short block. This allows the supplier to test the complete assembly for you before you install it.

Quality used long block engine assemblies offer the best value and price combination. The price is lower than a complete engine assembly and the engine can be started up and run before installing it in your car, giving you peace of mind.

Make sure your supplier does in fact start and run your engine before shipping it. You should be assured that a mechanic has measured compression and oil pressure, inspected the assembly, listened for knocks, abnormal noises and checked for smoke.

We hope this helps you choose the right engine assembly for your project and explains what you receive from a supplier of used Japanese engines.

Testing processes and procedures will be discussed in a future article.