how much does it cost to recondition an engine

Reconditioning an engine in Australia typically runs about $2,500–$5,000 for a 4‑cyl, $4,000–$7,000 for a 6‑cyl, and $5,000–$10,000+ for a V8, plus $1,000–$2,500 in remove/replace labour and fluids. Add machining, gaskets, timing bits, and a new water pump and you can easily see $4,000–$12,000 all‑in, depending on the car and how honest its internals have been. As a “new” alternative, a factory crate or short‑block can run roughly $4,000–$15,000+ before installation (some Euro exotica will cheerfully double that). For a “used” swap, a wrecker/import engine might be $1,000–$5,000, but it’s a lucky dip unless compression and history check out. The big swings are make/model, parts availability, and whether a specialist is rebuilding it or a mate with a torque wrench and optimism. Get itemised quotes, insist on warranty terms, and remember: cheap builds tend to become expensive twice.