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Rebuilt vs. Remanufactured Engines: Key Distinctions

Rebuilt vs. Remanufactured Engines: Key Distinctions

When replacing your vehicle’s engine, you can do it in a few different ways. However, some options offer more reliability and affordability than others. Read on to learn more about the key distinctions between rebuilt and remanufactured engines.

Key Similarities

Engine rebuilding and remanufacturing share a common goal: to restore an engine’s performance by replacing old and damaged parts. Both processes involve a thorough inspection of the engine, followed by identifying and removing components that are no longer functional. Once these faulty parts have been identified, they are replaced with new or refurbished parts. These processes rejuvenate engines and give them a second lease on life.

Rebuilding and remanufacturing are grounded in the principle of sustainability. By repurposing existing engines, these methods minimize waste and reduce the environmental impact associated with the manufacturing of new engines.

Key Distinctions

The distinctions between these two methods can influence your choice. The restoration process for rebuilt engines is localized to damaged or worn-out parts. All serviceable components are retained and cleaned to ensure they continue functioning as they should. The focus is on repairing problematic components and leaving the rest of the engine relatively untouched.

Engine remanufacturing is a far more exhaustive process. It involves replacing or re-machining every component within the engine, regardless of its current state. This overhaul ensures the final product is virtually indistinguishable from a brand-new engine, often meeting or even exceeding the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) specifications. As a result, remanufactured engines typically have warranties that provide security for the investment. A thorough restoration, combined with superior reliability, set remanufactured engines apart from rebuilt engines.

How Gearhead Engines Can Help

Now that you know the key distinctions between rebuilt and remanufactured engines, it’s clear that the latter offers superior reliability and performance. At Gearhead Engines, our team of skilled professionals brings a wealth of expertise in remanufacturing engines to the table. By utilizing advanced equipment, we remanufacture engines for some of the most popular automotive brands. Our vast inventory has thousands of remanufactured engines and transmissions for vehicles by Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Nissan, and more!

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What To Do When Your Vehicle Needs a New Engine

What To Do When Your Vehicle Needs a New Engine

The engine serves as the heart of your car, pumping life into every other component. Its pivotal role makes it one of the most valuable parts of your vehicle, both in function and price. Consequently, replacing an entire engine can seem like a formidable and anxiety-inducing endeavor. But worry not—with our helpful guide on engine replacements, you’ll know what to do when your vehicle needs a new engine.

Recognizing Engine Failure

Before diving into what to do when your vehicle needs a new engine, it’s vital that you first recognize the signs of engine failure. Understanding the most common signs of engine failure can save you from severe malfunctions or potentially hazardous driving situations.

Firstly, excessive exhaust smoke is a clear sign that something might be wrong with your engine. If you notice white smoke, it could indicate a coolant leak. Black smoke indicates too much fuel being burned, while blue smoke signifies oil burning.

Secondly, knocking noises coming from your engine can signal trouble. This noise usually suggests that the engine’s bearings, which are essential for keeping everything running smoothly, may be worn out. If left unchecked, this could lead to a complete engine failure.

Furthermore, a power or fuel efficiency reduction is a clear sign of engine problems. If your car struggles to climb hills or your fuel consumption has increased unexpectedly, it might suggest that your engine is not working correctly.

Finally, an overheating engine is a serious sign of engine failure. Various issues, including a malfunctioning cooling system, low coolant levels, or a broken thermostat, can cause overheating. An overheating engine can cause significant damage if not addressed promptly.

Of course, many of these issues are often noticeable before the Check Engine light comes on. But it’s important to note that you should never ignore this light when it turns on, seeking a professional inspection as soon as possible. Visiting the mechanic for a quick checkup is much cheaper and less time-consuming than replacing powertrain parts a few months later.

Engine Repair vs. Replacement

Engine repair generally refers to fixing specific parts of the engine that have minor issues. For instance, if your vehicle has a faulty spark plug or a leaking gasket, these are problems that a mechanic can rectify without having to replace the entire engine. Repairing these minor issues can extend the life of your engine and is typically less expensive than a full engine replacement.

However, a complete engine replacement may be necessary when your engine has severe damage or frequent malfunctions. For example, if your engine block has cracked or there is significant wear and tear due to high mileage, repairing these issues might not restore your vehicle’s performance or safety. In such cases, replacing the engine would be the most practical solution.

Choosing between engine repair and replacement also involves considering the frequency of repairs and cost-effectiveness. If your engine requires regular repairs, opting for a replacement might be more beneficial in the long run. Constant repairs can add up over time, often exceeding the cost of a new engine. Alternatively, a new engine can offer improved fuel efficiency, reliability, and performance, making it a cost-effective solution.

The Different Types of Engine Replacements

Let’s say that an engine replacement is an ideal solution for you and your vehicle. Now, you must determine which type of engine replacement is most practical for your performance and budget needs. When it comes to engine replacements, there are a couple of types to consider: new and remanufactured.

New Engines

New engines are those that come directly from the original manufacturer. These engines are untouched and unused, and they typically offer the highest quality and performance. However, these engines are often the most expensive option, and depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might not always be available for purchase. Therefore, while a new engine guarantees optimal performance, it is not always the most practical or cost-effective solution.

Remanufactured Engines

Remanufactured engines are systems that feature both replaced and remachined parts. This process allows third-party manufacturers—like our team at Gearhead Engines—to create remanufactured crate engines that meet or exceed the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) specifications. Remanufacturing involves completely disassembling the engine, inspecting and cleaning all parts, replacing worn-out components, and potentially machining or updating parts to meet current standards. This results in a product that performs just as well, if not better, than a new engine. With the perfect blend of reliability and affordability, remanufactured engines are almost always the best option for your car.

Tips for Increasing Engine Durability

After taking the opportunity to determine which engine replacement is best for your vehicle, it’s worth reviewing some helpful maintenance tips to ensure your new engine lasts as long as possible. First, regular oil changes are vital for maintaining engine health. The oil lubricates the engine’s moving parts, reducing friction and preventing overheating. Changing the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles is recommended, depending on the vehicle and oil type, to keep the engine running smoothly.

In addition, keeping the engine clean can also prolong its life. Dirt and debris can accumulate over time, leading to corrosion and wear. Regularly cleaning the engine bay and using high-quality air filters can help keep the engine clean and functioning properly. Furthermore, maintaining the cooling system is another crucial aspect of engine care. Overheating is one of the primary causes of engine damage, but by ensuring the radiator, water pump, and coolant are in good condition, you can prevent overheating and extend the engine’s life.

Routine inspections and timely repairs play a significant role in engine durability. Regularly inspecting the engine for signs of wear or damage and addressing any issues promptly can prevent minor problems from escalating into major issues. Additionally, your driving habits can greatly impact the lifespan of your vehicle’s engine. Avoiding aggressive driving behaviors, such as rapid acceleration and deceleration, can reduce the strain on the engine and contribute to its longevity. Safe driving habits also reduce accidents, further protecting you and your car’s vital parts.

What To Do When Your Vehicle Needs a New Engine

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What We’re Reading, February 2020

The new year is bringing some great news about long-lasting cars (longer lasting if you replace your powertrain with Gearhead Engines’ products!), station wagons that are REALLY SUVs (right?), news about the 2021 Ford Bronco, and more!

Station Wagons Sell in U.S. Mainly When They’re Disguised as SUVs

By Noah Joseph, Car and Driver

We’ve all heard the common refrain: the station wagon is all but completely dead in America, its place largely taken by crossovers and sport-utility vehicles. And we’re not here to tell you otherwise: Jeep, for example, sold more Grand Cherokees alone last year in the United States than all the wagons combined. But if the station wagon does have a future in America, it’s to pose as an SUV.  Read more…


The Toyota Land Cruiser Dominates This List of the Longest-Lasting Cars You Can Buy

By Tyler Duffy, Gear Patrol

Durability is one of the most important considerations when you’re buying a car, especially if you’re planning on keeping it for a long time. Which in turns begs the question: what, then, are the most durable vehicles you can buy?

In its latest study, iSeeCars.com looked into just that, determining the models with the highest percentage of vehicles lasting more than 200,000 miles. The study backs up the Toyota Land Cruiser‘s reputation for being bulletproof; a whopping 15.7 percent of Land Cruisers made it that far. Read more…


5 Electric Vehicles That Can Go More Than 250 Miles on a Charge

By Jon Linkov, Consumer Reports

With electric vehicles becoming more mainstream, paying less for one doesn’t have to mean you’ll be saddled with a short driving range. And you don’t have to pay a big luxury-car price for an EV that allows you to drive farther between charges. American car shoppers can now find EVs across a range of prices and automakers.

In 2019 automakers introduced five EVs that can deliver more than 200 miles of range. By the end of 2020, automakers plan to introduce eight more. Read more…


Ford Will Finally Show Us the 2021 Bronco in March

By Connor Hoffman, Car and Driver

Ford will unveil its 2021 Bronco off-road SUV next month, Automotive News reports. The smaller Bronco Sport crossover’s reveal will follow in April, likely at the New York auto show.

Ford executives told dealers to expect to see the Bronco Sport late this year and the two- and four-door versions of the Bronco in early 2021. Dealers were also told Ford is rolling out hundreds of Bronco accessories alongside the initial launch to help boost profits. This makes sense. Like its primary competitor, the Jeep Wrangler, the Bronco is meant to be customized. Both the two- and four-door body-on-frame models have a removable roof and doors and have some serious off-road chops. Read more…


The Top 15 Cars Most Likely to Last 200,000 Miles or More

By Bob Sorokanich, Road & Track

When you buy a new car, you want it to last. iSeeCars analyzed more than 15.8 million vehicles to find out which models are most likely to last 200,000 miles or more. On average, 1 percent of cars built every year make it past 200,000 miles. These are the models that outperform that statistic. While iSeeCars used data for older models, we’ve opted to show the most recent model year of each example. Read more…


Subaru Crosstrek in for more power with larger engine option, report says

By Sean Szymkowski, Road/Show by CNET

The Subaru Crosstrek is a fine and dandy piece of transportation, but if there’s one thing owners aren’t thrilled about, it’s a lack of power.

Never fear, because the Japanese automaker heard those worries loud and clear, according to Subaru of America CEO Tom Doll. Speaking at a National Automobile Dealers Association meeting, Doll reportedly said the Crosstrek will soon receive a larger engine option. Automotive News first reported the update Monday; Subaru declined to comment for this story. Read more…

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Driving Happily Ever After

If you want to add more years to the relationship between you and your car, give it a little extra attention this Spring in the form of an oil change, tune-up, or other service to make sure it runs happily ever after. Just a little extra care can lead to a longer life for your car.

There’s no debating the value of preventive maintenance to keep your car running efficiently. By giving your vehicle a little more attention now, you’ll avoid the unexpected expense of car trouble down the road.

The Car Care Council recommends you treat your car to regular care this Spring and beyond.

  • Schedule a tune-up annually to optimize your car’s performance. A well-tuned engine delivers the best balance of power and fuel economy and produces the lowest level of emissions.
  • Change the oil and filter per the owner’s manual. Periodic oil and filter changes keep your engine clean on the inside.
  • Check the tire pressure monthly, including the spare. Your car’s tires affect its ride, handling, traction, and safety.
  • Have the alignment checked annually. Potholes and other road conditions, as well as normal wear, can take their toll on your car’s steering and suspension. A wheel alignment reduces tire wear, improves fuel economy and handling, and increases driving enjoyment and safety.
  • Inspect the windshield wipers and lights on the car. Lights and wipers play a major role in safe driving, and they are normal wear items that need periodic replacement.
The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance, and repair to consumers. For more information, visit www.carcare.org.
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What We’re Reading, January 2020

It’s 2020 and we’re looking back and forward with this month’s reading from the automotive industry.  From the Bullitt Mustang sale to Jeep’s claims about future electric vehicles, we’re bringing you a bit of everything.

Of course, as always, if you need input and assistance in purchasing a new remanufactured engine, transmission, cylinder heads, or axle assemblies, the Gearhead Engines sales team is ready to provide personalized service… and maybe even a discount or two.

Bullitt Movie Car Sells for $3.4M, Is Most Valuable Ford Mustang Ever

By Eric Stafford, Car and Driver

About 40 years ago, a certain Highland Green 1968 Ford Mustang GT exchanged hands for $3500. That same car, the one that was actually driven by Steve McQueen in the movie Bullitt, just became the most valuable Mustang ever after it was auctioned off for a cool $3.4 million. Read more…


Even Jeep Is Making Big Claims About Its Electric Future

By Adam Kaslikowski, Popular Mechanics

In the several months since Christian Meunier took over the reins of Jeep worldwide, the new global president of the Jeep brand has made it clear he’s focusing less on interior features and luxuries, more on technology. Predictably, as goes the entire industry, so goes the off-roading icon. Christian recently told Car and Driver that his plans for the Jeep brand in the 2020s include an aggressive plan to launch plug-in-hybrid and, later, electric Jeeps throughout the coming decade. Read more…


The Best Used Car Bargains from 2010–2019 You Can Buy

By Will Sabel Courtney, Gear Patrol

But looking in the rearview mirror, when it comes to car shopping, is a pretty good way to spot some bargains. (Not literally, of course; if looking in the rearview mirror of an actual car reveals anything than what’s directly behind the trunk, see your doctor.) The years between 2010 and 2019, being not so long ago, are still fresh enough for us to remember the fresh-faced vehicles we were excited to see and drive — yet are now far enough in the past that those rides have grown to fill used car lots across the land. Read more…


Diesel Half-Ton Tug of War: Chevy vs. Ford vs. Ram

By K.C. Colwell, Car and Driver

When you narrow the focus to a single model rather than the entire range, it’s possible that the Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado 1500 beats the Ram. So we lined up the Big Three’s new half-ton diesels and let them slug it out. Read more…


5 Ways to Keep Your Car Insurance Costs Down

By Penelope Wang, Consumer Reports

Many American drivers are paying more for car insurance—in some cases, a lot more—but there are steps you can take to keep your own costs down. The average annual premium hit a record $1,548 in 2019, according to a new study by The Zebra, an insurance comparison site. That’s up 30 percent from the average rate in 2011. Read more…


First Photos of Real 2021 Ford Bronco Appear to Confirm Removable Doors, Roof

By Caleb Jacobs, The Drive

Thus far, every 2021 Ford Bronco prototype we’ve seen looks exactly like what it is: a cobbled-together mule with a fake body, in this case a shorty Ranger with a weird camper shell. That’s ok, though. We’ve known all along that Ford’s going back to basics with a boxy, retro-inspired design for its reborn off-roader. Now a spy photographer has captured images of the first real Bronco tester wearing its production bodywork. It might be under heavy camouflage, but it still looks to confirm a key rumor about the truck: the removable doors and roof. Read more…


How the 2021 Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon Are the Same — and Different

By Mihir Maddireddy, Car and Driver

General Motors’ full-size SUV siblings used to be twins of each other, with the only real differences being badges and sticker prices. But GM has made efforts recently to differentiate the Chevrolet Tahoe (and the larger Suburban) from the GMC Yukon (and the larger Yukon XL). So now, when you compare the GMC to the Chevy, you’ll find unique styling cues and features—which we’ve outlined here for the new, redesigned 2021 models—but similar mechanics. This means that your choice is mainly down to which SUV’s aesthetics and creature comforts you like best. Read more…

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What We’re Reading, December 2019

2020 is right around the corner, and we’re busily scanning the web for relevant news from the car industry. We hope you’ll remember us for your remanufactured needs in the coming year!

 

Winter Tire Performance Can Vary Greatly

By Brian Silvestro, Popular Mechanics

When it comes to winter tires, you might think they all perform similarly. But really, they’re like to every other tire, in that rubber compound can change performance drastically, regardless of tread pattern.  Read more…


Chevy Suburban Turns 85 in 2020

By Sven Gustafson, AutoBlog

Let us take a moment to ponder the Chevrolet Suburban. When it first launched as a mammoth eight-seater with removable seats, folding second-row seats and a 60-horsepower inline-six, the U.S. was in the grips of the Great Depression. America’s entry into World War II was still six years away, and motion pictures were offered in color for the first time. The Chevy Suburban has since survived all the subsequent wars that Congress never formally declared, America’s changing cultural mores and consumer preferences, the oil crisis of the ‘70s and having its name borrowed by several other automakers, including sister brand GMC.

And with the 2020 model year, the venerable people-mover turns an astonishing 85 years old.

Read more…


Dogs in Cars, Getting There Safely

By Norman Mayersohn, The New York Times

Recent studies have confirmed what many of us already knew: Having a dog in the family is good for your health. Let’s expand that — dogs can make car trips better, too. Read more…


Electric Ford F150 Confirmed for Michigan Assembly

By Bengt Halvorson, Green Car Reports

In November, the United Auto Workers ratified a four-year contract with Ford—one that included an agreement to invest more than $6 billion in U.S. plants and, as was reported then, included plans to keep high-visibility electrification plans for the F-150 in Michigan. Read more…


Jeep Museum Is Coming to Toledo, Ohio, Where One Belongs

By Colin Beresford, Car and Driver

Toledo and Jeep go together like off-roading and Jeep. So it’s about time Toledo, Ohio, gets its own Jeep museum. A nonprofit organization has formed and is announcing it will open a 56,000-square-foot museum called “The Jeep Experience,” which will tell the storied legacy of the American nameplate. Read more…


New Study Shows Just How Bad Vehicle Hacking has Gotten

By Kyle Hyatt, Road Show By CNET

For many people around the world, a large portion of their lives is lived online. Not in some kind of Second Life-Matrix hellscape, but they conduct business, maintain personal relationships, manage their money, buy stuff and even get their car news using the internet.

This has been amazing for convenience, but that convenience has outpaced security, and so we hear about companies being hacked on a near-daily basis. This problem is increasingly spilling over into our vehicles, which have become increasingly attractive targets to hackers as they’ve gotten more technologically sophisticated.

Read more…

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What We’re Reading, November 2019

It’s been a busy month with SEMA, the L.A. Auto Show, and the debut of the Mustang Mach E, but our gearheads took a few minutes between order fulfillment to read online industry articles.

2021 Chevy Trailblazer debuts at LA Auto Show

By Steven Ewing, Road Show by CNET

We’re having a bit of deja vu. Back in May, Chevrolet showed the 2021 Trailblazer after sister brand Buick debuted its platform-mate, the Encore GX. And now, following the US-spec Encore GX’s announcement on Tuesday, Chevrolet has announced more details about the 2021 Trailblazer, which is on hand at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The 2021 Trailblazer slots between the Trax and Equinox in Chevy’s crossover lineup, and definitely takes a lot of design influence from the larger Blazer SUV. We don’t know exactly how much it’ll cost just yet, Chevy only saying the Trailblazer will be priced “under $20,000,” according to a statement.

Read more…


34 Ways to Soup Up your Current Car with Tech

By Eric Griffith and Alex Colon, PC Magazine

For those of us with older cars, we’re stuck with incredible phones while driving vehicles that won’t talk to them, charge them, or display what we want to see from them. And that’s just the start. Modern high-tech cars should be laden with tech safety features, methods of connecting to the outside world, full diagnostics, and ways to keep passengers entertained.

There is a massive aftermarket of gadgets and add-ons that work with just about any existing vehicle on the road today. Here’s our deep dive into the tech you can add to your old jalopy to make it feel a bit more Tesla-esque.

Read more…


Is Chevy’s 1988 Full-Size Pickup Secretly a Sports Truck?

By MÁTÉ PETRÁNY, Road & Track

For 1988, General Motors came out with a radically redesigned full-size pickup line known as the GMT400 platform. The truck GMC dubbed the Sierra was also available at Chevrolet as the Silverado, the Scottsdale, or the top-of-the-line Cheyenne. And at $13,319 with all the bells and whistles, the long-wheelbase Cheyenne was an impressive truck for its time.

Read more…


Watch a Souped-Up Mail Truck Do Some Epic Burnouts

By Brian Silvestro, Popular Mechanics

LS swaps are a dime a dozen, so it’s not often one catches our eye like this one has. One man decided it would be a good idea to drop a 6.0-liter V-8 into a decommissioned Grumman LLV USPS mail delivery truck and turn it into a full-on burnout machine. We’re in love.

It took David Stacy, the builder, over two years to find a mail truck for sale suitable for the swap.

Read more…


GM and Lordstown Motors Both Say Their Electric Pickups Are Coming Soon

By Colin Beresford, Car and Driver

Just a couple of weeks after Lordstown Motors acquired GM’s Lordstown plant in Ohio, it has announced that it is accepting $1000 deposits as preorders for the 2021 Lordstown Endurance electric pickup truck.

It’s entirely possible that would make it the first electric pickup truck on the market—but not the last, as General Motors, Tesla, and Ford are all preparing their own entries in the new market segment.

Read more…


AMC’s First-Ever Mid-Engine Prototype Is Finally Getting the Restoration it Deserves

By Brian Silvestro, Road & Track

Back in the late 1960s, AMC thought it would be a good idea to break into the high performance sector with an exotic mid-engine supercar. Dubbed the AMX/3, it would compete against some of Europe’s finest exotics, packing a massive American V-8 and stunning looks. Except it wouldn’t, because the project was canceled before production ever started.

Read more…

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Which is your Favorite Remanufactured Engine?

What's your favorite remanufactured engine?

We can appreciate want over need. Sometimes you need a new reman engine for your car, truck, or boat. Sometimes you just want something newer, better, more powerful. So we looked to reddit where totally_not_griffin asked r/cars redditors about their favorite engines.

No, I’m not talking about some absolutely insane 28.3L four banger (yes, that actually exists). I’m talking about a practical engine that you think is one of the best out there. Here’s some factors to base it on:

Reliability: Does it start in the first crank, even if it’s zero degrees? Has it passed 200K miles? Have you found an engine that has sat abandoned for years, yet fires up with minor tweaks?

Power and Fuel Economy: These two are grouped because it’s easy to have an engine with plenty of power, but fuel economy will suffer. The reverse also applies. Is there an engine that can do both?

Type of Engine: How many cylinders do you think is sweet spot? V6 or straight 6? Turbocharged, supercharged, or naturally aspirated? Why?

halcykhan was brief and direct in responding.

Gas: 300 I6 Ford
Diesel: 12v 5.9 Cummins
Have had both in farm trucks. It’s hard to beat the reliability, simplicity, and usable power band of those straight sixes

Reddit user Wogachino‘s a fan of the LS3, citing

[it’s] super easy to work on, reliable and cheap to make power. My 550whp SS is my daily, work commuter and hasn’t skipped a beat in 20k kms with weekly drag strip sessions and once a month roll racing.

We sell a number of LS3’s and can agree with some of these points!

Kayonetheus was more of a HEMI fan, and everyone loves a solid HEMI!

6.4L hemi is probably my favorite. That sound and feel is unbeatable imo. And with the upgraded internals over the 5.7L hemi, (which is already a dang reliable engine.) it would be super reliable for an engine. Mpg though, well… Lets not talk about that.

No, we won’t talk about MPG if we’re talking about ideal engines, though we’re always fans of saving a few bucks here and there — especially with a new, reman engine!

Drando_HS actually prefers

the 5.7L Hemi over the 6.4L. Mainly because I’m getting 25mpg on mid-grade gasoline in my Charger while still making great horsepower. And apparently you can make it go up to 400hp with little to no hits to you MPG.

Our favorite response to this reddit question, though, was Funderstruck‘s.

The Big Block Chevy. Yeah, the LS might be better for fuel economy, but the big block can have MPI as well, which narrows the gap a bit at least… The big block just has an old school cool to it as well. And with the massive aftermarket, it can do anything you want it to.

We’re fans of the Chevy engines as well! And we’ve sold a number of them over the years. They’re reliable and carry the right power for your needs.

Of course, we’re biased when we say that our favorite engine is your next, new remanufactured engine. (Don’t blame us for the cheesy product plugs. We’re here for a reason!)

Bottom line, the team at Gearhead Engines will save you time and money, and we have FAST delivery with nationwide, unlimited mileage warranties.

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What We’re Reading, October 2019

Here’s a sample of the industry articles we’ve read this month. Of course, if you’re in the market for a new, remanufactured engine, transmission, differential, or heads, you know you can trust in Gearhead Engines!

Mustang, Camaro, Challenger: Muscle Cars Across The Years

By Nelson Ireson, Motor Authority

Muscle cars have an interesting dynamic amongst car enthusiasts. For some, the heavy, big-power, anything-but-subtle looks, and often low-tech engineering are the antithesis of what it means to build a performance car. For others, the raw, unfiltered nature and rubber-laying potential of the muscle car outweighs (or erases) the drawbacks.

Read more…


This V-8-Swapped Fiero Is the Perfect Budget C8 Corvette Alternative

By Brian Silvestro, Road and Track

Interested in owning a car like the new mid-engine C8 Corvette, but don’t want to drop $60,000 on a new car? We feel you. This V-8-swapped 1987 Pontiac Fiero is the perfect alternative…

The engine is an LT1 taken out of a 1996 Corvette with around 25,000 miles on the clock. The car has done 10,000 further miles since the swap, meaning the powertrain still has incredibly low miles. Moreover, the seller claims all of the relevant gaskets and seals have been replaced, and the heads have been rebuilt.

Read more…


15 of the Greatest Automotive Instrument Clusters of All Time

By Bryan Campbell, Gear Patrol

As a driver, there are few parts of a car you look at more than the instrument cluster. Your attention there is divided among occasional glances at the speedometer and tach, and if you’re really fancy, navigation instructions… But the dials on some cars are so pretty they deserve a more extended gaze.

These are 15 of the best automotive instrument clusters of all time.

Read more…


Ford hopes ‘Mustang-inspired’ SUV will shock Tesla, electric vehicle world

By Chris Woodyard, USA Today

Ford Motor has made it official: it’s going to unveil a “Mustang-inspired” electric SUV next month.

“We’ve busted the myth that electric vehicles have to be boring,” the automaker says in a statement.

In showing a drawing of the roofline and hints as to the look of the front of the new vehicle – yeah, it sort of looks like the current Mustang – Ford appears to be taking direct aim at electric-car leader Tesla.

Read more…

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Why Buy Reman Products?

Why Buy Remanufactured Products from Gearhead Engines

You’re in the market for a replacement engine for your car, truck, or SUV, and you’re weighing your options. New engines are great, but pricey. You want to restore your car to its former glory — but you want it to be cost-effective and a good decision as well.

Should you buy remanufactured? Rebuilt? A salvage engine?

The answer is for us is always going to be the same. Buy remanufactured, the choice four out of five of our professional installation shops make.

But why?

Don’t let your car break down twice!

When you’re researching options, investing money, waiting for shipping, and then paying someone to install your remanufactured engine, you’d better be sure it’s going to work well. Going through that effort only to have your engine fail would be horrible.

…there’s really no functional difference between reman and new… other than price and our multi-year, unlimited mileage warranties.
Rebuilt and salvaged engines are taken from vehicles that have been sitting for an unknown amount of time and then “repaired.” Rebuilt engines are sometimes just brought to “running condition,” but that method is not always going to take the manufacturer’s OE specifications and updates into account. Your reman engine is often better-than-new because of the attention our technicians give to the machining process, taking advantage of the latest improvements. Reman products are also less likely to fail.

We know that there’s really no functional difference between remanufactured and new… other than price and our multi-year, unlimited mileage warranties.

Quality Matters

Quality engine remanufacturers produce engines to standards that meet or exceed the manufacturer’s original OE specifications. Because of the knowledge and experience gained in the years since the engine was designed and built, a remanufactured engine includes those improvements. It’s machined from the core product to be better.

In addition to the OE updates that correct errors or anomalies in the original build, all of the engines wear parts are replaced, and they pass and/or exceed every single test a new engine does.

This high level of quality is another reason we back our engines with industry-leading warranties.

Buying remanufactured is economically sound

The Average Age of Vehicle Use is Increasing

The useful life of cars, trucks, and SUVs has been increasing for a number of years. In fact, IHS Markit data shows that the average age/usefulness of cars and trucks will exceed 12 years in the next decade.

That means the average car on the road will have been built in the 2007-2008 model years. That’s some longevity and return on investment!

This is great news for consumers, who get more use out of their vehicles. But even with that longevity, car owners often want and need to keep their current cars or trucks on the road, but problems do happen.

Even today, the primary cause of engine failure is the level of ongoing maintenance or critical sub-component failure. This means a vehicle with a failed engine likely has many more serviceable years, and it’s much more cost effective to extend the life of your car, truck, or SUV with a remanufactured product.

Remanufactured engines reuse the solid core of these “failed” engines in order to save you money without sacrificing power or quality. In result, remanufactured engines can cost 25-50 percent less than domestically made new replacement products.

Remanufactured is an eco-friendly solution

Choosing Reman Products Saves on ResourcesA good description of ecological sustainability is “meeting the needs of today without compromising the needs of the future.”

Choosing remanufactured engines conserves natural resources by recapturing much of the original material, the product core, and then machining it to include better updates using less energy. The end result is a product that’s really better-than-new in a number of cases.

At Gearhead Engines, we take this a step further and operate in an eco-neutral manner. We use toxic-free cleaning solutions rather than harsh chemical solvents, and we process all emissions to release no harmful byproducts into the air or water.

In addition, whenever possible, we ship our remanufactured products in reusable, eco-friendly shipping crates. This ensures both a secure shipment to you and the return of your core, and our eco crates prevent any leaking or spillage of fluids during storage or shipment.

Bottom line. Buying remanufactured is a good, reliable, sound investment. Buy from Gearhead Engines today!