warranty

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!

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Why We Love the Chevy 350 Engine

Gearheads love the Chevy 350 engine and so do we

The Chevy 350 engine is one of the most popular and perhaps legendary engines in automotive history. Introduced in the 1967 Camaro, it went on to power a whole range of classic Chevys, including the Impala, El Camino, Chevelle, and Nova.

Your friends — the really serious gearheads, the ones you know you can trust — choose the Chevy 350 to build everything from tractors to boats to hotrods.

Five Reasons Why

The Chevy 350 is one of the most popular engines in automotive historyIf you’re interested in premium engines, you’ll love the Chevy 350. Here are five reasons why:

  1. It’s an outstanding value

The Chevy 350 was designed by engineers. It’s not ostentatious, not foreign, not designed to impress — it’s just a popular, reliable engine for a reasonable price. Sure, it’s not as exciting as some of the fancier engines on the market, but if you want the most performance for your dollar, you won’t go wrong with the Chevy 350.

  1. It’s got all the power you want

The next time you’re at a hot-rod show, take a look at the engines. You’ll see something very familiar — the Chevy 350. It’s an incredibly popular choice among hot rodders and for good reason. Plenty of Chevy 350s put out more than 300 horsepower. Combine that with the 350’s light weight and you have one very fast engine.

  1. It’s one of the most reliable engines ever

Even if you drive in tough conditions, the Chevy 350 remains very dependable and keeps running. It’s been around since 1967, and Chevy was making small-block engines long before then. Everything about the Chevy 350 stands the test of time.

  1. You can find parts for it anywhere

Touching on Chevy’s small-block lineup, Motor Trend points out, “It’s possible to swap a set of heads from a 1990 Vortec truck engine onto the original ’55 265. I doubt there’s an engine ever built… that you could swap parts from engines 45 years apart.”

You’re not just looking for a show car—you’re looking for something you can drive to the show and home again. That’s why the 350’s reliability is so great.

But let’s face it: engines wear down. You’re going to want the engine with parts readily available, not the engine that leaves you stranded by the roadside.

  1. It’s as American as apple pie

OK, so we’re talking about an engine that’s powerful, reliable, and easy to maintain, all for a great price. All of that’s accurate, but it’s not the whole story. What really sets the Chevy 350 apart is something intangible: the engine’s rich tradition.

When you choose the 350, you’re joining a community of motorists that spans decades. A community that includes hot rodders, commuters, farmers, and everyone in between. A community of gearheads who care about performance, not hype.

The Chevy 350 is one of the all-time great American engines. For us at least, that means something.

Get the Best Engine for Your Dollar

Gearhead Engines offers a wide range of Chevy 350 engines. If you’re on the market for an engine, you owe it to yourself browse our catalog of Chevy 350s right now.

Our Chevy 350s are professionally remanufactured to OE specs or better, which makes them literally better than new, and… four out of five professional installers go with reman. They know it’s how you get the best engine for your dollar. Now you can, too.

When you consider buying a Chevy 350,
remember to GO with Gearhead Engines and More.

BROWSE OUR CHEVY 350 ENGINES

Caring for Your Reman Transmission

Care for your Gearhead Remanufactured Transmission

Being stuck on the road because your transmission fails isn’t anyone’s idea of fun.

If you’ve had transmission problems, you should always make sure your mechanic gives your car, truck, or SUV a thorough inspection. Your service professional should provide you with reasons there are issues with your transmission. A number of components in your vehicle may end up damaging it and, if not fixed, might result in the failure of your next transmission.

Make sure your transmission fluid is serviced regularly

Modern engineering advances, like the methods employed to remanufacture Gearhead Engines, now extend transmission service procedures to every 100,000 miles. So make sure your transmission fluid is serviced properly and on time.

When your transmission fluid is changed, make sure a reputable facility, shop, or dealership completes the service. These facilities ensure that the transmission filter (the component that traps dirt and metals in your fluid) and the fluid itself will be changed. Some shops may only “flush” your transmission, which could cause issues later on.

The role of a transmission cooler

Most heavy-duty vehicles and some light duty vehicles are equipped with what is called a transmission cooler. This part makes sure the transmission fluid doesn’t reach high temperatures during heavy driving conditions – like when you’re towing a trailer. And high temperatures can cause transmission fluid to break down and not function like it should.

Transmission cooler lines and the transmission cooler itself could leak. This can cause the vital “lifeblood” of the transmission to fall to dangerous levels and that could cause damage. Cooler issues may cause high-fluid temperature issues because of limited flow though the cooler assembly.

Be aware of conditions and your driving habits

Driving conditions/habits are sometimes some of the easiest ways to extend your transmission’s life.
Driving conditions/habits are sometimes some of the easiest ways to extend your transmission’s life.

  • Make sure all acceleration is done at normal and expected speeds.
  • Avoid abrupt start/stop driving conditions.
  • Don’t overload your vehicle constantly, towing a trailer or accelerating to high speeds. Driving like this all the time (whether it’s a contractors’ truck or someone speeding away from stop sign) can potentially shorten the transmission’s life considerably.

Any abuse can damage transmission fluid, possibly burn out transmission clutches, and in the worst case scenario, cause internal components to break.

Wrapping things up

As you care for your vehicle, take the time to inspect your driveway or garage for possible transmission fluid leaks and ensure your transmission fluid is serviced. By following these guidelines, you’ll make sure it functions properly for many years to come.

As the saying goes…

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

If you have to replace your transmission

In the worst case scenario, something may happen to your transmission and it will need to be replaced. Your first stop should be the Gearhead Engines website where you (or your licensed repair facility) can find the exact remanufactured transmission for your needs. You’ll get a transmission engineered to the latest specifications that ensure your new remanufactured transmission lasts.

Of course, Gearhead Engines stands by our remanufactured transmissions with a nationwide, fully-transferable, 3-year, unlimited mile warranty and offers no-fault protection add-ons that extend that coverage.

So when you consider replacing your transmission, remember to GO with Gearhead Engines and More.

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Why is my Car Smoking?

Diagnosing the smoke from your engine helps keep it running smoothly

Your car, truck, or SUV engine is the evolutionary result of over a century of refinement and fine-tuning – a perfected recipe. Today’s manufacturers continue to use tried-and-tested methods, although with more technology crammed in.

This doesn’t stop cars today throwing temper tantrums occasionally. On top of this, the extra tech makes diagnosing potential issues that much harder.

One of the more common engine issues you can face today is uncharacteristic smoke – either from the front or out of the exhaust. To top it off, your thermostat may still show a normal reading. So, what’s going on?

Black smoke from exhaust

Black smoke from the exhaust is a fairly common sight on the roads. Often accompanied by a noticeable gas smell or sometimes a rotten egg smell, it may mean your engine is wasting excess fuel by running too rich (a higher ratio of gas to air during the combustion process). Besides your engine working at a poor efficiency, it can suggest more serious issues such as a blockage in the air intake or a broken spark plug.

Blue smoke from exhaust

Blue smoke is unmistakably oil burning in your combustion chamber – you certainly won’t mistake the smell for something different. Blue smoke is most commonly caused by worn piston rings, and if left unattended, could leave your oil levels critically low.

White smoke from exhaust

Blue smoke is most commonly caused by worn piston rings, and if left unattended, could leave your oil levels critically low.
Excessive white smoke often suggests water is entering places in your engine where it shouldn’t be. Water leaks are sometimes attributed to a broken head gasket, which is fixable, but like everything else, drastically lowers the efficiency of your engine.

Oily-smelling smoke from under the hood

Oil is burning on the outside of your engine – likely on the hot metal surfaces of the block itself. That could mean a leak, which again may lower your engine oil levels if left unattended and cause potential damage. It could also be spilled oil from the last time you had your oil changed. In any case, be careful as burning oil can potentially damage important rubber and plastic in the engine bay.

Electrical smoke

The smell of burning electronics is impossible to miss. Play close attention to your alternator – it could be moments away from problems.

Other smoke from the engine bay

Your engine bay plays host to a lot of fluids. Check your reservoirs for proper fluid levels.Your engine bay plays host to a lot of fluids. If the smoke isn’t oily or electrical, check the reservoirs for your power steering fluid, coolant, brake fluid, etc. A loss of any of these liquids could be critical if left unattended.

Smoke when your engine isn’t overheating isn’t always a big problem, but it’s something you should never ignore. It could be a sign of a more serious underlying issue that’s been unnoticed for a long period of time and could lead to problems with your engine.

Avoiding the Worst Case

Should the worst absolutely happen, it’s good to know your pride and joy doesn’t have to go to scrap. Gearhead Engines supplies professionally remanufactured engines, cylinder heads, transmissions, and more to give a new lease on life for your car, truck, or SUV.

Of course, Gearhead Engines stands by our remanufactured transmissions with a nationwide, fully-transferable, 3-year, unlimited mile warranty and offers no-fault protection add-ons that extend that coverage.

BROWSE OUR PRODUCT CATALOG TODAY!

 

Six Ways to Get the Best Reman Deal

Get the BEST deal on Gearhead remanufactured products

When you’re shopping for a replacement engine, transmission, cylinder heads, etc., it’s important to make sure you’re comparing products “apples to apples.” As you make up your mind, here are six details you won’t want to overlook.

Is it just rebuilt, or is it fully remanufactured?

Reman products are more accurately compared with new.
Rebuilt products are basically products that have had some new parts installed. They still may retain a number of used components, and they’ve had little (if any) machine work done.

On the other hand, remanufactured products are more accurately compared with new – and sometimes better than new. They’re built using all-new components, and they’re machined to current OE specifications or better. Nothing is left untouched.

How complete is a remanufactured build?

Does the engine include things like timing components and gasket sets? Gearhead remanufactured engines do.

Are you getting all the TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) updates?

These updates are improvements to the original design issued by the OE manufacturers. Gearhead remanufactured products include every TSB update.

Have the products been tested? How well?

Every product from Gearhead Engines comes sim-tested to verify proper function and performance.

Do remanufactured products come with warranties? How good are they?

This is important, because warranties can vary hugely between companies. Gearhead remanufactured product warranties are trusted and dependable and range from 12 months to three years with no-fault protection add-ons in some cases. Be sure check out our warranties and feel free to ask if you have additional questions.

What about shipping?

Gearhead Engines charges a low, FLAT shipping fee with every product, and we’ll always pick up the core for return FREE of charge.

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Should You Repair Your Vehicle? or Replace It?

Should You Repair Your Truck or Replace It with a Gearhead Engine

This is a great question — one we hear dozens of times each month.

When you’re staring at a repair bill that could run to several thousand dollars, you want to know that it’s a good investment.

The one thing we stress more than anything else is this:

Don’t focus on the value of your vehicle!

Unless you just want a new and potentially higher car payment, what matters is the cost of repairing your vehicle vs. the cost of replacing it with a vehicle that’s comparable.

Here’s What We Mean

Can John find a replacement vehicle that’s in better shape, with lower miles and a new engine, for less than $2,500?
John has a Ford F-Series pickup with a V8 engine and 130,000 miles. It’s got a Kelly Blue Book of $2,000, but it’s going to cost John $2,500 to have a replacement engine installed.

Should John repair it or replace it?

At first glance it seems like a no-brainer. John’s truck isn’t worth $2,500, so why spend that much on it?

The reality is that the $2,000 value assumes the engine is good. It isn’t, so John’s pickup is actually worth a fraction of that value.

The Smart Move

You’d be surprised how many of our customers buy engines for used vehicles they purchased within the last year.

Can John find a replacement vehicle that’s in better shape, with lower miles and a new engine, for less than $2,500? Probably not.

The smart move is investing that $2,500 in the vehicle he has, not risking the money on a potentially problematic used vehicle or purchasing a vehicle new. This isn’t even taking into account the fact that John has maintained his truck for years, knows it inside and out, and has recently purchased a nice new set of tires.

These are all very good reasons to keep what he has, not replace it with something he doesn’t know.

Don’t get stuck in this situation

Why Buy Remanufactured Products from Gearhead EnginesGearhead remanufactured engines come with a nationwide, fully-transferable, 3-year, unlimited mile warranty. Our no-fault protection add-ons guarantee your investment more additional value.

And we offer an valued Premium Engine Install Kit to ensure all of the parts connecting with your engine are new and warrantied for 12 months. After all, you’re about to install a new, precision-machined Gearhead Engine. The best thing you can do is make sure your engine’s supporting parts are fresh and ready-to-go.

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