Hi everyone,

Someone in my family has offered to give me a 1995 4wd chevy blazer. The problem is it needs a new engine (it may have been starved for oil and now does not run). Many parts of the car have been replaced, including the transmission and alternator recently within the past couple years.

The mechanic I took it too recommended getting a Jasper engine with a 3 year warranty. The replacement would probably cost in the ballpark of around $3500.

The vehicle has around 200k miles on it. It seems in pretty good condition except for some rust, and of course the engine.

Any recommendations about whether the engine replacement is worth it?

Thanks a lot!

 

3k for a rebuild engine sounds high unless its with labor? is the truck worth it to you?

i think it is but the engines high in price unless labors included

 

Thanks for your reply, I appreciate your help!

The rough estimate of $3400 (sorry my bad, not 3500) does include labor and taxes. The engine itself was $1899, plus around $300 for other parts that would need to be replaced at the same time such as plugs, air and fuel filters I believe, and $900 for labor. He said labor could be less, but didn't want to underestimate.

I don't have a lot of money right now to put into anything much newer, but would also be somewhat worried about putting a bunch of money into this one then have a lot of other things break down too

 

I'm looking at the same thing. My 03 developed a bad rod knock. 2,200 is quote for a rebuild with a 6 month warranty installed. I probably will just get a lower mileage pull out from another blazer.

 

I think if you do it yourself, it would be worth it. Paying $3,500 basically for a 200k Blazer is on the highside. Granted it would be a new engine, but it would be a no brainer like a $700 used motor and putting it in yourself over a weekend would be.

 

Yea,you can buy a good running blazer for 2500.00,BUT if your blazer has a NEW transmission etc and in good shape,then if you are wanting something for another 5 years go for it. if you might sell later then done,as you will loose some good money.

 

You could always part it out and then use that money for something that's already running.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll look some more into the used engines. $700 would make it a lot cheaper. I don't really think I'd have the skill/experience to install it myself though :/. I'm guessing there's a fair bit of work involved (especially for someone who doesn't regularly work on cars :P)?

 

Yeah, if you are willing to learn and have an idea of how an engine works you'll be fine. If you don't even do your own oil changes though, I think you will be hard pressed to be successful yourself.

 

I would not suggest having someone put an engine in the Blazer. It's not practical for you to spend that much on one of these. Either do it yourself or part it out. If you already have a vehicle and have some spare time I would suggest getting it and looking for the correct engine(I stress that because if not you'll run into all sorts of problems). Even doing it yourself with no experience I would estimate it to take no longer than 24 hours total. Buy a $20 Chiltons manual and it will guide you through it step-by-step. Just make sure you get everything disconnected and labeled. However anymore each plug is a different size and shape so you can't get things mixed up.