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Plug-in Envy? Try Converting.

December 9th, 2009

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Does all the hype about the new Chevy Volt and other plug-in hybrids on the horizon have you feeling a little bit down about your old hat hybrid? Are gas engines a thing of the past? Don’t despair – there are now aftermarket conversion kits that let you change your hybrid vehicle into a plug-in. Kits like the Hymotion L5 conversion kit from A123Systems, Poulsen Hybrid and the VS Composites Electrocharger are designed to add green to your existing car and save you on gas, too.

In fact, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 includes a tax break for consumers who convert their hybrids into plug-ins. Until December 31, 2011, you can take a tax credit worth 10% of the cost to convert your vehicle, maxing out at $4,000. With the Hymotion kit costing about $10,000 (plus labor for installation), you stand to get quite a bit of free money from Uncle Sam for the project.

Plus, if you already took a tax credit for buying a hybrid vehicle, you can still claim the plug-in hybrid conversion kit tax credit, too. As of now, Florida also offers a $5,000 rebate for drivers that convert their Toyota Prius Hybrids into plug-in hybrids. The conversion must be done at Foreign Affairs Auto on Military Trail in West Palm Beach and costs $10,400, but after the $5,000 rebate and the $1,000 tax credit, you’re looking at about $3,400 for the final bill. Reports indicate that the car gets up to twice as much miles to the gallon, with some sources reporting up to 150 miles per gallon for their converted Prius.

However, before you rush out to jump on the plug-in bandwagon, you may want to consider a few things. For one, when MSNBC covered third-party conversion kits back in 2008, Toyota spokesman Bill Kwon stated that  they were  “concerned” that such a conversion might “push some components beyond their design parameters” which might cause parts of the system to fial or present “occupant safety” compromises.

Not only that, Toyota is planning on rolling its own Hybrid Plug-in and is selling 150 of them in the U.S. While you’re unlikely to get your hands on this limited run of 2010 Toyota Prius Plugin Hybrids, you may be able to get a plug-in car backed by a manufacturer’s warranty and rigorous testing if you have the patience to wait. Otherwise, feel free to convert to plug-in at your own risk.

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Former Chrysler CEO Warns: Americans Still Like Big Cars

December 4th, 2009

Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the management board of Daimler, offered some pointed advice to Chrysler at a recent media round table. Zetsche, who was once CEO of Chrysler before it split from Daimler in 2007 offered criticism of Fiat’s plan to bring Chrysler back from the brink of extinction. Fiat, which now manages and partly owns Chrysler, devised a five-year, $23 billion overhaul that would focus on revamping the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models and feature some smaller, more compact designs.

Zetsche, however, made a point to warn Chrysler and Fiat that “American buyers still like large cars and SUVs,” according to USA Today. Zetsche said that he would advise Sergio Marchionne, Chrysler’s CEO,  to “not focus exclusively on small cars going forward. I do believe successful continuation of SUVs and large cars is necessary.” I personally know this to be true by all the people who call in for our larger engines for sale Zetsche extended his missive to all U.S. automakers – all of which are going through a transformative phase. Ford, for example, has been pushing small subcompacts in India, with the American version of the Ford Fusion, a mid-size car, taking the Motor Trend Car of the Year award. Foreign companies also seem to be hopping on the “small car bandwagon” with Fiat and Hyundai expanding to India to cash in on the small car craze.

But in the U.S., Zetsche points to the U.S.’s leveling fuel prices as a sign that SUVs and larger vehicles will remain profitable and popular. Indeed, the initial backlash against so-called “gas guzzlers” when gas prices skyrocketed up to as high as $3 a gallon in 2006. But now, as the price of gas seems to have dropped back down (and appears to be staying back down), there’s less of a clamor for diminutive fuel sippers like Daimler’s own Smart car, which has had flaccid sales in the U.S. The recent Cash for Clunkers program, which urged Americans to trade in their fuel inefficient vehicles for new, more energy conscious models, certainly illustrated the undying penchant for big cars and trucks in the States – the most popular trade in was a swap between an old Ford F150 pickup and a new Ford F150 pickup.

On this note, Zetsche shows that Daimler plans to practice what it preaches. Though he said there were no plans of dropping the Smart car, he did note that a four-passenger model for the U.S. was under consideration. Without hinting at any sort of timetable, Zetsche said that Daimler plans to develop four variants of the Mercedes A-Class that would not necessarily be “very small cars” but would use smaller-displacement gasoline engines and more diesel engines that would make them more fuel efficient.

While there appears to be at least one dissenting voice over the merits of smaller cars, it seems that auto engines, at least, will be getting smaller across the board.

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Cash for Clunkers Hitting Used Engines Dealers Hard

November 22nd, 2009

The widely subscribed Cash for Clunkers program resulted in a unique conundrum for auto parts recyclers – what to do with all those trade-ins. Most used cars that are traded in and scrapped have thousands of dollars worth of salvageable parts – form the drive train, to the engine and transmission and other parts. However, the cars and trucks that were traded in as part of the Cash for Clunkers program come with some strings attached.

Perhaps most confounding is the stipulation that Cash for Clunkers trade-ins must be completely disabled. The philosophy is that by taking supposedly fuel inefficient engines off the road, it would promote newer, more gas efficient engines. Salvaged motors that could have been reconditioned into quality used engines for sale are instead drained of their oil and pumped full of sodium silicate, a mixture of salt and sand. The process effectively destroys all the moving parts in the engine,  rendering it useless.

Some auto recyclers are claiming that this is not in the true spirit of recycling and conservation. Jeff Cantor, an auto recycler in Candia, N.H., told Associated Press, “True recycling is using something to its fullest potential and then recycling it over again by making it into steel and sending it out to become another engine or transmission or car.”  Cantor pointed out that many scrappers that typically produce rebuilt engines for sale are now “breaking that circle here by crushing good quality parts.”

Part of this has to do with another stipulation for Cash for Clunkers motors – they must be disposed of within six months of the trade-in. The rationale is sound – it would prevent dealers from taking in the government subsidized clunkers and turning them around to sell as used motors. But the logistics of dispensing of so many used autos  has proved to be far more arduous.

According to Associated Press, consumers bought 700,000 new vehicles in July and August through Cash for Clunkers, which led to auto recycling facilities to be swamped with two or three times as many vehicles than the usual load. Many auto recyclers don’t have the time to go through the usual process of stripping out valuable parts, such as alternators, front and rear axles, starts, used motors and used transmissions, and then flattening the remaining parts for scrap. The tight deadline has galvanized scrappers to crush useable parts for scrap as well. Many auto yards believe a six month extension is well in order.

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Used Motors For Sale

November 4th, 2009

Used Motors

You’ve been so diligent in sticking to your family budget and cutting costs and then the worst case scenario happens: the car breaks down. But before you undo all your hard work by going into debt at the car dealership, consider purchasing a used motor for sale.

GotEngines.com is a leading provider of used auto engines, including used car engines, used truck engines and used engines for any make and any model – even imports! As an outstanding Better Business Bureau accredited company, GotEngines.com helps you get your car back on the road without the risk and mystery of bargain hustling car dealers.

Why Get a Used Engine?

Used engines are lucrative and affordable for anyone – whether you are an auto enthusiast looking to put together an inexpensive vehicle for your teenage driver, a service station looking to deliver outstanding repairs for a loyal customer or a dealer looking to rehabilitate a reliable used car. Used engines let you unlock the value of a car that’s given you many years of dependable service but just can’t go on any longer with its old engine. Revitalizing your car with a used engine is a great way to conserve the Earth’s natural resources and recycle a highly engineered product. It’s greener, it’s more affordable, and it saves you from saying goodbye to your much-loved automobile.

Buying a Used Car Engine

Buying a used auto engine should be done with the same amount of care and research as a used car. Not all used engines are created equal and if a price is too good to be true, it likely hides a hook. You also need to be aware of what a used engine includes and what parts you need. For example, some “short block” engines do not include heads. You also may need to check to see if an engine has the proper computer hookups needed to interface with your more modern vehicle.

You should also speak with your local service shop before ordering a used engine. It’s better to get an estimate first so you aren’t blindsided by an exorbitant cost or extra fees. Your auto shop can also get in touch with vendors in order to obtain the right tools and parts needed to get your used engine up and running.

If you aren’t sure where to begin when buying used engines, simply contact one of our parts experts at GotEngines.com. Our expertise and customer service are unsurpassed – if your family car can be saved, then we can find the part you need. Just call with your VIN number and we’ll find the used engine that will get your automobile back on the road again.

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Remanufactured Motors For Sale

November 4th, 2009

Remanufactured Motors

Remanufactured motors can be a cost-effective alternative to a new engine, but what’s the difference between  remanufactured engines and a rebuilt engine? These two types of engines are not the same, though they do share some similarities.

Essentially, remanufactured engines have been completely stripped of all their old parts, boiled to remove any additional parts, and entirely cleaned. In addition, a remanufactured engine has usually been sand-blasted, so that the clean engine can be re-painted.

Once the engine is ready, cylinders of the same size and shape are created. Then, the top of the engine block is machined, so that it is completely flat. Brand new rings, connecting rods, and pistons are created to match perfectly polished crankshaft journals. The same fitting, cleaning, and matching process is applied to the cylinder heads, the camshaft, and the crankshaft gears.

In the end, all parts of a remanufactured engine are completely refashioned. Contrastingly, a rebuilt engine only has a few new parts. Most of the time, the major parts are replaced, and sometimes larger parts replace the worn out parts of the engine. Rebuilt engines are not stripped, boiled, and cleaned, though this type of engine will function nicely if it is rebuilt properly.

Generally, remanufactured motors for sale come with longer warranties than rebuilt engines, though this might not always be the case. At GotEngines.com, we’ll help you find the top remanufactured or rebuilt engine for your vehicle. Our expert operators know what kind of engine will suit your car, truck, minivan, or SUV best. Simply provide us with the VIN number of your vehicle, and we’ll guide you to the best new or used engine we have.

Sometimes a new engine is the best idea, but this is not always the case. If you are looking for a remanufactured engine, then we can help you find the right one. With a massive warehouse that is stocked with every kind of rebuilt and remanufactured engine under the sun, we are bound to have what you need. In fact, we value your business so much that we’ll even search our massive database to find the right engine for you if we don’t have it in stock. GotEngines.com knows engines so well that we have exclusive access to one of the world’s largest engine databases. After you talk to one of our representatives, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered looking anywhere else.

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Rebuilt Motors For Sale

November 4th, 2009

Rebuilt Motors

As family budgets grow tighter, more Americans looking to save money are turning to rebuilt engines. Especially during financially difficult times, buying a new car isn’t always a viable option. A rebuilt motor, on the other hand, can put you safely back on the road at a fraction of the cost without any of the inherent risks and liabilities of a new or used car purchase.

GotEngines.com is the absolute best place for those looking to revitalize their favorite would-be clunker with a rebuilt engine. As the definitive resource for rebuilt engines, rebuilt motors for sale and hard-to-find used engines, our cavernous warehouse has anything you need to bring your classic car, well-loved light truck or any other vehicle back to life. You can find any rebuilt engine in stock by using our comprehensive online database and get back on the road again.

What is a Rebuilt Engine?

A rebuilt engine is somewhat akin to a refurbished electronic. These aren’t salvaged engines from junkyards – rather, they are remanufactured engines with equal, and sometimes higher standards to those in place when it was brand new. Before being put onto the market, rebuilt engines are rigorously tested to ensure that they perform well and are dependable. Many rebuilt engines even come with warranties.

Rebuilt Engines vs. New Cars

Consider the costs of a new car: from the moment you drive it off the lot, it begins depreciating in value. Plus, with a used car, there is little you can know about the car’s history and reliability. But by placing a rebuilt engine into your car or truck, you get a like new vehicle without the mystery. You already know the car isn’t a lemon – otherwise it wouldn’t have made it this far – and by purchasing a rebuilt engine, you can continue to enjoy the parts of your car that have held up over the years.

Installing Rebuilt Engines

Rebuilt engines for sale are not compatible with all vehicles – as such, it is important to either be intimately familiar with your vehicle or consult with our customer service department to find the right rebuilt engine. With a quick VIN number look up, we can quickly find a replacement for your old engine. Once we get you a good deal on a rebuilt engine, we can have it shipped directly to a service center or your home, if you plan on installing it yourself.

Don’t hesitate to get your favorite car back in action. Contact GotEngines.com today and we’ll find you the rebuilt engine you need.

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JDM Motors For Sale

November 4th, 2009

Japanese Domestic Market motors, or JDM engines, differ greatly from the components and engines we’ll see for cars sold in the U.S. Even though the brand names are the same, such as Honda, Nissan and Toyota, there are significant differences between a Honda sold in the U.S. and a JDM Honda engine or a JDM Nissan and a Nissan sold in the U.S.  There are couple different reasons why JDM engines are different from U.S. engines – most of which have to do with differences between Japan and the U.S.

At GotEngines.com, our JDM specialists know which JDM motors will be an improvement on the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and which makes and models can take a JDM engine. Through our industry connections with major importers and aftermarket dealers, we either have the JDM engine you need in stock or we can find it. Have a question about upgrading your car with a JDM engine? Just call – advice is free.

JDM engines are built to be sold in Japan. Because of this, they adhere to different emissions and regulatory standards. For instance, Japan has signed and ratified the Kyoto Protocol and thus manufactures products to reduce carbon emissions and greenhouse gases. The U.S., meanwhile, is a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol but has not ratified it and is thus not held to these standards. JDM engines are built to adhere to Japanese emissions standards.

JDM vehicles often also have stiffer suspensions and improved throttle response. This is due to Japan’s relatively shorter, winding roads which demand better handling. In the U.S., however, much of the driving is long, highway driving, thus a smoother ride is preferable. Because of this, a JDM engine may be more optimal for high performance driving than a U.S. marketed vehicle. 

Japanese manufactured engines made for U.S. markets are also oftentimes built with less features in order to bring costs down. For example, the JDM version of the Nissan GT-R has a built-in GPS that detects when a car is on a Japanese racetrack that automatically disables the sped limiter feature. It is believed that this function is not available for U.S. Nissan GT-R’s, and thus overriding the speed limiter must be done manually.

Whether you are looking for more authentic performance for your Japanese import car or are looking for a cost-effective replacement for your engine, GotEngines.com has the JDM engines for sale you need. Our warehouses are fully stocked with quality rebuilt JDM engines, used JDM engines and remanufactured JDM engines. Whether you are building a tuner or revamping your old Japanese import, we have the JDM engine to keep your car running smoothly.

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Ford Motors For Sale

November 3rd, 2009

Ford Motors

Ford motors are manufactured by the same eponymous company whose founder was the godfather of mass production and total quality management. Ford was the first company to offer every family an affordable, reliable automobile and just as the image of the Model T endures as a prominent symbol for effective mass production, Ford engines are built to last. The Ford Motor Company, which survived both the Great Depression and the recent economic downturn, continues to produce trusted car such as the Ford Mustang, Ford Taurus, Ford Focus and Ford Fusion, trustworthy trucks and SUVS such as the Ford F-150, Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition, Ford Escape and Ford Ranger, reliable vans and minivans such as the Ford Econovan, Ford Galaxy and Ford Windstar.

Because of Ford’s high standard of manufacturing, their engines can often outlast other components of the car, meaning there is a vast market for used Ford engines for sale, rebuilt Ford engines and remanufactured Ford engines. These engines can be used to soup up an existing Ford car or truck or revitalize an well-loved family vehicle for a fraction of the cost of purchasing a brand new Ford automobile.

At GotEngines.com, our Ford motor specialists have over 50 years of industry experience and are ready to help you find the Ford engine you need to get your car or truck back on the road. We can even seek out used and rebuilt engines from discontinued Ford models such as the Ford Aspire, Ford Escort and Ford Thunderbird. Whatever model Ford you have, we can help you get it up and running without breaking the bank.

Used Engines

Used Ford engines are salvaged from cars that have suffered irreparable cosmetic damage or have some other malfunction that renders it cost-ineffective to rehabilitate. Finding a perfectly good Ford engine from an otherwise defunct used vehicle for a functional Ford in need of a new engine is a highly valuable match. It’s a win-win situation for all parties – the owner of the totaled car sees some return while the recipient of the used engine sees their Ford automobile back in action for a fraction of the cost.  Going with a used engine is also a far greener option – manufacturing an engine from scratch requires precise engineering as well as the consumption of considerable natural resources. Putting a used engine in your Ford greatly reduces your carbon footprint.

Rebuilt Engines

Rebuilt engines are the best of both worlds for your Ford. Rebuilt engines undergo rigorous testing and are remanufactured to function with the same level of reliability and output as a brand new engine – but for a deeply discounted price. Rebuilt Ford engines give you the confidence of a warranty and a certified product that is guaranteed to perform.

GotEngines.com is home to a vast inventory of Ford engines, as well as the most knowledgeable,  responsive staff you’ll encounter while shopping for used Ford engines. Call us with your VIN number and we’ll get the exact Ford engine you need, as well as all the parts, components and tools you need to get in installed correctly. Don’t hesitate any longer – your Ford can’t drive without an engine – and we’re ready to help you put some fire back into those cylinders. Contact us today – consultations are absolutely free.

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Choosing a Used or Rebuilt Engine

November 3rd, 2009

Engines

Engines – they’re the heart of the automobile, the device that powers the machine that enables us to reach point B from point A and anywhere in between. Without it, you’re stuck – stalled on the shoulder, or consigned to the garage. A good car needs a good engine – while the transmission, the wheels, rotors and brakes, the exhaust manifold and every other part of an automobile serves an integral purpose, they’re all useless without an engine. When engines go out, it’s either time for a new engine or a new car.

If you’re in need of a quality replacement engine to get your car back on the road, look no further than GotEngines.com. Got engines? We do. We have used engines that’ll put the fire back in your car or truck without breaking the bank. We’ve got rebuilt engines that will get your car running like the day it rolled off the factory floor. If your vehicle has a need, we have a solution – just call our parts specialist and we’ll guide you with expertise and diligence.

Used Engines

Used engines, like used cars, can be a gold mine of value if you know how to recognize quality. The lowest price is not always necessarily the best value. When you find a good deal on a used engine, it’s important to consider the history of the engine. What happened to the car it came from? Was it salvaged from a vehicle that was totaled due to cosmetic damage? Or was it extracted from an overworked automobile that was driven into the ground. Asking the right questions can help you save money and get the most out of your used engine.

Rebuilt Engines

Rebuilt engines are made from recycled, reconditioned and remanufactured engines and are built to perform like new. Because they undergo rigorous testing and held to a high standard of quality and performance, rebuilt engines will cost a bit more than used engines. But their value lies in reliability. Rebuilt engines come with limited warranties that guarantee the longevity of the part – we’ll be sure to let you know exactly what’s covered and for how long, so you won’t be left in the dark.

Installing Engines

Whether you are going it alone or hiring it out to a local service station, doing a fair amount of homework before ordering and installing your engine can save you time and money. You’ll need to assess which parts you’ll need in addition to the engine and which components a used engine comes with. Not all used engines are alike and depending on your make and model, you may need to make some accommodations. Get in touch with your local mechanic and get a quote before going forward. Then call us and explain your situation – we’ll guide you through the process of finding the right engine and all the parts and tools you need to go along with it.

Contact GotEngines.com today and get your car back on the road. Our parts specialists and engine experts are just a phone call away – advice is free!

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Diesel Motors For Sale

November 3rd, 2009

Diesel Motors

The differences between diesel motors and petrol motors goes far beyond conventional wisdom about cars and trucks. Especially with major manufacturers, such as Volkswagen, now offering diesel engines in passenger vehicles. Nowadays, seeing vehicles with diesel engines on the highway or in the driveway is becoming increasingly common. And with more diesel engines on the road, more diesel engines are ending up in the shop. Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or a mechanic, there are some important things to note about diesel engines. For one, diesel engines are significantly more expensive to replace than petrol engines. Because of this, you stand to save a lot of money by buying a used diesel engine.

GotEngines.com can supply you with the rebuilt engines, used engines or any diesel engine you need to get your car or truck back on the road. Because each vehicle is different, it’s important to consult with our parts specialist to ensure that you get the best diesel engine for your job. Not sure what to get? Simply ask – call us with your VIN number and we’ll find you the right part.

Used Engines

Diesel engines, while more expensive initially, cost less to own, due to diesel often being less expensive. However, diesel engines do require a bit more maintenance than gasoline engines. Because of this, it can be difficult to feel confident that a used diesel engine is in good shape. Be sure to have a used engine inspected by a mechanic before installing it in your car. It also helps to know a bit about the history of the used diesel engine, such as when it was manufactured, what happened to the car that it came from and what type of application it was used for. Of course, if you can identify a quality used engine for a good price, you can save a great deal of money.

Rebuilt Diesel Engines

Rebuilt engines are similar to used engines in that they are salvaged from pre-owned automobiles and are far less expensive than brand new diesel engines, but the process for preparing a rebuilt or remanufactured diesel engine for sale is fundamentally different. Most importantly, rebuilt engines are reconditioned and rigorously tested to ensure that they meet a high standard of quality, performance and reliability. A rebuilt engine, while costing a fraction of the price of a new diesel engine, should run almost as good as a brand new engine.

If you have questions about what kind of diesel engine is best for your vehicle, don’t hesitate to contact GotEngines.com GotEngines.com specializes in helping customers find the ideal part they need in order to get the performance from their vehicles that they want. Our expertise and low prices are just a phone call away – get in touch now!

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