Engines, gearboxes, and other factory-assembled units removed after accidents are treated as contracted assets.
In theory, the seller is not obligated to enter the unit and make changes on site; it may turn out to be a restored piece.
In practice, under the banner of a contract, items are sold one after another—both the contract engines and gearboxes, often sourced from abroad, and taken from stolen vehicles and prepared for resale.
When they are needed
Demand for contract units remains high and steady. They are significantly cheaper than new parts, and a contract engine can even be cheaper than a complete short block, though it includes that short block.
Sometimes a contract unit costs less than a full overhaul. This is especially true for complex, high-volume engines where the final tally—parts plus labor—reaches six figures. Consider an older SUV with a body still serviceable but a worn-out V6 engine. A fresh engine can run about 500,000 rubles, repairs might total 300–400 thousand, while a contract unit is available for 150–200 thousand.
Replacing a faulty unit with a contract engine is practical in cases of irreversible mechanical damage, such as:
- a connecting rod failure that pierces the block wall;
- cracked engine blocks;
- block damage from liner scoring.
For gearboxes, the main causes are cracked housings, worn seating surfaces, and extensive damage to gears and clutches.
This situation occurs relatively rarely, and more often on older cars with high mileage. It makes little sense to cram a new engine into a dilapidated body that costs more than the car itself.
What about prices?
All contract units have varying mileage, so prices can be broad. Still, some reference points help guide decisions. Reputable firms typically offer items declared as imported with documents confirming clearance for that specific unit.
Mass-market engine Hyundai 1.6 G4FC, used in models from Rio to Soul, shows price ranges: a new engine in October could cost 120–140 thousand rubles, while a contract unit with about 100,000 km on it might be 55–85 thousand rubles. The same logic applies to a common supercharged engine like Volkswagen 1.4 CAXA, found in Tiguan, Jetta, Golf, Yeti, Octavia, and Rapid; a new engine can be 175 thousand rubles or more, and a contract engine with roughly 100,000 km of run is 70–120 thousand rubles.
Prices are not fixed, as many sellers are willing to buy the original faulty motor back and factor that into the final price. There is no shortage of offers, with Japanese models—especially right-hand drive variants—standing out in volume. In some cases, new engines, such as Mitsubishi 2.4 4B12, seem unavailable in warehouses, while contract options remain plentiful at 95–150 thousand rubles.
What to look for – 8 important points
- Good sellers ask many questions to prevent disputes later. They want the VIN, body and engine numbers, the attachment set, and features that differ across engines. If inquiry is lacking, consider looking elsewhere.
- Reliable sellers are willing to share a high-resolution photo of the product and may offer a live video of the unit in operation. Still, neither alone guarantees everything. It’s wise to inspect the unit under power, in person and with an endoscope if possible.
- Ask how long the engine has sat in the warehouse and under what conditions it was stored. Long outdoor storage can cause condensation, gasket hardening, and related issues.
- Verify the legibility of the serial number and ensure all components are included. Photos can mislead, and items may be missing upon arrival.
- A unit doesn’t need to be perfectly clean, but extreme grime is a warning. Rust is not always a deal-breaker, but it can reveal sealant state and whether the engine has been opened to address problems.
- Look for overt soot, cloudy emulsion, or brown oil at the filler neck. The throttle body should be clean. Sellers who keep it tidy often check these areas carefully.
- If possible, assess the condition of seals, gaskets, bolts, and clamps. Cracks at mounting points are a serious red flag.
- When feasible, measure cylinder compression. It isn’t always possible to finalize a deal based on this alone, but testing the unit after installation and changing the oil and filter is essential. Spark plugs should match their condition.
Safety precautions
The process of reconciling the engine number in the MREO carries the risk of exposing prior theft. This is a primary reason to avoid engines bought hastily or from sellers who cannot prove origin. If a stolen vehicle is identified, the car may be impounded until the case is clarified. A forged number also carries legal consequences under the Criminal Code.
Purchasing contract engines is often described as a lottery. Avoid broad, unchecked buying. However, the market is full of long-standing, reputable companies supplying contract units that are reliable and in good working order.
Preference should go to firms with a proven track record and positive customer feedback. Payment should be made through bank transfers only, never by card.
Which guarantees?
Most reputable companies offer a short warranty to verify performance, typically up to a month or a defined mileage.
During this period, a diagnostic check is advisable; if issues arise, take action promptly. Ideally, have a video endoscope available beforehand, as these tools are affordable today.
FINDINGS
There are clear drawbacks to contract engines, the most practical being the unknown total service life and potential remaining reliability.
Yet, in many cases buyers are satisfied. When a car breaks down and mobility is essential, this option often proves the most affordable and straightforward solution.
This publication explains how to register a contract engine.
- The engine and gearbox tend to last longer with eight simple tips.
- Readers can also find more in the section behind the wheel on Telegram, for ongoing updates.
Vote – win Lada!
Participate in the Behind the Wheel Grand Prix poll to help choose the best car innovations of the year.
As thanks for participating, three prizes are offered to survey respondents. Entries close on February 28, 2023, for those who finish early.