News

With the addition of our new page on JASPER engines and transmissions, we think it's time to have a talk about the differences between rebuilding, remanufacturing, and buying used engines and transmissions.

It's no secret that two of the most expensive components in a vehicle are the engine and the transmission. When either becomes irreparable, it really turns a driver's world upside down. In our work as an auto repair shop, we've come across our share of dead transmissions and engines. It's never an easy subject to broach. Honestly, who wants to break it to a driver that the engine or transmission is gone? It can be really devastating. Yet it happens and will continue to happen.

Reasons vary, but the question we hope to answer now is "what next?"

Transmission and Engine Options

Simple repair is out of the question, and you're not so sure you want to invest in a new or used car at this time in your life. Alternatively, you might have invested so much into your vehicle already that you won't settle for anything else. Here are your other options:

• Rebuild your transmission or engine
• Install a remanufactured transmission or engine
• Install a used transmission or engine

Each of these options appeal to drivers for different reasons. You've got an important choice to make, so take a moment to understand the pros and cons of each so that you can make an informed decision best suited for your needs.

Rebuilding Transmissions and Engines

A rebuilding service involves work on your current transmission. During this service, worn or defunct parts are replaced. If the entire component in the engine or transmission is bad, a rebuilder will replace it with one from a different vehicle.

Pros

• Saves money

Cons

• Unequal wear
• Warranties generally not long

When determining if this is the right service for you, keep in mind that the components in your rebuilt transmission or engine won't feature the same level of wear throughout. You'll have newer parts working with older ones. Depending on what needs to be replaced, this might be a good option. We provide a transmission rebuilding service and would be happy to give our professional opinion on your own circumstances.

Remanufactured Transmissions and Engines

With a remanufactured transmission or engine, all worn parts are re-machined or replaced as opposed to just the ones that didn't work. We sell and install JASPER remanufacutred engines and transmissions at our shop. JASPER remanufactured engines and transmissions are nice as they include design updates to fix common OEM problems.

Pros

• Saves money
• Generally long warranties
• Often include design updates
• Remachined and Replaced parts

Cons

• Could be slightly higher priced than rebuild

If there's a lot wrong with your current engine or transmission system or you want the peace of mind that comes with having long warranty, a remanufactured engine or transmission from JASPER could be a great choice. JASPER engines and transmissions come with a 3 year, 100,0000 mile warranty that puts most drivers at ease when deciding on what option is best.

Used Engines and Transmissions

Before we discuss this option, we want to put a disclaimer that we really don't recommend you do this unless you really know what you're doing. You are free to go "picking" for a used transmission or engine. The catch is that you need to be able to tell whether what you're buying is good or bad. If you can't identify how worn the engine or transmission is or how long it's been sitting around unused, you're taking a high risk in purchasing it.

Pros

• Generally cheapest option

Cons

• Unknown wear
• Either no or short warranty

Even when buying used, an engine or transmission is still not going to be the cheapest thing around. If you're going to spend money on your engine or transmission to get your vehicle running again, get it done once and get it done right. Otherwise, you're taking a serious gamble.

We hope this sheds a bit more light on remanufacuring vs. rebuilding vs. buying used. If you have any additional questions, please direct them to us. You can also learn more about your options by reading this great article - Auto Parts: Rebuilt, Remanufactured or Reused?