Warning: I had to choose between a full engine rebuild or a used motor swap for a 2012 Focus

The car came in with a bad knock, and the owner gave me a hard limit of $2,500. I could rebuild the original 2.0L, which would take me about a week and use up most of the budget on parts, or I could source a used JDM motor for less and get it done in two days. I went with the used motor from a local supplier, got it in and running. It's been three months now and the customer just called to say it's running smooth. Has anyone else had a good run with a JDM swap in a common domestic car, or did I just get lucky this time?

2 comments

2 Comments

brian_jackson13d ago

Used JDM motor for less" is the move. You got a good one, they're not all like that.

coleman.jade13d ago

Saw a guy on the local forum last month, Brian Jackson. Dropped a used JDM motor in his Civic. Thing smoked like crazy after 500 miles. Just saying it's a real gamble. You can get a good one, but you can also get a total junk yard core. Not sure the savings are worth that kind of headache.