Bricklin are the classic cars that are known for their great performance and stability. Having them was the dream of many car owners. But it is not easy to maintain and restore them as they are. With time like any other machinery a Bricklin also starts losing its performance, the most common problem comes with the engine. If your Bricklin's engine has failed or starts failing it’s best to replace it timely as a damaged engine starts damaging other parts of the car as well. While some people might think that having a new one is the only available option, now you can buy used engines that will provide the performance like new engines. If you’re in Dallas and need a Used Bricklin Engine, then follow this guide and you can have your used engine with you without breaking the bank.

Know Your Engine Code

 Always have the engine code with you. You can find engine code on the compliance plate or it can be there on the user manual. It is a unique identifier that tells exactly which engine model your car has.  There is a unique manufacturer, model, year number, engine type and configuration for each Bricklin so you must match it before making your purchase. Engine code ensures compatibility. Identifying it inaccurately can lead to wasted time, extra labor, and potential damage. 

Understand Your Needs (Long Block vs. Short Block)

You have two options while choosing a used Bricklin car engine, they are:

Short block

They contain engine block, crankshaft, pistons, and connecting rods. They do not contain cylinder heads or other external components like intake/exhaust systems and timing parts. So the owners who want to use their existing cylinder heads should go for it.

Long block 

They consist of all the parts that are in short block additionally they come with cylinder heads, camshaft, and sometimes with valve train. There are some long blocks that contain covers and oil pans. These ones are easy install mainly and advices when original engine is heavily damaged. 

When you are choosing a used engine, check the damage of your current engine. If you just need replacement with few parts go for a short block as a long block can be costly but if you are not on a budget go for it as it will save time and give more reliable performance.

Verify Mileage and Service History

Mileage plays a very important role in selecting the quality engine. It is always advisable to go for the engine with low mileage. However it does not completely depend on the mileage. If the engine with low mileage has more wear and tear due to lack of service then it will not give performance. Whereas if the engine has slightly high mileage but has good service history and lease wear and tear then it will give performance. So always ask for the engine's service history along with the mileage.

Compression or leak test

Keep in mind to always ask for a compression test and a leak-down test from the supplier before making a purchase. These two are important tests that help in the evaluation of a used engine’s health. A compression test helps to measures the amount of pressure that each cylinder can hold during combustion. It helps find issues like worn piston rings, leaky valves, or failure of head gasket. A reputable seller should not have any problem in giving you test results. Avoid engines with low or inconsistent compression across cylinders. Leak down test tells exactly where pressure is lost within the cylinder. 

Match ECU and Electronics

In today’s time, Modern engines are closely tied to electronic systems, so it is important to make sure that the engine control unit (ECU) and electronics are compatible with your car. Even slight mismatches in sensors, wiring harnesses, or control modules can result in poor performance or no performance at all. Make sure the used engine you choose must be compatible with the wiring layout and ECU version you have. Check engine lights, poor fuel economy, and trouble starting can all result from incompatibility.

Handling, shipping and Warranty

Keep in mind to ask the shipping cost before ordering the used part. There are many sellers who charge high shipping. Remember to ask about the expected time by which you will receive your engine. Along with that ensure that the part is properly secured, a poorly packed part can damage internal parts in transit. . Keep in mind to know about the warranty policy in case of mismatched or damaged parts. Reputable sellers always provide warranty.

Check for Return Policies and Installation Requirements

Sometimes there are chances that even if you have selected the engine carefully it turns out to be a poor fit.  So it is very important to understand the terms of return of the supplier. There are many suppliers of Dallas; even many online dealers don’t provide the warranty and return if the installation is not done by a certified mechanic. There are also the sellers who don’t accept returns if the engine has been modified or installed incorrectly. So make sure to do installation by a professional mechanic. 

Use a trusted supplier

There are many suppliers in Dallas that are specialized in selling used engines. Don’t just go for the random supplier who provides engines at cheap prices. Always go for a certified and trusted supplier. In case you are going for online dealers, check their website, see customer reviews and talk to their customer support to have a clear picture. 

Final thoughts

If you are someone whose Bricklin’s engine failed and you want to extend the life of the car then going for a Used Bricklin Engine can be a great choice for you. They help to keep vehicles running on the road under budget without compromising on quality and performance. Just follow the things we have mentioned above and you can find a reliable supplier.  If you want recommendation you can go for  Beelinesautomotive.com. They not only provide quality parts but also give warranty up to 2 years. They also provide complete documents of all the test results.