The Ultimate Motor Swap Experience
The Ultimate Motor Swap Experience at Donny’s Automotive LLC
When your vehicle’s engine starts showing signs of serious trouble—maybe it’s knocking, losing power, or just not running like it used to—it can feel like the end of the road. But at Donny’s Automotive LLC, we see it as the beginning of a new chapter for your car. As Albuquerque’s trusted veteran-owned shop, we specialize in motor swaps that bring vehicles back to life, often better than ever. Here’s what you can expect when you trust us with this major repair.
What Is a Motor Swap and Why Might You Need One?
A motor swap, sometimes called an engine swap, is the process of removing your vehicle’s existing engine and replacing it with another—either a new, remanufactured, or used engine. This isn’t a job for just any garage. It requires technical know-how, specialized equipment, and a team that’s committed to doing the job right the first time.
You might need a motor swap if:
Your engine has suffered catastrophic failure (like a thrown rod or cracked block).
You want to upgrade to a more powerful or fuel-efficient engine.
Your current engine is beyond economical repair, but the rest of your vehicle is in great shape.
At Donny’s Automotive, we handle swaps for all makes and models—domestic, import, gas, diesel, even high-performance builds. Our certified technicians have seen it all, from classic Chevys to modern BMWs.
Step 1: Diagnosis and Honest Recommendations
Every motor swap starts with a thorough diagnostic. We use state-of-the-art tools to assess the full extent of engine damage and determine if a swap is truly the best option. Sometimes, a major repair or rebuild may be possible, and we’ll always let you know if there’s a more cost-effective route.
Transparency is one of our core values. We work closely with your budget and explain every option, so you can make an informed decision. If a swap is the way to go, we’ll outline the process, timeline, and all costs up front—no hidden fees, no surprise markups.
Step 2: Sourcing the Right Engine
Not all replacement engines are created equal. We partner with leading suppliers like WorldPAC, Carpart Planet, and major OEMs (Chevy, Kia, BMW, Volkswagen, Ford, and more) to find the right engine for your vehicle. Whether you want a brand-new engine, a remanufactured unit, or a quality used motor, we’ll source it at a competitive price—guaranteed to beat any local competitor’s quote with proof.
We also pass along exclusive savings, like $100 off used or remanufactured engines and transmissions through Carpart Planet, to keep your costs down.
Step 3: The Swap—A Behind-the-Scenes Look
Once your replacement engine arrives, our team gets to work. Here’s a peek at what happens in our shop:
1. Preparation and Safety
We start by disconnecting the battery, draining fluids, and labeling all connections. Safety is paramount, so we use professional-grade lifts and follow strict procedures to avoid damage to your vehicle or the new engine.
2. Removal
The old engine is carefully removed, along with any components that need to be transferred to the new motor—like sensors, brackets, and mounts. If your vehicle’s transmission is due for service, we’ll handle that at the same time (and often recommend it, since access is optimal during a swap).
3. Inspection and Upgrades
Before installing the new engine, we inspect related systems—cooling, fuel, exhaust, and electronics. We’ll recommend replacing worn-out parts (like hoses, belts, or mounts) to ensure your swap lasts for years to come. If you want to upgrade anything (maybe a performance exhaust or a new stereo system), now’s the perfect time.
4. Installation and Programming
We install the new engine, reconnect all systems, and program the ECM/PCM as needed. Our team is equipped to handle advanced key programming and ECM/PCM programming for even the most modern vehicles.
5. Testing and Quality Control
Before you get your car back, we run a full suite of tests—checking for leaks, verifying sensor readings, and performing a road test to ensure everything runs smoothly. Our attention to detail is what sets us apart, and we don’t cut corners.
Step 4: Warranty and Peace of Mind
Every motor swap at Donny’s Automotive comes with our industry-leading warranty: 36 months or 36,000 miles nationwide, plus a 24-month/24,000-mile in-house warranty for extra security. We stand behind our work, so you can hit the road with confidence.
Real Customer Stories
Don’t just take our word for it—our customers say it best:
Dennis A. brought in his Mini Cooper for a windshield and tune-up, and left thrilled with the turnaround and price.
Joanna P. needed her 1989 Chevy food truck ready for a festival. We got it running in a week, helping her meet her deadline.
Megan S. was skeptical at first, but found our shop to be a reliable one-stop solution for all her car’s needs.
We’re proud that our reputation for fairness, quality, and value has earned us the trust of so many in the Albuquerque and Rio Rancho communities.
Why Choose Donny’s Automotive for Your Engine Swap?
Veteran-Owned Values: Integrity, service, and community are at the heart of everything we do.
Certified Technicians: our certified Technion's have experience across all makes and models.
Transparent Pricing: No inflated parts costs or surprise fees. We’ll beat any competitor’s quote.
Flexible Scheduling: We’re open 24/7 by appointment, with online booking and walk-ins welcome.
Fleet and Commercial Expertise: We handle commercial and fleet vehicles, with special programs for business clients.
Ready for a Fresh Start?
If your vehicle needs a new engine, don’t panic—call Donny’s Automotive LLC at (505) 312-2455 or book online here. We’ll guide you through every step, work with your budget, and get you back on the road with a car you can rely on.
At Donny’s Automotive, our true passion lies in helping our customers. Let us show you how a motor swap, done right, can give your vehicle a whole new lease on life.
