New/Used Engine under $5000?

[AirBoyzT]

Can it be done. A brand new Engine or a decent post 90s engine and Transmission for under $5000? I am looking at this option, as I currently have a Volvo Penta 2002 18hp engine that needs a new or rebuilt transmission that, because its hard to find, is costing near $5000. Any help. Looking at the 18hp-25hp range. Preferably not Volvo Penta as it seems parts are hard to get. Called Beta and quoted $8200 for a brand new 20hp engine and transmission, and I know they are on the expensive side.
Thanks!
-Aaron

[Chasing Summer]

Can you do the work yourself? I tend to lean toward Perkins and would go with a 70s era engine. Just my opinion. ... and I really like Borg Warner transmissions.

[denverd0n]

Having someone else do all the work? Absolutely no way. If you can do most of the work yourself, then maybe.

[gjordan]

Is your engine missing the transmission, or is it just a blown transmission? If the engine is in good condition, I am sure you can get a tranny rebuilt for less than $5K. Volvo parts are pricy, but I dont think they would cost that much, even with labor. Also, since I believe the 2002 has the flywheel at the rear of the engine, there may be other brands or models of Volvo trannys that could interchange. I am also looking for a transmission for an MD7A, and I found that the west coast Volvo dealer, called Helmut Marine in San Rafael, Calif. gave me very accurate information, when several Volvo dealers didnt even return my call. Good Luck. ______Grant.

[AirBoyzT]

Installing engine myself, just don't know how to rebuild engines. I guess I can try to get the transmission rebuilt, they just quoted $2200-5000.

[a64pilot]

See I'm thinking buy an older engine/ transmission and learn how to re-build it yourself. It's really not that difficult, assuming you really want to, not everyone does.

[Yeti]

You have to be diligent in your constant searching of craigslist and other "used marketplace" ads.

I secured a Universal M25XPB off of Craigslist for $2600 by being the first guy to show up the morning it was posted. If I was 30 minutes later someone else would have had it.

At the time I found that engine. I had been looking for several months. Several times a day I would search the craiglslist ads for my region. As soon as I saw the ad for the engine I called them to make sure it was still there and then went directly there with cash in hand.

[Terra Nova]

I bought a Yanmar 2GM with trans, completely rebuilt by a Yanmar Gold dealer, for $3500