Brace the wallet: in Australia, a basic 4‑cyl petrol refresh can run about $2,500–$6,000, a 6‑cyl $4,000–$9,000, and V8s or turbo‑diesels $6,000–$15,000+.
A full engine-out rebuild with machining, pistons, bearings, timing gear and ancillaries often lands $5,000–$12,000 for mainstream cars, and $10,000–$20,000+ for Euro, performance or 4x4 diesel units.
Labour alone can be 10–25 hours at roughly $120–$200 per hour, so the bill snowballs faster than a servo meat pie.
Sometimes a reconditioned or crate replacement is cheaper: think $3,000–$8,000 for common 4‑cyls and $8,000–$18,000+ for larger or prestige engines, plus installation.
Get itemised quotes, clarify parts and machining quality, and insist on a written warranty before anyone unbolts so much as a hose clamp.

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