Which is Better – iMT or DCT?

 When you are in the market for used transmissions, it allows you the opportunity to explore some transmission options and try something new that suits your current requirements better. Picking a transmission used to be an easy task when there were limited choices in the market, but now there is iMT, AMT, CVT, a torque converter, and a DCT, all of them with their own perks.

So, to make things simpler for you, we compared iMT and DCT options on three parameters to help you buy the used transmission most suitable for you. However, this comparison may not have an outright winner but an insight one which transmission might best suit your requirements.

iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission)

iMT or Intelligent Manual Transmission is one of Hyundai’s advancements. It is a clutch-less manual transmission. The functioning of iMT is as simple as it sounds. It’s a manual transmission minus the clutch pedal to offer the convenience of two-pedal driving. In iMT setup you have to shift gears using an H-pattern shifter. The only difference is that instead of the clutch pedal there is an actuator that takes care of engaging & disengaging the clutch whenever required. This technology is also available in Kia Sonet.

The iMT is the most affordable option in the market. It offers a decent driving experience, which is similar to the manual transmission except that it allows to cruise smoothly in traffic. It also offers a bit of value for money. However, there is no noticeable difference in fuel efficiency of iMT as compared with manual transmission. So, if you just want to change your transmission because of traffic hustles, iMT may fix that problem for you.

DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission)

A Dual Clutch Transmission is considered the most sophisticated option out of all the automatic transmission options. The DCT technology was earlier reserved for high-end sports cars, but it trickled down over the years of mass-market cars. It consists of two different clutches that control two sets of gear ratios, one odd and one even. Since it’s automatic, it pre-selects the next required gear using the second clutch. As a result, it reduces the time of the gear shift. In DCT, the time difference between the gear shift is negligible.

In terms of price, the DCT is somewhat more expensive than manual and a lot more expensive to repair. Since it’s completely automatic, it also has an elaborate setup. However, it makes up for all of that with its range of performance. It offers a better driving experience because of the fine-tuned setup and quick comfortable gearshifts. It is also coming very close to the ideal efficiency numbers. Thus, a DCT is the best all-around package.

Which is Better? 

If the transmissions are to be compared exclusively, it’s a no-brainer that DCT is the winner. All you have to do is put the lever to drive mode, it will take care of the rest. So, if you are looking for an automatic transmission that makes driving absolutely convenient, DCT is your pick. However, since there is no lag in the iMT as well, you may opt for a used transmission with iMT technology for a clutchless experience. Moreover, when it comes to fuel efficiency, iMT has an upper hand over the DCT or any other automatic.

Conclusion

To buy a used transmission, you have to carefully assess all the options against each other on various parameters. While one may seem better than the other, it is also important to consider its compatibility and price tag. So, when you come across a used transmission for sale, whether an iMT or a DCT, pick the technology that suits your requirement, budget, and vehicles the best.

4 Best Used Ford Engines for a Mustang

 The Ford Mustang is a well-demanded series of cars manufactured by Ford since 1964. It is Ford’s longest-produced car which is also the fifth top-selling nameplate in the company’s history. It is still a perennial favorite of car-enthusiasts and has a ton of accolades under its belt. Going forward strong with 6 generations, the Ford Mustang engine continues to offer superb handling and powerful acceleration.

However, the mighty Mustang is also vulnerable to the perils of time and wear & tear. Most Mustang owners face incessant engine oil leaks if they are vigilant about the engine’s maintenance. As we know engine oil leaks open an engine to increased friction and affect its performance. So, if you are a Mustang owner, you might want to know about the used Ford engines that delivered the best throughout history.

5.0L Coyote

The 5.0L Coyote went into production in 2011. It was an architectural derivative of Ford’s earlier 4.6L and 5.4L modular engines. Moreover, Ford introduced some serious advancements into this engine in 2018. The Coyote engine was equipped with a high-pressure direct injection fuel system, larger intake & exhaust valves, and a new high-performance camshaft. The current model of 5.0L Coyote V8 churns out about 460 horsepower and an output of 420 lb.-ft of torque. Its generous power output makes it one of the most formidable engines within Ford’s current line-up.

Cobra Jet 428

A lot of people assume that the fastest muscle car-era is Boss 429 which was built for drag racing especially. However, the reality shows that the 428 Cobra Jet is way faster than the Boss. It is close to the Trans Am model of the 70’s Mustang which wasn’t even street legal. The Cobra Jet 428 engine goes zero to 60 in mere 5.5-seconds.

289CI Windsor HiPo 

When talking about Mustang’s performance superiority, it is impossible to not mention the 289CI Windsor Hipo. When the brand went all-in into making race-worthy Mustangs for the masses. The automaker decided to equip the GT350 with a high-output version of 289CI Windsor small-block. It was kind of the staple engine of Ford production at that time, used in various forms. This small block engine led out 306 horsepower with 329-pound-feet. of torque.

Shelby GT500 Supercharged 5.8L

Last but not the least, Shelby GT500 Supercharged 5.8l is the most powerful Mustang Ford has ever built. It graciously offers 662 horsepower and 631-pound feet of torque. The aluminum-made 5.8-liter engine uses a massive, 2.3-liter supercharger which increases its power output yet maintains fuel efficiency. The supercharger adds about 14 psi of boost to GT500’s numbers and helps the engine in offering 24 miles per gallon on the highway. With modern aerodynamics and launch control, the modern GT500 is a piece of astounding machinery.

Final Thoughts

Whether you own a Ford Mustang or a Maverick, ill maintenance can have anyone looking for a used engine for replacement. Thus, it's wise to take a precautionary approach against engine problems and follow the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines. However, if you ever find yourself in need of a used Ford engine, check out Used Engines Inc., as they sell authentic used Ford engines that work great for a Mustang.

What Qualifies as The Best Used Engine?

The engine is as vital to a vehicle as a heart is to the human body. Undoubtedly, it is the most important component of a vehicle. If you are out in the market to buy a used engine, you might want to buy the best-used engine available out there. There are several different parameters that constitute a used engine being the best. We have compiled a list of things that help an engine quality as the best-used engine.  

 

Low mileage

 

The mileage on the engine is directly related to its life expectancy. Although engines with more miles or high mileage will typically cost less, they may not last for very long. The best-used engine is ideally expected to have about 10,000-15,000 miles per year. By doing some calculations, you can easily figure out if the prospective engine is good enough for you. Generally, people prefer to go for a low mileage engine. The low mileage of an engine is a promising factor and suggests that the used engine probably has a few more miles left on it.

 

Comes with a Warranty

 

Warranties are highly sought-after irrespective of the product in question. It holds true of used engines as well. A used engine warranty significantly increases its value & reliability than a used engine without a warranty. Many sellers offer 90 days warranty on their used engines, but a few go beyond the 90 days mark and offer an exclusive product warranty of about 3-5 years. The warranty is what truly sets the best-used engine apart from others.

 

Intact internal parts

 

An engine is composed of several tiny components that work together to generate power and move a vehicle forward. When buying a used engine, the condition of internal parts matters as well. Good quality used engine will have all the internal parts intact and in good condition. There will be no leakage signs and no rust that may indicate excessive damage. Moreover, all the internal parts must be thoroughly lubricated and inspected throughout the service history of the engine.

 

OEM Standard Compliance

 

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) standards are the set of minimum requirements put in place by the original manufacturer of the engine. These standards translate to the smooth functioning of an engine. Hence, for an engine to qualify as drivable, it must be at par with OEM standards. Naturally, OEM standards play a role when buying a used engine as well. The best-used engine is usually considered to be the one that still complies with the OEM standards after all the years of service.

 

Conclusion

 

There are a lot of things that are to be considered when buying a used engine, but a few have a greater significance than the others. Factors like low mileage and warranty give a used engine an edge over the others. While the OEM standards and good condition of internal parts assure the buyer of the quality of the used engine. All these factors combined make an ideal criterion for a used engine to qualify as the best.

Can You Buy Car Engines from a Junkyard?

If you ask someone to describe a junkyard, you will receive all sorts of answers describing it as a metal graveyard, a hunting ground for hoarders, or even a dumping ground. However, a few might describe it as a goldmine with items to treasure. A junkyard is a lot of things but most importantly it is a place where many people go to buy car engines. The junkyards are of two types, self-serve and full-serve, both offers used engines for sale in Houston. So, if you wonder whether one can buy a car engine from a junkyard, the answer would be Yes.

Pros and Cons of Buying an Engine from a Junkyard

Like everything, buying cheap used car engines from a junkyard has its perks but it comes with its set of cons as well.

Pros 

The most prominent perk of buying a used/salvaged engine from a junkyard is that it will be available at a jaw-droppingly low price. The reason is that the cars in the junkyards are damaged, old, and discarded but it doesn’t imply that their engine is damaged as well. Therefore, there’s a high possibility that you might find a car with a perfectly good engine that would work well in your car at an astonishingly low price.

Secondly, scrambling through a junkyard is nothing less than a treasure hunt for auto parts. So, it is likely that you might find unexpected things, things perhaps didn’t know might be useful for you or your car. Thus, when it comes to buying an engine from a junkyard, there are chances that you might find valuable brakes, transmissions, and other auto parts as well.

Cons

One of the biggest drawbacks of buying from an unreliable place like a junkyard is that there is no return or refund policy. So, if you picked the wrong engine model from their lot of used cars engine for sale, or on the off chance, if the engine you bought doesn’t work later, there’s nothing you can do about it.

Another drawback of junkyards with old car engines for sale is that it is a time-consuming process. Finding the right engine model, which is functioning, and low mileage takes a lot of time and energy, which has people seeking an alternative to this process.

Is There a Better Alternative?

Yes, even though hunting the junkyard grounds might be fun for some but there is an easy and convenient alternative. Online suppliers of used engines and transmissions cut the process short by offering only low mileage engines of superior quality with a warranty.

Conclusion

Last but not least, there are plenty of sources to buy a used engine from, but a digitized option is always a convenient and preferable one. Hence, when looking for used engines for sale, explore online available options as well.

3 Common Symptoms of Engine Overheating

 Engine overheating could be possible due to many problems including a blocked radiator, a blockage in coolant circulation, condensed coolant, a failed water pump, or leakage in the cooling system. Your vehicle’s engine runs between 195°F and 220°F range and if any problem occurs within the engine components, the temperature increases beyond the normal level. 

 

However, overheating can also put you in a situation to buy a quality used engine in Houston, Texas. Replacing an engine could be expensive so we suggest you look after all engine components timely to avoid overheating. In this blog, we have discussed 3 typical symptoms of engine overheating and their consequences. 

Consequences of engine overheating

 

Your vehicle needs service within its first three to five years as per the owner’s manual. Besides, some engines in some cars can operate for more than 7 years without any technical trouble. However, to safeguard your car or any other vehicle, it is important to maintain your vehicle’s engine. By maintaining an engine regularly, you don’t have to worry about the functioning of the engine and vehicle as well. 

 

If still, the situation arises where the engine stop working, you can either repair it or look for used engines for sale to replace the old one in Houston. Due to high temperature, your engine’s seals and the gaskets can be damaged badly which is difficult to handle and repair even if you are ready to pay too much money. So, it is vital to know the symptoms of engine overheating and how to deal with it.

 

Three typical symptoms of engine overheating

 

Broken-Down Water Pump

Water Pump is a component of the engine that actively takes part in maintaining coolant movement. Over time it can wear out and stop circulating engine coolant from one end to another end. It’s one of the most frequent reasons for engine overheating and when you ignore it for a longer time, the engine starts showing serious issues and leads you to look for a used engine for sale near you in Houston, Texas. 

 

Condensed Coolant

It usually happens in those places where the temperature drops below the freezing point. It’s one of the irritating problems which comes in extremely cold weather. Low-grade or poor-quality coolant gets concentrated and causes a blockage. In such a situation your engine gets overheated automatically and damages the radiator. 

 

Sometimes it can damage other internal parts also. To prevent engine components please make a habit of using high-grade engine oil and coolant. It will not get condensed soon even if the temperature drops. Otherwise, be ready with the mindset that you need to buy engines online in Houston, Texas. 

 

Blockage in Coolant Circulation

It is another one of the frequent reasons for engine overheating that can bring serious problems to your vehicle’s engine and let you buy used engines with a warranty to replace the older ones. Due to a damaged thermostat, foreign particles or mineral deposits can block the liquid or coolant from flowing through the radiator to disperse heat. And, what happened ultimately, the engine overheats. 

 

Conclusion 

 

It is very annoying when you drive your vehicle to do some urgent work but suddenly steam starts coming out from under the hood. To overcome your stress, read this blog and take precautionary actions to prevent the engine from overheating. It may possible that you won’t understand the engine’s nature and working. In this case, bring your vehicle to the nearest workshop and evaluate issues ASAP.