What to Do with Your Old Engine After an EV Conversion

Your electric conversion project is finally complete. The engine bay is now quiet, clean, and your new (old) car is ready to carry you into the future. But as you admire the sleek transformation, one question still remains: what should you do with the old gas engine? This isn’t just a hunk of scrap metal—it’s a piece of machinery with value, history, and potential.

No matter what you’re looking to do, whether it’s making a quick buck, embracing sustainability, or keeping your options open for the future, here’s how you can handle your old engine after converting to electric.

Sell Your Old Car Engine for Profit

As simple as it comes—this one’s obvious. If your old engine is still in working condition, reselling it is one of the most straightforward options. Many converters even offer to take the engine off your hands as part of the conversion deal, shaving a nice chunk off your final bill. This approach works particularly well if your engine is from a sought-after model, as collectors, mechanics, and other car enthusiasts are often on the lookout for functional parts.

1. Where to Sell: If your converter’s offer isn’t appealing to you, platforms like eBay Motors, Craigslist, and specialized auto forums are great for listing old engines.

2. How Much to Expect: The price naturally depends on the engine itself. Its condition, age, and most important, its rarity. But even older models can fetch a decent price if they’re in good shape.

Selling your old engine not only helps offset the cost of your EV conversion but also keeps the engine in use, extending its life and reducing waste.

Engine Recycling After EV Conversion

If your old engine is blown or beyond repair—which is often what motivates an EV conversion in the first place—recycling is your best bet. Most engine components are made from metals like aluminum, steel, and copper, all of which can be repurposed. Recycling ensures these materials don’t end up in a landfill.

1. Where to Recycle: Local scrap yards, recycling centers, and auto parts recyclers are equipped to handle engines. Some even offer pickup services for big engines.

2. Feel Good About Yourself: Recycling prevents toxic fluids like oil and coolant from polluting the environment and conserves resources by reusing valuable materials.

3. What to Expect: Scrap value for an engine varies, but you can often expect a small sum based on the weight and type of metals.

Keep It for Reversibility

For some, the old engine holds sentimental or practical value, and keeping it is the preferred route. Whether you’re unsure about fully committing to electric or want the ability to return the vehicle to its original state someday, holding onto the original engine gives you that flexibility—especially if it’s a rare or collectible model. Retaining the original engine can preserve the car’s historical integrity and resale value.

As far as storage goes, make sure to properly drain all fluids and store the engine in a dry, secure space to prevent rust and damage. Use a pallet or engine stand for stability.

Repurpose Old Car Engine

If you’re feeling adventurous, an old engine can be repurposed into a unique project. From furniture to art installations, we’re all about fun ways to give your engine a second life.

You could turn it into an art piece, using individual components like pistons and valves to create sculptures or wall art. Similarly, you could turn it into a coffee table, with the engine block as the base. You just completed an EV conversion. You’re creative. Repurposing is a chance to show that off while keeping a part of your car’s legacy in your life.

An EV conversion isn’t just about transforming your car—it’s about making a difference every step of the way. Whether you sell, recycle, keep, or repurpose your old engine, there’s no wrong way to handle it—unless you toss it in a landfill. Not cool.

If profit is your goal, selling it can offset your conversion costs. If sustainability matters most, recycling ensures nothing goes to waste. And if sentimentality or creativity drives you, keeping or repurposing it keeps the engine’s story alive.

Your old engine played a role in your car’s past. Now, it’s up to you to decide how it fits into your car’s—and your life’s—future.