Aftermarket Engine Kits Explained

If you believe your engine is ready for an overhaul, you'll be looking for an engine kit.  Your first step is to determine if that's all your engine needs.  As long as there's no hole in the block or crack in the head, a kit can do the trick in getting your engine running like a champ again.

As you no doubt already know, the project can be costly.  You can save money if you are able to do the work yourself but another cost is the kit.  OEM dealers like CAT, Cummins, Perkins, Deere and others will likely have the parts you need but they can be expensive.  A reliable alternative are aftermarket kits.

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So, what's the difference between OEM engine kits and aftermarket?  Machine Specialist Derek Weiss of KMP has been distributing his KMP brand for years.

"The main differences (between aftermarket and OE kits) are a lower price and much higher level of service that the customer will receive when dealing with an aftermarket company. KMP specializes in only a few product lines as opposed to other companies who may be OEM suppliers for 10 or more lines of machines, engines and miscellaneous parts. This allows us to be more knowledgeable on the product we sell."

Weiss also says many OEM companies don't even sell engine kits.  Instead, consumers have to buy the parts separately, adding to the final cost. He adds aftermarket kits generally cost less because of a lower profit margin and better buying power. Of course quality is a major factor, so what about that when it comes to aftermarket kits.

aftermarket engine rebuild kits
"The quality is equivalent and sometimes better due to the factories using newer technology in production. Often times, the aftermarket parts come from a factory that is also an OME producer," Weiss said.

Generally, infame kits include pistons, piston pins, pin retainers, ring sets, liners and seals (if applicable), rod bearings, main bearings, thrust washers, upper gasket set & a pan gasket.

Out of frame kits include: pistons, piston pins, pin retainers, ring sets, liners & seals (if applicable), rod bearings, main bearings, thrust washers, rod bushings, cam bearings upper gasket set & lower gasket set. Engine overhaul kits include: pistons, piston pins, pin retainers, ring sets, liners & seals (if applicable), rod bearings, main bearings, thrust washers, rod bushings, cam bearings upper gasket set & a lower gasket set, intake & exhaust valves, intake & exhaust guides, intake & exhaust seats, intake & exhaust seals, intake & exhaust springs, intake & exhaust spring seats, valve keepers and injector tubes (if applicable).

Also, kits for certain product lines may include filters and rod bolts. Before any consumer decides to buy an engine kit Weiss says the most important thing to consider is having all of the necessary information to order the correct parts. "The customer should already know what size bearings and pistons are needed prior to ordering the parts."

Weiss advises all machine owners to have all the necessary engine information for each make and model to be sure they get the correct parts they need. Machine Make, Model, and Serial Numbers are always going to speed up your search for parts.

Call us for your Engine Kit Today at 1-716-836-5069.