Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Listed here are the questions we encounter most often regarding engine rebuilding, core charges, installations and auto parts.

If you do not find your answer, please contact us.

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What typically comes with an Engine Rebuild?

A Full inspection must be done to assess the current condition of the engine, any missing or broken parts is an Extra Cost.
Engines must be delivered to our shop, we do Not provide Removal or Installations.

Long Block:
Stock Rebuild (Block and Head(s) Only)  typically consists of :
New Pistons, Rings, Engine Bearings, Full Gasket set, Oil Pump, Timing Set, and Freeze Plugs.
Machine Services:  Recondition/Grind Crank, Recondition/Grind Cam, Recondition Connecting Rods, Bore and Hone engine block, Valve Job (rebuild heads)-Resurface, Grind Valves, 3-angle cut Valve seats, install new exhaust guides and valve stem seals, Clean, and Assemble.
Parts may vary depending on Make, Model, Year, and Engine Size.

Some models (vintage or current years) may have parts availability issues, it depends on the make, model, and year of the vehicle.

How long does it typically take to rebuild an engine?

The typical Turn-time is 7-10 business days, as long as the parts are available.
Vintage, Specialty, Special requests, Non-Stock items, can add more time to source and receive the parts.

Please contact us for current turn times, we can get really swamped.

Do we provide Remove and Install?

We do NOT provide removal and installation.
We are a busy machine shop, we are not a mechanic repair shop, we cannot accommodate a fleet of cars on our lot.

Please drop off your Engine- Short Block, Long Block, or Cylinder Heads, we can handle those.

Do I have to remove the extra parts before I drop off the engine?

Yes, please remove all the extra parts off the engine. Such as timing cover, oil pan, valve covers, exhaust manifold, and intake manifold.
Small parts can get lost or broken. Some may prevent us from utilizing the machines to provide you services.
We only need the Engine Block and Cylinder Head(s).
There may be a Service Charge imposed if you leave on extra parts that prevent us from using the machines.

This is true on cylinder head work (Valve Jobs), so please take off any extra parts.

What is a Core Charge?

A Core Charge Fee is a Pre-paid amount billed at the time of sale for your Old Engine (the Core).  The Core must be “Like-for-Like” (Make, Model, and Type), no junkyard cores will be accepted. We must Inspect the current condition of your old engine for the Exchange of the Rebuilt Engine you are purchasing.

Core Charge is Refundable if Your engine is in Good Rebuildable Condition with all components.
Full credit will be given Unless Damages, Broken Parts, Missing Parts, and Exceptions are found.

Example:
Cracks/Welds in engine block, cracks in heads, this is damage.
Visible Holes in Engine block, this is damage.
Missing Parts- Crank, Bearing Caps, Rods, Rod Caps, Cam, Timing Components, etc.
Broken Parts- Bent or broken connecting rods, valves, etc..

If it is Not in good rebuildable condition or missing parts, there will NOT be a Refund.
There may be a Partial Refund if core contains good rebuildable parts.  Must be inspected to determine.

*** NOTE: Block Cores that are .40 Over  or Higher, may Not receive Full Core Credit.***

These examples will affect the Return of the Core Charge Fee.

Your Responsibilities:
Your core must be marked to identify it as YOUR core.

Cores MUST Assembled and drained of all fluids.
Cores must be returned within 14 days of the delivery date to receive credit.
Freight companies have requested Engines be shipped Crated- Strapped to a Pallet.  You can use the same packaging we shipped your engine in.
If it is Not in rebuildable condition, there will NOT be a Refund.

After inspection we will determine the amount to be Refunded/Credited back, Charges apply if any conditions above are present.  Partial Credit may be applied, but a thorough inspection must be performed first to determine.

Engines returned disassembled will Void our Core Policy and will be subject to Chargebacks.

Can I bring my own engine parts in for you to rebuild my engine?

No, we cannot warranty any Parts that we did not source, purchase, and receive.

Most manufacturers warranties apply to the purchaser only, which would be you and not us.

The recourse to correct replacements, defects, correct sizes, etc is time consuming and we cannot spend manpower, resources, or shop space waiting on parts, that may or may not be the correct ones.

We cannot warranty any Labor for faulty, defective, sub-standard, used, incorrect, wrong size, incorrect application parts, or otherwise.  This is why we provide the parts used in your rebuild.

When we rebuild an engine, we build it to O.E.M. specifications.
When Machine work is performed, sizing may change, we order parts for your specific engine rebuild from trusted sources to perform the work.

Do you charge Sales Tax?

Yes, for California residents only.
Prices listed on this site are listed WITHOUT Sales Tax included.
Uncle Sam requires us to charge Sales Tax, therefore it will be added to your invoice.

Do you do other work on cars?

No, we are a Full Service Machine Shop and Auto Parts Store.
We do not have mechanics on duty.
We do not provide Transmission repair, work, or service.
We do not provide Electrical repair, work, or service.
We do not provide Body Repairs of any kind.
If you need an Auto or Engine part, we can help.
If you need Engine Rebuilding or Machine Work for your Rebuild, we can help.

What if my newly installed engine will not start because of Anti-Theft device or Security Features?

In newer model cars, factory installed built in security system/anti-theft devices are common.
Your key or key fob may have a coded transponder chip installed into it, this is a sure sign you have the system.
This system doesn’t have anything to do with the Remanufactured Engine itself.

The system reads the key, routes it through the Body Control Module (BCM) or Anti-Theft Module to the Engine Computer, it receives a “Go” or “No Go” signal.
If it receives a “No Go”, the system will not enable the ignition, fuel system, or starter.

If this happens, you will have to take your car to the Dealer. They will diagnose it with a Factory Scan Tool to determine what is causing the problem.
We cannot provide assistance, diagnosis, or repair if this situation occurs.
Only the dealer can address this issue. This is the responsibility of the Car Owner.
Be sure to have all keys issued to you when you purchased the car, sometimes the car is ‘synced’ to a certain key.

Do you ship Parts and Engines?

Yes, we do ship auto parts and engines.

Pricing has many variables. Depending on the size, dimensions, weight, irregular sizing, packaging, etc., the price varies depending on destination, zip code, whether it will be delivered to U.S. contiguous 48 states, or International.  Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico cost more than lower 48 States. We would need the full shipping address with Postal Code to estimate pricing with the various carriers.

Engines must be shipped by Freight Trucking companies.

Engines must be Crated and Strapped to a pallet.  Engines MUST be drained of all fluids or the Trucking Company will charge you an EXTRA Hazmat fee if it leaks.

For engines to be shipped, To or From us, pricing depends on a few variables:

  • Weight of engine- so make sure any extra parts are removed, they add weight and can break off depending on how you package it.  Drain all fluids, including water to avoid additional charges or damage.
  • Height, Length, and Width of the packaged engine.
  • Whether it is Crated or on a Pallet. (which should be included in the sizing). Secure it to pallet to avoid damages.
  • Whether it will be delivered to a Business address or Residential address.  We are a Business.
  • If you have a way to load/unload it or not (like a Forklift).  We have a Forklift.
    Engines weigh hundreds of pounds, a delivery person cannot unload it off a truck by themselves.
  • You will need to know the Freight Class- a Palletized Engine is Freight Class 85.

For any specific questions on shipping an engine, it is best to call a Trucking company directly.
To Save Money- Crated engines cost less to ship, they take up less space and can be stacked.  Must be packaged in a sturdy crate.
Business address usually cost less than Residential address for Pickup and Delivery.
Liftgate service is an additional charge, it’s not a choice if you do not have a way to unload the engine.

We work with various shipping companies, so we can assist you in determining the shipping cost.

What if I Cancel my Engine Order?
ENGINE CANCELLATION/RETURNS:
If you change your mind, decide not to continue, or cancel your Engine Order Purchase/Rebuild for any reason, once the order has been placed and paid for (includes deposit), and do not want us to complete your build, you will incur a 25% shop fee for time, labor, resources, and materials.
Do you rebuild Vintage Engines?
Vintage, Classics, Engine Rebuilds and Kits:

Yes, we rebuild older vintage classic engines.  Flatheads, Straight-6, Straight-8, and other vintage models.
AMC, Buick, Chevy, Chrysler, Dodge, Desoto, Ford, GM, GMC, and more.
Shoot us an email to find out pricing.
If you are unsure of your model, email us the Block Casting # and any other numbers you find.
If you need a kit, email with your information so we can make an Engine Rebuild Kit for you.
Call us if you have questions 818 767-6603.

Still Have Questions?

Check our Customer Service page.
Find answers on Terms & Conditions, Warranties, and more.

Email Us

Call us at 818 767-6603