Shop Talk
Engine building notes from the bench.
Guides written by the people doing the machining. Break-in, ring gaps, torque specs, kit selection, and what a rebuild actually costs.
How to choose a machine shop
The questions to ask and the quality indicators that separate a good shop from a cheap one.
What an engine rebuild costs
How to total parts, machining and labor, and what to ask for when you request quotes.
Picking a kit: Chevy, Ford, Chrysler
Which rebuild kit fits your engine, and the differences that actually matter.
Using torque specs correctly
Thread prep, a calibrated wrench, and following the manufacturer sequence.
Measuring piston ring end gaps
How to measure and set end gaps so the engine seals and survives break-in.
Engine break-in procedure
The first hours decide how the rings seat. Here is the procedure we give customers.
The rebuild process, start to finish
Teardown, inspection, machining, assembly and test run, in order.
Toyota rebuild kits
Choosing the correct kit for a Toyota engine.
Honda rebuild kits
Choosing the correct kit for a Honda engine.
Nissan rebuild kits
Choosing the correct kit for a Nissan engine.
Engine rebuild kit guide
Start here if you are not sure which kit you need.