Cylinder head reconditioning specialist

Independent garages, mechanics who strip engines themselves, and motorists with overheated or worn engines.

A fixed price per head or per valve job, plus parts such as valves, guides and seals. Quick turnaround for garages is the main selling point.

• Machining or engine reconditioning experience
• Accurate measuring and testing
• Reliable turnaround times

• Council or zoning rules for running machinery at a unit or shed, check before signing a lease
• Disposal of coolant, cleaning solvents and swarf, check your state EPA rules
• Public liability and product liability insurance
• Warped or cracked heads that cannot be saved, so agree an inspection fee up front
• Relying on a few garage customers, which makes income uneven

Estimates suggest startup costs typically sit around $25,000 to $80,000, depending on the unit or shed and which machines you buy. A cylinder head specialist needs fewer and smaller machines than a full engine shop.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $15,000, depending on your location and how many garages and motorists you serve. Relying on a few garage customers can make income uneven, so these figures are estimates only.

Check council or zoning rules for running machinery at a unit or shed before signing a lease. Also check your state EPA rules for disposing of coolant, solvents and swarf, and public and product liability insurance. Agree an inspection fee up front for heads that cannot be saved.