Classic engine rebuilds from a home garage

Classic and hobby car owners, restorers and car club members who want a trusted builder for a single engine.

Quoted price per rebuild covering your labour plus parts, with machining passed on at cost plus a margin.

• Mechanical experience with engine assembly
• Patience and careful record keeping
• Networking in car clubs

• Council approval for a home-based business, and neighbour noise or hours restrictions
• Public liability insurance, and check whether your home policy excludes business activity
• Safe storage and disposal of oils, coolant and solvents
• Quality and warranty risk, so put terms in writing before you start
• Tool and space limits that cap how many jobs you can do at once

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on the tools you already own, the engine stand and measuring gear you need, and how much machining you outsource to a local machine shop.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many builds you take on and their complexity. Space and tools limit how many jobs you can run at once, so this suits a few quality builds.

Check council approval for a home-based business and any neighbour noise or hours restrictions. Also check whether your home policy excludes business activity, get public liability insurance, plan safe storage and disposal of oils, coolant and solvents, and set warranty terms in writing.