Classic and performance engine rebuilds, part-time

Classic car owners, restorers, hobbyists with project cars, and owners of older trucks, bikes or boats who want the original engine kept alive.

Labour charged per job or per hour, plus a margin on parts and passed-through machine shop costs. Building a reputation in one niche allows higher rates.

• Engine assembly and tolerances
• Parts sourcing and record keeping
• Patience with long projects and clear updates to customers

• Zoning and municipal licence rules, and whether a home garage is allowed for this kind of work, check with your municipality
• Disposal of used oil, coolant and solvents under provincial rules
• Insurance for work on customers' engines and parts stored in your space
• Trade certification requirements for mechanical work vary by province, check your provincial apprenticeship body
• Projects can drag on if parts are hard to find, so agree deposits and timelines in writing
• Winter slows some classic car work, while spring tends to bring a rush

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on your tools, the rented bay and the parts and measuring equipment you need. Because machining is outsourced to a local machine shop, you avoid buying heavy machining equipment.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on the number of projects, your specialty and how quickly you can source parts. Projects can drag on, so agree deposits and timelines in writing. Plan for about 15 hours a week at minimum.

Check zoning and municipal licence rules, including whether a home garage is allowed for this work. Also check provincial rules on disposing of used oil, coolant and solvents, insurance for customers' engines and parts, and trade certification requirements with your provincial apprenticeship body.