Engine Rebuilding Workshop

Classic and performance car owners, garages that don't rebuild in-house, small fleet and van operators, and restoration businesses.

Fixed or quoted price per rebuild, plus machining charges, parts margin and labour. Repeat trade from garages and restorers helps fill the bench.

• Mechanical engineering knowledge
• Precise measuring and attention to detail
• Quoting and customer communication
• Parts sourcing

• Public liability, plus cover for customers' vehicles and engines in your care (check garage or motor trade insurance options)
• Waste oil, coolant and solvents: check your duties as a waste producer and for registration and disposal rules with the Environment Agency (or equivalent)
• Health and safety rules for hazardous substances, lifting and machinery, including fire safety in the unit
• Check that the unit's planning use class allows engineering work, and think about noise and neighbours
• Be clear on warranty terms and your obligations to consumers in writing before you start

Startup costs are typically around £20,000 to £80,000, depending on your unit, machining equipment, tools and insurance. These are estimates, so get quotes for premises and machinery before setting your budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around £5,000 to £22,000, depending on the number and type of rebuilds, your niche and your pricing. This is an estimate of revenue, not profit, and the idea assumes at least around 35 hours a week.

Check insurance for customers' vehicles and engines in your care, and your duties for waste oil, coolant and solvents with the Environment Agency. Also check health and safety rules, whether your unit's planning use allows engineering work, and set out warranty terms in writing.