Engine rebuilding shop

Owners of daily drivers and trucks, classic and muscle car enthusiasts, hot rod and racing hobbyists, and small fleets such as landscapers or delivery businesses.

A quoted price per rebuild covering labor and parts, plus extra for machine work, upgrades and diagnosis. Repeat work from fleets, mechanics and other shops that don't rebuild in-house helps keep the bays full.

• Engine mechanical knowledge
• Precision measuring and clean assembly
• Clear quoting and customer communication

• Garage liability or garagekeepers insurance, since you hold customers' vehicles and engines
• Local zoning, business license and fire department rules for an automotive shop, check with your city or county
• Disposal rules for used oil, coolant, solvents and parts washer waste, check state and local environmental requirements
• Warranty and comeback risk: write down what your work covers and take deposits for parts
• Machining equipment is expensive, so outsource first and buy later

Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on your location, equipment and what you outsource. Machining equipment is expensive, so outsourcing heavy machining first and buying equipment later can keep early costs down.

Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on job volume and pricing. This is a full-time business, so plan for at least about 35 hours a week, and take deposits for parts.

Check garage liability or garagekeepers insurance, since you hold customers' vehicles and engines. Also check local zoning, business license and fire department rules for an automotive shop, plus state and local rules for disposing of used oil, coolant and solvents.