Should You Rebuild the Engine in Your Classic Car?
Rebuilt or remanufactured engines are made out of parts from older engines that have been disassembled, cleaned, examined, and then reassembled. This process also includes replacing any damaged or defective components with new or refurbished parts.
So how do you decide if engine remanufacturing is right for you? When is having your engine rebuilt by seasoned classic car technicians a better choice than simply taking your vintage car to an engine swap shop in Orange County and having them put in a brand new engine?
In previous articles, we explained what engine rebuilding is and listed the telltale signs your engine should be rebuilt. Now we'll help you decide if having your engine rebuilt is a good choice for you by listing the major advantages of engine rebuilding. Read on.
How many miles will a rebuilt engine last?
Most warranties for rebuilt engines are valid for at least a year, or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first). However, some engine repair shops provide their clients with 36-month long warranties and unlimited mileage. When in doubt, it's best to reach out to a reputable classic car restoration shop and ask them directly.
Here are some compelling reasons to have your engine rebuilt:
Price
Repairing a broken down car engine or replacing it with a new one can be extremely expensive, especially if the parts for your vintage car are harder to come by. Rebuilt engines are a much more affordable solution.
Eco-friendliness
By using rebuilt engines, you're reducing your environmental footprint and reducing the amount of waste that makes its way onto landfills and vehicle graveyards. Drivers who want to take this a step further can even obtain entirely rebuilt vehicles.
Dependability
Rebuilt engines aren't the same as used engines. Unlike used engines, which may have been repaired in the past, rebuilt engines have been cleaned from the inside-out and contain brand new or refurbished parts. This makes them considerably more reliable than used engines.
How long will rebuilding an engine extend its life?
With good workmanship, rebuilt engines can last just as long and work as well as the former engine that was originally installed in your classic car. Usually, you can expect a rebuilt engine to keep going for at least a few years.
Some factors that determine how long your rebuilt engine will last include:
The condition the engine was in when it was rebuilt and whether it's missing one or more important components.
How compatible the replacement parts are with the existing engine. Sometimes, the perfectly compatible parts simply aren't available.
Whether the engine is fully compatible with the classic car. Ideally, the rebuilt engine should be from the same make, belong to the same test group, and have the same number of cylinders as the old engine.
How experienced the mechanic who rebuilt the engine is. This is one of the reasons why you should always have your engine remanufactured by a reputable classic auto shop.
Other factors include your driving habits, the climate in your area, how often you drive the car in question, and so on.
Where can I find a first-rate engine swap shop in Orange County?
Are you looking to replace the engine in your muscle car? Or perhaps you want to give it a bold new coat of paint, or put it in safe storage for the winter? If so, don't hesitate to give Chimera Motors a call. Whatever your classic car restoration, repair, or maintenance needs may be, you can rest assured we can meet them in the most effective way possible.
Our shop is located at 18061 Redondo Circle in Huntington Beach, a short walk from the Central Park Sports Complex. Pay us a visit today and have your classic car serviced by the finest mechanics in Orange County.
