Engine Rebuilding 101: What It Is and How It Is Done

Like all mechanical devices that contain moving parts, vintage cars become more vulnerable to engine issues as their mileage increases and their components get older. Routine maintenance provided by experienced classic car mechanics can greatly extend the life of an engine, but every engine will eventually become problematic in some way.

This is where engine rebuild shops in Orange County come in. Engine rebuilding is a specialized auto mechanic service that strives to identify the source (or sources) of an engine's problems and solve them by replacing or fixing the faulty components directly.

In the following article, we'll explain what the engine rebuilding process includes, as well as shed some light on the crucial differences between engine rebuild, replacement, and change. Keep reading to learn more.

How do you restore an old engine?

Rebuilding an engine involves removing it from the classic car and completely disassembling it, cleaning it, and inspecting it. Once that has been done, all the faulty parts are replaced with new or refurbished equivalents. In order to meet OEM standards, the engine is then rebuilt using new seals, lubricants, and gaskets.

Needless to say, engine rebuilding is a highly complex undertaking that requires extensive knowledge, specialized equipment, and first-hand experience to perform correctly. It should therefore never be attempted by someone who isn't a trained and seasoned auto mechanic.

A typical engine rebuild process includes:

1. Take the engine out of the classic car

Step 1: Position the vehicle near the hoist
Step 2: Remove the engine cover
Step 3: Disconnect the outer engine components
Step 4: Disconnect electric connections
Step 5: Disconnect the transmission's bell housing from the engine
Step 6: Remove the engine with the hoist

2. Engine block disassembly

Step 1: Thoroughly examine the engine
Step 2: Remove the exhaust manifold
Step 3: Take the rest of the engine apart
Step 4: Give the cylinder bores a thorough examination
Step 5: Remove rod assemblies and pistons
Step 6: Remove and examine the crankshaft
Step 7: Complete the disassembly

3. Cylinder head disassembly

Step 1: Compress the springs on the valve and remove the valve
Step 2: Examine all valve heads
Step 3: Reface all valves that aren't getting replaced

4. Engine block reassembly

Step 1: Clean the engine block and all of the removed components
Step 2: Install the main caps and the crankshaft
Step 3: Install the timing belt or chain
Step 4: Install new gaskets, pistons, seals, and rings
Step 5: Install the head gasket
Step 6: Install the replacement valve train

5. Put the engine back in the car

Step 1: Hoist the engine back up
Step 2: Reconnect it
Step 3: Test to make sure everything is working correctly

What's the difference between engine change and replacement?

Engine replacement refers to the process of replacing an existing engine with a new, used, rebuilt, or remanufactured engine that has the same make, the same number of cylinders, and belongs to the same test group as the original engine.

On the other hand, the process of replacing an engine with a different model is called engine change.

Where can I find the most dependable engine rebuild shops in Orange County?

Just as you wouldn't cut corners when it comes to fixing the roof on your house or making sure your garage door is working as intended, you should also never have your classic car serviced at a second-rate auto restoration shop.

Located in Huntington Beach, Chimera Motors is the leading provider of classic car repair, restoration, and storage services in Orange County. Get in touch with us today if you'd like to take advantage of our services or schedule a consultation.