Old Car Engine (Rebuild/Repair)

Once you've decided to rebuild your old car's engine, the first step should be make a plan and a budget. This should include all parts needed and any machine work you will need to outsource.

old car engine build

Read: Does My Engine Need A Rebuild?

Chances are you'll be buying a some new tools. In addition to hand tools, there may be a few specialty tools needed as well.

automotive valve spring compressor

Read: Tools Needed For An Engine Build

NOTE: Tools are generally not included in an engine budget, because they don't go with the car if sold, and they'll likely be used again.

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To pull an engine out of a car, you need an engine hoist.

Engine Hoist - Buy or Rent?

I've always rented or borrowed an engine hoist when needed. Most major auto parts stores offer two-day rentals, but you must leave a deposit, usually with a credit card.

remove motor with engine hoist

Remember that you'll need the hoist at least twice, once to remove, and again to re-install. If you think you'll be doing more than one engine removal, consider buying one.

Engine Removal

Before removing the hood, mark where the hood hinges go. This will help with re-install later. Pulling the engine out with the transmission attached is harder, so if possible, try to separate them before lifting the motor out. This will save time later on.

Once it's out, you need to mount it to an engine stand.

Engine Stand

You can rent or borrow an engine hoist, but you really need a good quality engine stand. Stay away from those cheap $50 specials - get a good, heavy-duty stand. If it's a classic American V8, a 1,000-lb minimum capacity with dual front wheels is preferred.

Gen One Chevy small block build

The engine stand in my garage is a Hein-Werner with a 1,250-lb capacity. I've had it for over 30 years and it's seen it's share of motors.

Engine Tear-Down

Once securely mounted to the stand, engine tear-down can begin.

To make the reassembly process easier, clean and tag everything that comes off.

TIP: Put parts in marked boxes and keep them out of the way. It may take months before the rebuild is done.

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Bottom End Rebuild

Inspection and rebuild of the bottom end includes harmonic balancer, oil pan, oil pump, pistons, rods, crankshaft, and of course, the cylinder bores. Once the engine block is completely stripped, it's probably taking a trip to the machine shop.

Engine work that is frequently outsourced includes having the block chemically cleaned, new cam bearings and freeze plugs installed, and having the cylinders bored (if needed).

You may also need cylinder head work.

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Top End Rebuild

Automotive cylinder heads with high-mileage often need machine shop work. This may include new valves, guides, and springs.

automotive engine rebuild

Tools needed for disassembling, cleaning, and measuring cylinder heads include a valve spring compressor, gasket scraper, and a digital caliper.

old car restoration

Lapping valves does not take the place of a valve job, but it does confirm whether or not one is needed.

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Camshaft Replacement

Before computer-controlled engines, the 'brain' of the engine was the camshaft. Vehicle weight, engine compression, transmission type - these factors and others must be considered when choosing the right cam for your engine.

Replacing the camshaft on any engine requires methodical disassembly, inspection, and careful reassembly of parts.

camshaft installation

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Pontiac 389/400

389 Pontiac engine

Read: Pontiac 389 Engine Build

1965 GTO with Tripower

Read: Tri-power Carbs and Manifold

Dual Quad 1965 GTO

Read: Dual Quad GTO

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Small-Block Chevy V8

All classic American V8 engines have performance potential, but early Chevy V8's have more performance potential right out of the box. This is largely due to it's already good breathing characteristics, coupled with the availability of good factory and aftermarket performance parts.

Read: Gen-1 Small-Block Chevy

Read: Old School Small-Block Chevy Build

best heads for gen 1 sbc

Read: Best Heads For Gen-1 SBC

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Chevy Stovebolt Six

First introduced in 1929, the Chevy overhead-valve inline six-cylinder remained in active production until 2001. That's a production span of 72 years!

Stovebolt 6 engine

Read: Chevy Stovebolt Six

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Flathead Ford V8

Although offered in several displacements, the Ford Flathead V8 remained the pretty much the same motor throughout it's production. Any part needed, including replacement blocks, are still available.

Read: Ford Flathead V8 Identification and Specs

Flathead Ford performance manifold

Read: Flathead Ford Performance Upgrades

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I've heard rebuilders say intial engine start-up is both fun and scary. Using the correct engine assembly lube will give you a little piece of mind.

start up grease for engine

Read: Best Engine Assembly Lube

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Engine Swaps

Modifying a car to fit another engine, or modifying an engine to fit another car, is only the first step in an engine swap process. Once the motor's installed, a series of "mini projects" begins. This includes transmission, cooling, wiring, etc.

engine swap basics

Read: Engine Swap Basics

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Engine Oil

The 10W30 oil your car left the factory with is not the same 10W30 that you buy today. There are more flat-tappet hydraulic cam failures than ever before, brought about by inferior foreign lifters as well as the removal of ZDDP additives from motor oils.

Read: Best Oil for Classic Cars

car maintenance you can do yourself

Read: Best Oil For Daily Driver

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Related Articles:

Getting An Old Car Running

How To Lap Valves

Spray Paint Engine

Tools Needed For An Engine Build

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