Full Lowdown on Engine Rebuilds in a Classic Car

You’ve gone the extra mile to keep your classic car in great shape, but time takes its toll on everything, including the most important part: the engine. The pistons, connecting rods, valves, and other critical components of the engine may no longer be performing as expected, so it might be time for an upgrade. 

That’s where engine rebuilds come in. There are many engine rebuild shops in Orange County that provide this service, allowing you to turn back the clock in your classic car and make it run much more smoothly. Read on to learn more about classic car engine rebuilds and why they may make sense for your vintage machine.

Is a fully rebuilt engine as good as new?

When choosing the best upgrade for your classic car, you typically have two options: a rebuild or a new engine (yes, you can, in fact, put a new engine in an old car). You can’t go wrong with installing a brand-new engine, but a fully rebuilt engine can be just as good because it comes with top-quality components. 

If you decide to get your engine rebuilt, your mechanic will replace all components that show signs of wear, including: 

• Valves 

• Bearings 

• Seals 

• Pistons 

• Gaskets 

• O-rings 

• Plastic and rubber parts 

The result is a refurbished engine that can perform just as well as its new counterpart. 

Does rebuilding an engine make it faster?

In many cases, yes, rebuilding an engine makes it faster. However, whether or not your engine becomes faster after the rebuild depends on the processes included in your remanufacturing. For example, if the engine’s cylinder size is increased, it’ll generate a lot more energy. On top of that, professionals can make various tweaks to decrease air resistance, like adding another exhaust valve to each cylinder, to further boost power. 

Here are a few more benefits of rebuilding the engine of your classic car: 

Room for customization 

Rebuilding an engine enables you to make a wide range of customized improvements to your vehicle. For instance, you can upgrade the pistons, cylinder head, and camshaft(s) to increase fuel efficiency, horsepower, and overall performance. This way, you ensure the end result is perfect for your driving style and preferences. 

Budget-friendly project 

Although buying a new engine is a surefire way to rejuvenate your vintage car, the upgrade can be extremely expensive. Rebuilding your engine is a cheaper alternative since it only requires you to replace or fix worn-out or damaged components. 

Preserving the original flair 

You’ve formed a special bond between you and your machine, which is why you may want to introduce as few new parts as possible. Rebuilding lets you do just that. By remanufacturing the engine, you get to preserve the original flair of your vintage vehicle and its sentimental value. 

Looking for one of the best engine rebuild shops in Orange County? 

If you want to breathe new life into your classic car, an engine rebuild makes perfect sense. All that remains is to find a trustworthy rebuild shop in Orange County that will give you a smooth upgrade from start to finish. Look for none other than Chimera Motors. 

With over a decade of experience under our belt, we have the mechanical skills and expertise to remanufacture your engine and enhance its performance. Once we work our magic on your vehicle, all the parts will be as good as new. 

You can also rely on us for additional services. Whether you want us to boost your four-wheeler with an LS swap or kick things up a notch with a coyote swap while you enjoy the show at the Irvine Spectrum Center, rest assured, knowing your machine is in great hands. Stop by our shop today!