Performance Engine Building
Build high-performance engines for street and racing applications
Overview
Engine builders charge $8,000-$80,000 per engine build.
Building 15-50 engines annually generates $250,000-$1,500,000 annually with 35-55% margins.
In 2025, enthusiasts want reliable powerful engines for street and track.
Services include complete engine assembly, engine blueprinting and balancing, performance machining, turbo and supercharger builds, engine dyno testing, and turn-key engine packages.
Successful builders maintain clean assembly rooms, source quality parts, provide accurate power estimates, dyno test all engines, offer warranties, and build reputation through proven performance.
Can specialize: LS engines, Honda engines, or specific platforms.
Marketing through performance shops, forums, race teams, and completed build portfolio.
Required Skills
- Engine Assembly
- Machining
- Blueprinting & Balancing
- Performance Parts Knowledge
- Dyno Testing
- Quality Control
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High-value engine builds ($8K-$80K)
- Passionate enthusiast market
- Reputation builds through proven performance
- Can specialize in specific platforms
- Dyno-tested engines command premium
Cons
- Expensive shop and equipment investment
- High liability for engine failures
- Long build times (weeks to months)
- Need extensive engine building knowledge
- Parts costs and inventory
How to Get Started
- Master engine building and assembly
- Set up clean engine assembly facility
- Invest in engine dyno and testing
- Source quality performance parts
- Build engines with documented performance
- Provide warranties on builds
- Market through performance community
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