High Performance Centre
What it is
An engine rebuild means stripping the engine down, inspecting and measuring the internals, and replacing or machining what is worn, such as bearings, piston rings, seals and gaskets. It can bring a tired or damaged engine back to health.
An engine swap replaces the engine with another unit, either a like-for-like replacement or a different engine as part of a build. Swaps involve far more than bolting in an engine: mounts, wiring, cooling, fuelling and the engine’s electronics all have to work together.
Whether to rebuild or replace depends on the damage, the parts available and what you want from the car. That decision should be made with honest information in front of you.
When to book it
- Knocking from the engine, low oil pressure or heavy oil use
- Blue or white smoke, or coolant loss with no obvious leak
- A failed engine after a cambelt, turbo or overheating failure
- Poor compression or misfires that are not down to ignition
- You are planning a build around a different engine
How we handle it
Request a quote with your reg, what has happened or what you want to achieve, and any photos or videos. Abid looks at the car and the information to work out whether a rebuild or a swap makes sense.
You get a clear price before any work starts. Once you approve it, the car is booked in and you are kept updated throughout. Some customers travel over an hour to Grays for this kind of work.
What to expect
- Request a quote with your reg and what has happened
- Diagnosis and honest advice on rebuild or swap
- A clear price agreed upfront, then booked in
- Kept updated, then walked through the work at collection
Questions answered
Is it better to rebuild my engine or replace it?
It depends on what failed, the condition of the block and head, and parts availability. Sometimes a good replacement engine is more sensible, sometimes a rebuild is. A proper diagnosis comes first.
Do you work on all makes and models?
Yes. Abidworks works on all makes and models, including performance cars.
Do I need to tell my insurer or the DVLA about an engine swap?
You should tell your insurer about any engine change. If the engine size changes, the DVLA also needs to be told, as it appears on your log book (V5C).
How long will an engine rebuild take?
It depends on the engine, the extent of the damage and parts availability. You will be given an idea of timing when you get your quote and kept updated as the job goes on.
