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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Engine Teardown

Once securely mounted to the stand, engine teardown 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.

Read: Engine Bolt Thread Cleaning

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Top End Rebuild

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

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

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

Read: Gen-1 Small-Block Chevy

Read: Old School Small-Block Chevy Build

Read: Best Heads For Gen-1 SBC

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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

Read: Flathead Ford Performance Upgrades

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Pontiac 389/400

Read: Pontiac 389 Engine Build

Read: Tri-power Carbs and Manifold

Read: Dual Quad GTO

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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!

Read: Chevy Stovebolt Six

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Emissions and Exhaust

Automotive emissions have always had a bad rap with automotive enthusiasts, mainly because it was forced on us by the government and slowed down our cars and made them more complicated. But that's not why they were designed--they were designed to protect our earth, the air you and I both breathe. When I was younger I did not appreciate this, but now, being older with children of my own, I get it.

Emissions System Components

Air Pump Function and Diagnosis

Catalytic Converter

EGR Valve

Oxygen Sensor

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Initial Start-Up

After a complete overhaul, initial engine start-up is both fun and scary. Using the correct assembly lube will give you some piece of mind.

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.

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.