Engine Rebuilds, Upgrades & Tuning

Unleash Power, Embrace Performance

Engine Rebuilds and Tuning for Classic Cars

At Classic Car Lab, we recognize that a classic car’s engine is its beating heart—a testament to power and performance. Our skilled technicians are passionate about breathing new life into classic car engines, employing their expertise to rebuild and tune these mechanical marvels. Whether you seek to preserve the original engine’s authenticity or enhance its performance, our engine rebuild and tuning services will help you unleash the full potential of your classic car.

Thorough Assessment, Expert Restoration

Our engine rebuild process begins with a meticulous assessment of each component, from pistons and valves to crankshafts and gaskets. We carefully disassemble the engine, replacing worn-out parts and refurbishing the necessary elements to ensure optimal performance. With attention to detail and precision, our technicians restore the engine to its original specifications, using a combination of traditional techniques and modern technology.

Enhancing Performance, Embracing Upgrades

At Classic Car Lab, we understand that some classic car owners desire more power and improved performance without compromising authenticity. Our expert technicians can recommend and implement a range of upgrades and modifications, tailored to your preferences. From improved ignition systems and upgraded exhausts to optimized fuel systems and performance enhancements, we have the knowledge and experience to transform your classic car’s engine into a powerful and thrilling performer.

Fine-Tuning for Optimal Performance

Once the engine is rebuilt and upgraded, our technicians meticulously fine-tune it to ensure optimal performance and reliability. From adjusting ignition timing and optimizing fuel delivery to fine-tuning the carburetors and fine-tuning the overall engine management system, we leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of automotive excellence. The result is an engine that roars with power and responsiveness, providing an exhilarating driving experience.

Classic Car Tuning Services

  • Ignition timing

  • Mechanical advance curve checks & optimisation

  • Points setting & dwell angle checks

  • Distributor conversions from Points to Electronic ignition

  • Carburettor synchronisation, jetting, needle/jet optimisation

  • Mechanical Fuel Injection checks, Lucas, Bosch, K-Tronic, J-Tronic

  • Fuelling analysis by CO% and Lamda

  • Engine fault diagnostics

  • Performance upgrade tuning

  • Performance upgrades to suit modern fuelling

  • Fuel / Carburation material Compatibility for modern fuelling

  • General fuelling and ignition health checks

  • Borescope cylinder inspection

  • Cylinder compression & leak down checks

  • Pre & Post Auction tuning 

Classic Car Tuning Example

Here are some short videos where you can see what difference a professional tune-up can make to your classic or performance car.
They are off the same car with shots of the engine bay and exhaust.

Contact us with any questions you may have about engine rebuilds, upgrades & tuning.
Our knowledgeable team is always happy to help.

We have been in the business of restoring and caring for classic cars, sports cars, cherished cars & luxury cars for over 10 years.

Engine Rebuilds, Upgrades & Tuning FAQ'S

Sometimes it is advisable to do so if the block is seized. We would then have to go more in-depth to see what the issue is and come up with a plan. We can skim the block and replace any part of an engine block with precision engineering.

Often we can tell by hearing the car run and inspecting the car before any decision is made. More often than not we replace worn-out parts so keeping the cost at a sensible level.

Any part of an engine that is replaced will give it a new lease of life. If you are replacing all the internals, then the answer is yes. This is only suggested in serious circumstances or if the client requests it.

One of the most important things to consider is getting the engine out of the engine bay and removing all the ancillaries. This will take a number of hours time depending on the make and model of the car. All cars will differ as they will all have a different set of circumstances. A normal engine rebuild will normally take between 3 to 6 weeks, but every engine is different and sometimes it can be shorter or longer.