Licensed and insured

Custom Engine Building in Waxhaw, NC

Custom Engines Built Around Your Project

There is no single definition of the right custom engine. The appropriate approach depends on the engine platform, components, vehicle, intended application, and the customer's goals.


Some customers are interested in performance. Others may be working on a race engine or a specialized automotive project. A truck application may have different priorities, while another customer may simply need an engine prepared around a particular combination of components.



Our Custom Engine Building service gives customers the opportunity to discuss those requirements with an experienced engine machine shop.


We want to understand what you are building before determining what work the project requires. That project based approach helps us identify the machining, preparation, repair, and rebuilding services that may be necessary for the engine.

Close-up of a vintage car engine with chrome carburetors and red wiring in a dark engine bay

AUTO + DIESEL

Engine Services

60 MI

Service Area

2014

In Business Since

Close-up of a car engine bay with shiny metal pipes, exposed components, and a turbocharger assembly

Why Precision Machining Matters for a Custom Engine

A custom engine consists of components that must work together correctly. Machine work plays an important role in preparing those components for the finished build.


Cylinder dimensions, component surfaces, engine block condition, cylinder head condition, and other factors can influence the work required. Accurate preparation becomes especially important when an engine is being built for a specific purpose rather than simply returned to a standard configuration.


At South Shop Auto Machine LLC, our machining capabilities allow us to support custom engine projects through multiple stages. Depending on the engine and project requirements, our work may include Engine Block Machining, Engine Boring & Honing, Engine Decking & Resurfacing, Cylinder Head Machining & Repair, or Engine Sleeving & Block Repair.


Because these services are available alongside our Custom Engine Building capabilities, customers can bring us projects that require more than one type of engine machine work.

Engine Block Machining for Custom Builds

The engine block is at the center of a custom build. Its condition and preparation can affect how the rest of the engine project moves forward.



Our Engine Block Machining services support custom builds that require professional block preparation. If the cylinder bores need machining, we provide Engine Boring & Honing. When a cylinder or block requires more substantial repair, Engine Sleeving & Block Repair may be appropriate.


We also provide Engine Decking & Resurfacing when an engine project requires surface preparation.


Every block is different, particularly when dealing with used components, existing wear, previous machining, or damage. We consider the condition of the block and the requirements of the intended build before determining which machining operations are needed.

Cylinder Head Machining & Repair

Cylinder heads are another major part of many custom engine projects. We provide Cylinder Head Machining & Repair as part of our broad engine machine shop service range.


The work required for a cylinder head depends on its condition and the application in which it will be used. A custom engine project may involve existing components that need machining or repair before they can become part of the completed build.


Having cylinder head capabilities available alongside block machining and engine building can simplify the process for customers whose projects require work across several major engine components.



If you have cylinder heads that you plan to use in a custom build, bring us the details of the project so we can discuss the machine work involved.

Blue Honda engine cover in a car engine bay with black intake manifolds and metallic components

Our custom engine capabilities overlap naturally with our Race Engine Building and High Performance Engine Building services.


Performance focused engines can have requirements that differ from engines intended for conventional everyday operation. The engine combination, components, machining, and preparation need to support the customer's intended application. We work with customers on these specialized projects and provide machining services that can form an important part of the build.


If you are planning a race or high performance engine, tell us how you intend to use it and what you already have for the project. Understanding the application gives us a better foundation for discussing the work that may be required.

Custom Engines for Performance and Race Applications

Custom projects sometimes involve components that are difficult to replace or that customers would prefer to repair when appropriate.



In addition to our machining services, we provide Aluminum Welding & Engine Component Repair. This capability can be valuable when an engine component has damage that may be suitable for professional repair.


Whether a damaged component can be repaired depends on the part, the location and extent of the damage, and the requirements of the finished engine. We evaluate these situations individually rather than assuming that every damaged component can or should be repaired.


Our combination of machining and repair services gives customers additional options when planning a custom engine project.

Repair Options for Custom Engine Components

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is involved in Custom Engine Building?

    The exact process depends on the engine, components, intended application, and condition of the parts involved. A custom build may require block machining, cylinder preparation, cylinder head work, resurfacing, component repair, and other engine services.

  • Do you build custom performance engines?

    Yes. In addition to Custom Engine Building, we provide High Performance Engine Building and Race Engine Building for specialized applications.

  • Can you machine the engine block for my custom build?

    Yes. We provide Engine Block Machining along with Engine Boring & Honing, Engine Sleeving & Block Repair, and Engine Decking & Resurfacing.

  • Can you work on the cylinder heads for my engine project?

    Yes. Cylinder Head Machining & Repair is one of our primary engine machine shop services.

  • Do you work with cars and trucks?

    Yes. We provide Cars, Trucks & Diesel Engine Services and can discuss custom engine projects for a variety of applications.

  • Can you repair damaged engine components?

    We provide Aluminum Welding & Engine Component Repair for suitable components. Repair possibilities depend on the component and the nature of the damage, so each project needs to be evaluated individually.

  • How do I get pricing for a custom engine build?

    Because custom engine projects vary significantly, pricing depends on the engine, components, condition, machining requirements, and overall scope of work. Contact us with information about your project to request a free quote.

Request a Free Quote for Custom Engine Building

If you are planning a custom engine and need professional machining, building, or component repair, South Shop Auto Machine LLC is ready to discuss your project. Tell us what engine you are working with, what the finished engine will be used for, which components you already have, and what services you believe the project requires. We can review the scope of the work and provide a free quote based on your specific project.


Request a Free Quote through our contact form, call us at (704) 242-2211, or email steven.workman5621@yahoo.com. Our Waxhaw, NC shop is open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. We are closed Saturday and Sunday and serve customers within approximately a 60 mile radius.