[Zio]

Hey guys I was recently thinking how I would love to build engines for a living. Not just to build them, but to really understand them and learn all the small tricks. I know this isn't something you learn over night. I already have my career as a firefighter/paramedic, but would love to do this on the side. Did you guys just start building engines out of your garages and eventually turn it into a bussiness? Did you go to work for someone and learned the trade that way. I am just wondering how you guys got your start. I am thinking about going around to a few engine builders in the area and seeing if they need help with odd jobs around the shop and maybe I can learn a little from them hear and there.


thanks
Tom

 

[Zio]

anyone?

 

[Nolowrider]

I am not a "professional" engine builder, but I do have a side job building/helping with them. There is a facility close to my house that does all the work for a monster truck team. I just happen to stop by and strike up a conversation one day, and the next thing I know I am helping build engine for them. I don't get paid, I do it for the love of horespower and for spare parts that they get rid of (blowers, heads, ect.). Maybe one day I will be fortunate enough to do it for a living.

A few of my friends know that I am a gearhead and asked me to put a few together for them, nothing big.

So, I would say that you just have to make contacts with people in the business and go from there.

I know this didn't help you much, but it is all I can offer.

 

[Zio]

thanks for the info. I am just curious to hear how everyone got there start.

thanks
Tom

 

[cheveezies]

:thumbsup: i've been thinking the same thing for year's , bones are a bit too busted up to carry on in the const business . alway's tinkered with muscle car's, classic's , & rod's . i got some good info off a buddy that doe's engine work out of his garage , he said start small , specialize in one area at first , so i've bought the video's ; porting & polishing & you get the other two - rebuilding rat's & mouse's , the winter's being as long as they are here in ont , can , i'm going to buy all the tool's necesarry , which really aren't a big cost , comparison to a nice chunk of profit . one of our local builder's really does'nt like to do the porting & polishing . i guess like any other job you've done a couple thousand times - you get a little bored with it . hope this help's a bit .

 

[SLOPAR]

I never even began to call myself a pro engine builder, but I started to really look at it for a side business about 10 years ago. I was averaging maybe 6 motors a season and that was enough for me. You have to be a perfectionist. And you have to be willing spend a whole bunch of time doing it. I found I spent way too much time chasing down parts and spending alot time on the phone. My guess is it takes a long time to turn a profit assuming you can build a reputation. I agree with specializing in one area and see where it goes. Grinding on cylinder heads could be a good start. I know one area I wish I would have pursued was the fuel injection. I was light years ahead of most people in my area because of my involvement with the buick v-6's and somehow missed the boat. People struggle with it and if someone can afford aftermarket stuff in that arena, they can afford to pay someone to tune their car. Either way, do it because you enjoy it and like any other business with a ton of hard work it will pay off. And definitely make sure you have a top notch, A-1 machine shop that understands the importance of doing excellent work.