Kelly RainierWe’ve always been a fan of older car models than the new ones coming out now. But no matter how meticulous we are with their regular detailing sessions, their engines don’t age as gracefully as their looks.
Well, even those new car models will end up having engine troubles anyway! The best thing to do is address the issues right away—at the soonest possible time.
So when our engine started acting up, we took it as our cue to call in the engine rebuilding pros. So if you’re wondering where to find these experts, we’ve done the homework so you don’t have to!
How much does an engine rebuilding cost in Vancouver?
Assuming that all rotors and housings are reusable, a full rebuild in Vancouver can start at $2,800. Meanwhile, parts and kits may start at $1,000.
How we chose:
- Machining tools: We checked if the engine rebuilding shop carries their own machining tools, like the resurfacing equipment and cylinder boring machines, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
- Warranty: We checked if the shop offers good warranty coverage of at least 12 months. Plus points for shops that can offer up to 36 months of warranty coverage.
- Parts: We highly considered shops that offer originally manufactured parts as well as high-quality alternatives that won’t compromise the quality of work.
- Turnaround time: We assessed how fast these shops are in rebuilding engines.
1. Canadian Crate Engines
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.9/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Machining tools | 4.8/5 |
| Warranty | 4.5/5 |
| Parts warranty | 4.5/5 |
| Labor warranty | 4.5/5 |
| Parts | 4.6/5 |
| Turnaround time | 4.6/5 |
| Efficient parts sourcing | 4.6/5 |
| Quick rebuilding | 4.6/5 |
As soon as our family van started making that weird knocking sound, we immediately planned to contact an engine rebuilder. One of the first brands we saw online was Canadian Crate Engines.
The first thing that got us hooked with these guys was their easy-to-use website. We submitted a request on a Monday morning and we got a response in just a few hours.
We were also surprised that they were able to squeeze us into their busy schedule that week, so we didn’t have to queue for weeks just to get our van. It also means we can get rid of our car rental as soon as our van’s engine has been rebuilt!
We’re quite sure most of you would nod their heads when we say that we didn’t know where to start. Good thing about this engine rebuilding shop is that they will explain the process in a way (and using terms) that we would really understand.
They also arranged a pick-up and drop-off service, so we didn’t have to go all the way to their shop in Burnaby.
Their turnaround time was also quite impressive. Compared to the other engine rebuilders that informed us about waiting for months, Canadian Crate Engines made sure we got our van in just two weeks.
Don’t worry, they’ll be sending you photos so you can see their daily progress, even if you don’t visit the shop regularly.
Good warranty provision
“From the first phone call to the last transaction, the guys were extremely knowledgeable and helpful with all of their products. Their warranty is the best you will find anywhere. Highly recommend this company for all your engine needs. 👍”
Curtis Wall, Google Review
Explains the entire process
“A 1 business. Good to deal with and they explain whole process to address your needs and concern. Supplied me with photos of engine build and specs on dyno results. I recommend this company and thank Rob for his timely replies to my inquires prior to receiving my engine and also after installation. My engine is 351W in 1954 F-100.”
Paul Armstrong, Google Review
2. Magnem Engine Services
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.6/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Machining tools | 4.8/5 |
| Warranty | 4.5/5 |
| Parts warranty | 4.5/5 |
| Labor warranty | 4.5/5 |
| Parts | 4.8/5 |
| Turnaround time | 4.7/5 |
| Efficient parts sourcing | 4.7/5 |
| Quick rebuilding | 4.7/5 |
Two years ago, we got a little too excited when our uncle called us up to work on his 1970s pickup. He was good at maintaining it, that’s why it still looks good, well except for its engine!
Since Magnem Engine Services is just a few blocks away from his home, we decided to reach out to them so we can check their engine rebuilding services.
What we liked most about dealing with this shop is that they were confident that they could source out the parts that we weren’t able to find. We’re quite impressed that these guys have lots of connections, allowing them to find parts that would fit an old ride.
You can also ask for their rates during your initial conversation. You can trust them to give you a detailed cost breakdown, so you can easily compare it with the other quotations you got.
You still got to watch out for the total cost though, as we noticed that they’re a bit pricier than the others! Frankly, we didn’t mind the extra cost, given that they’ll be helping us breathe a new life to a 1970s car.
And yes, if you still want to have a DIY project in your garage, you’ll love that they can send you the parts. Even better, they’ll give you tips on how to do the job right.
Great assistance from office staff
“Super helpful staff guided me through my best options when I had no idea what I was doing. Quality & honest work.”
Owen Wong, Google Review
Can accommodate last-minute orders
“Very helpful parts guys! I needed something in a hurry on a Saturday just a couple of hours before closing and they somehow managed to bring it in for me.”
Al Jackson, Google Review
3. Alec’s Machine Shop
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.5/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Machining tools | 4.9/5 |
| Warranty | 4.8/5 |
| Parts warranty | 4.8/5 |
| Labor warranty | 4.8/5 |
| Parts | 4.8/5 |
| Turnaround time | 4.8/5 |
| Efficient parts sourcing | 4.8/5 |
| Quick rebuilding | 4.8/5 |
Do you also panic as soon as you see the check engine lights are turned on on your dashboard? We totally got it—and it’s even more annoying if it happens right before a planned road trip.
Well, we just tried to look at the brighter side–at least it didn’t happen exactly on the day of our road adventure! Also, at least we can bring it immediately to Alec’s Machine Shop!
It was a Friday when we dropped off the car, and we were quite anxious if they would still accommodate us since we knew they don’t open on weekends. We were lucky enough to get squeezed into their schedule.
They diagnosed the car on the same day, and asked us to leave it for further inspections. Don’t expect them to revert to your calls on weekends, but don’t worry they’ll call you immediately by Monday, even before you make that cup of coffee!
What we liked about them is that they walked us through what will happen. They knew about our planned road trip so they also kept that in mind in terms of the rebuild timeline.
They also kept our budget in mind, so if you really don’t want to exceed your initial budget, then we highly recommend this shop to you.
It’s also pretty normal to have several questions weeks after the rebuild. The best part is that you can trust them to follow up right away!
Quick turnaround time
“Most recently I dropped off heads from a 502 Ramjet crate motor. After inspection issues were found and all areas were addressed. Additionally I had them research and install some perfomance upgrades. They were also mindful of my budget. Turnaround time was on point and they went above and beyond the initial work order without charging me additional fees. I have used them before on another build and was very satisfied. Mad respect to the entire team. Thank you for keeping the Dually running like the beast it is!”
Milan Nenadic, Google Review
Accurate quotation
“These guys do amazing work! My hemi dropped a valve seat, had the team at Alec’s rebuild both my cylinder heads. The quote was 100% accurate, work was done quickly and the valve seats were knurled into the head to prevent this happening again. Top notch service from start to finish! Thanks guys!“
G Unit, Google Review
4. Canada Engines
Consumer Rating: B
| Google reviews score | 4.2/5 |
| Total reviews | 4/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Machining tools | 4.5/5 |
| Warranty | 4.8/5 |
| Parts warranty | 4.8/5 |
| Labor warranty | 4.8/5 |
| Parts | 4.7/5 |
| Turnaround time | 4.7/5 |
| Efficient parts sourcing | 4.7/5 |
| Quick rebuilding | 4.7/5 |
For those of you who own older car models, Canada Engines could just be your knight in shining armor. They’ve been in the business for 40 years now, so they’re really experts in bringing those tired engines back to life.
They’re not stuck in the past either, as they can still work on those newer models that you have!
Three months ago, we decided to bring our car to their shop upon hearing weird knocking sounds, which we suspect were coming straight from the engine.
What’s great about them is that they’re pretty straightforward. They weren’t too chatty, so don’t expect lengthy conversations when you’re there.
Their mechanics love going straight to the issue, which tells us why they can finish a job earlier than expected.
Another thing that impressed us was that they had all the parts ready at the shop. We even got our car back in just a week—something that we hadn’t experienced in the past.
They also clean both the engine and the car itself, saving you an extra trip (and a few bucks) to the carwash.
We got a little confession though—we called them multiple times within the week that our car was being serviced that we were starting to become annoying. But everytime we called, someone was always picking up, keeping us updated at all times.
Parts are highly available
“Cant say enough good things about these guys. Had my jeep hauled in thursday of last week. 3 working days later i got the call that its ready for me. They had a motor ready to go in right away when the tow truck dropped it off. Will be back with my other vehicles when they need engine work. It runs like a brand new vehicle, tons of power now, my ac is blowing ice cold (it didnt when it was dropped off). My jeep is 28 years old and now it runs like it was just built yesterday. Thanks Justin for working on me with this whole thing. Your guys are legendary. Everybody was super friendly there and was just an overall pleasant experience.”
Robert Pottinger, Google Review
Efficient work
“They installed my engine quickly and efficiently, at a fair price. Afterward, there was a problem that might or might not have been related. My mechanic Steven solved the problem immediately, at no additional cost to me. I’m very happy that I chose Canada Engines.”
Ken Gardner, Google Review
5. Bond Mechanical Ltd
Consumer Rating: B
| Google reviews score | 4.3/5 |
| Total reviews | 4/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Machining tools | 4.5/5 |
| Warranty | 4.4/5 |
| Parts warranty | 4.4/5 |
| Labor warranty | 4.4/5 |
| Parts | 4.7/5 |
| Turnaround time | 4.7/5 |
| Efficient parts sourcing | 4.7/5 |
| Quick rebuilding | 4.7/5 |
We’ve been scared of dealing with engine issues as we always feel overwhelmed with another long list of car issues to face. However, that’s not what we’ve experienced with Bond Mechanical Ltd.
Here, they won’t make you feel like you need to do everything in just one visit. We were ready with some cash, but one of their mechanics pointed out the issues to prioritize, so we won’t have to shell out a hefty amount.
Upon entering the shop, we also noticed how clean and organized their tools are. The garage didn’t even reeked a strong oil scent, which was quite surprising.
When it comes to dealing with car models, you’ll love that they can rebuild engines for both old and new car models. So whatever car you’re driving, you can take it here for an engine rebuild.
They’re also one of the shops that offer affordable rates. You can even expect the final billing to match the initial quotation given to you.
However, you cannot expect them to have the fastest turnaround out there. We noticed that they were quite slower than its counterpart, maybe because they’re really known for their thoroughness.
So if you’re in a hurry, we suggest that you mention this right off the bat, just to manage expectations.
Knows which issues to prioritize
“Great shop. I brought my radiator for installation a few weeks ago and it was installed quickly, professionally and at a good rate. I’ve had no problems since with my vehicle and my radiator fan that didn’t work before works perfectly now. I was planning on installing a manual switch to save some coin but now there’s no need. The mechanic told me about other issues with my vehicle but was very knowledgeable with what needed further testing and when it would most likely need to be done in the future at no additional cost; a couple of mechanic shops I’ve visited charged me “diagnostics” for doing the same. This is my new mechanic.”
Michael Cudworth, Google Review
Honest quotation
“I brought my 2007 honda civic in yesterday before they closed, they gave me an honest quote, and I picked up the car the next day paying a reasonable amount! They did my oil change, engine parts replaced, and a general inspection. I am happy with their service! Will return for future car needs 👍👍”
Paul Kwiatkowski, Google Review
