Restoration & Engine Rebuilds

Engine Rebuild Services

• Complete engine disassembly and component inspection
• Cylinder head removal, inspection, and reconditioning
• Block machining, honing, and surface preparation
• Crankshaft grinding and balancing
• Piston and connecting rod installation (OEM or forged)
• Valve grinding, seat cutting, and spring replacement
• Timing belt/chain replacement and tensioner service
• Gasket and seal replacement throughout
• Engine reassembly, installation, and break-in procedure
• Dyno testing and power verification (optional)

Engines We Specialise In

• Subaru EJ20
  The heart of the Impreza WRX and STI, the EJ20 is a 2.0-litre turbocharged boxer engine renowned for its distinctive rumble and strong tuning potential. Common failure points include ringland cracking under high boost and head gasket deterioration. We strip, inspect, and rebuild EJ20s with multi-layer steel head gaskets, fresh bearings, and upgraded ringlands where needed — returning reliable power from 250 to 400+ bhp depending on specification.
• Subaru EJ25
  The 2.5-litre variant found in the Forester, Legacy, and USDM STI models. The EJ25 is notorious for head gasket failure, often caused by the open-deck block design and composite gaskets used from factory. Our EJ25 rebuilds use multi-layer steel gaskets, ARP head studs, and precision deck surfacing to eliminate this common issue. We also address timing belt components, water pump, and oil pump as standard during every EJ25 rebuild.
• Nissan RB26DETT
  The legendary 2.6-litre twin-turbo inline-six from the Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32, R33, R34). Widely regarded as one of the greatest JDM engines ever produced, the RB26 responds exceptionally well to modifications — from 280 bhp stock to well over 600 bhp with forged internals and upgraded turbochargers. We handle complete RB26 rebuilds including oil pump drive collar replacement, bearing clearance checks, and head stud upgrades to ensure longevity at any power level.
• Nissan SR20DET
  A 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder found in the Silvia, 200SX, and Pulsar GTI-R. The SR20DET is a favourite among tuners and drifters for its lightweight design and affordable upgrade path. Typical issues include timing chain stretch, oil consumption, and turbo wear at higher mileages. We rebuild SR20s with fresh timing components, new valve stem seals, and upgraded bearings — producing anywhere from 200 to 450+ bhp with the right supporting hardware.
• Toyota 2JZ-GTE
  The 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six from the Toyota Supra MK4, arguably the most iconic tuner engine in history. The 2JZ's iron block and forged crankshaft make it incredibly strong from factory — known to handle 700+ bhp on stock internals in some cases. Our 2JZ rebuilds cover full inspection, bearing replacement, and head gasket service, with forged piston and rod upgrades available for builds targeting 800 bhp and beyond.
• Mazda 13B-REW
  The twin-turbo rotary engine from the Mazda RX-7 FD3S. Rotary engines require specialist knowledge that most garages simply do not have — from apex seal replacement to housing resurfacing and eccentric shaft inspection. We are one of the few workshops in the UK with genuine rotary rebuild experience. Our 13B rebuilds use OEM Mazda apex seals, fresh side and corner seals, and precision housing measurement to restore smooth, reliable power from 250 to 350+ bhp.
• Mitsubishi 4G63
  The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that powered every Lancer Evolution from the Evo I through to the Evo IX. The 4G63 is an iron-block, DOHC design that provides an exceptionally strong foundation for high-power builds. Common issues include crankshaft walk on earlier models and balance shaft bearing wear. We rebuild 4G63s with upgraded thrust bearings, balance shaft elimination kits where appropriate, and forged internals for builds targeting 400 to 600+ bhp.

Our Restoration Process

Every engine rebuild at Hurst Cars follows a structured, methodical process. We do not cut corners — each engine is treated as a precision engineering project with full documentation at every stage.

• Step 1: Assessment & Strip-Down
  The engine is removed from the vehicle and completely disassembled. Every component is cleaned, labelled, and catalogued. We photograph the strip-down process so you can see exactly what we find.
• Step 2: Inspection & Measurement
  All critical components are measured and inspected using bore gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators. We check cylinder bore wear, crankshaft runout, bearing clearances, and perform crack testing on the block and heads using magnetic particle or dye penetrant methods.
• Step 3: Machining
  Depending on inspection findings, the block may require reboring, honing, or line honing. Cylinder heads are skimmed for flatness, valve seats are recut, and all mating surfaces are prepared to ensure a proper seal. We work with specialist engine machinists to achieve factory-level tolerances.
• Step 4: Parts Sourcing
  We source genuine OEM replacement parts or, for performance builds, forged internals from trusted manufacturers such as Wiseco, Manley, ACL, and ARP. Every component is verified against the engine specification before assembly begins.
• Step 5: Assembly
  The engine is reassembled in a clean environment with all torque specifications followed precisely. Bearing clearances are verified with Plastigauge, ring gaps are set to specification, and all new gaskets, seals, and fasteners are fitted throughout. Nothing is reused unless it meets specification.
• Step 6: Running-In & Testing
  Once installed, the engine undergoes a controlled running-in procedure to bed in new components. Oil and coolant systems are checked for leaks, temperatures are monitored, and the engine is gradually loaded to ensure everything is operating correctly.
• Step 7: Dyno Testing
  For performance builds, we offer rolling road dyno testing to verify power output, check air-fuel ratios, and fine-tune the setup. You receive documented before-and-after figures along with a full dyno printout confirming the build meets its target specification.

Full Vehicle Restoration

Engine rebuilds are often just one part of a larger restoration project. At Hurst Cars, we offer end-to-end vehicle restoration for JDM classics and modern performance cars alike. Whether you are bringing a neglected Skyline back to life or restoring an Impreza to factory-fresh condition, we handle every aspect of the build.

• Bodywork & Paintwork
  Panel repair, rust treatment, and full resprays to concours or OEM-correct standards. We work with experienced body shops to deliver factory-quality finishes on classic and modern JDM vehicles.
• Interior Refurbishment
  Seat retrimming, dashboard repair, carpet replacement, and OEM interior restoration. We source genuine parts where possible to maintain authenticity on collector-grade vehicles.
• Suspension Rebuild
  Complete suspension overhaul including new bushes, ball joints, drop links, and shock absorbers. We offer both OEM replacement and performance upgrades from brands like Bilstein, Tein, and Cusco.
• Brake Overhaul
  Full brake system rebuild with new discs, pads, calipers (or refurbishment), and braided lines. We also fit big brake kit upgrades from Brembo and AP Racing for performance builds.
• Electrical & Wiring
  Wiring loom repair, ECU diagnostics, and electrical system restoration. Japanese import vehicles often have modifications or age-related wiring issues that require careful attention and specialist knowledge.

Why Choose Hurst Cars for Engine Rebuilds

With over 18 years of experience as a JDM and Subaru specialist, Hurst Cars has the tools, knowledge, and hands-on expertise to rebuild engines that most general garages will not touch. Boxer engines, rotary engines, and high-performance turbo powerplants all require specialist skills and equipment — from the correct torque sequences for Subaru case halves to the precise apex seal fitting procedures for a Mazda rotary. This is what we do, day in and day out.

Based in Bedford, we serve customers from across the UK. Many of our engine rebuild clients travel from London, Birmingham, Cambridge, Milton Keynes, and further afield specifically because of our JDM specialism. We have rebuilt hundreds of Japanese engines over the years, and our reputation has been built on doing the job properly — no shortcuts, no compromises.

Whether you need a standard OEM-specification rebuild to restore reliability, or a full forged-internals performance build to push serious power, we deliver results that are dyno-proven and road-tested. Every engine leaves our workshop with confidence, backed by our commitment to quality and our knowledge of these platforms inside and out.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does an engine rebuild cost?
  Engine rebuild costs depend on the engine type, condition, and specification. A standard OEM-spec rebuild typically ranges from £2,000 to £4,000 including parts and labour. Performance builds with forged internals, ported heads, and upgraded turbochargers can range from £5,000 to £10,000+. We provide a detailed, itemised quote after initial inspection so there are no surprises.
• How long does a rebuild take?
  A typical engine rebuild takes 2 to 4 weeks depending on the engine type and parts availability. Performance builds or full restorations may take 4 to 8 weeks if specialist machining or rare parts are required. We keep you updated throughout and will always agree a timeline before work begins.
• Do you use OEM or aftermarket parts?
  Both — it depends on the build specification and your goals. For standard rebuilds aimed at restoring factory reliability, we use genuine OEM parts wherever possible. For performance builds, we source forged internals and upgraded components from trusted aftermarket manufacturers such as Wiseco, Manley, ACL, ARP, and Tomei. We always discuss parts selection with you before ordering.
• Can you build engines for more power?
  Absolutely. Many of our rebuilds are performance-focused, targeting specific power goals. Whether you want a reliable 350 bhp EJ20 for fast road use or a 600+ bhp RB26 for track days, we design the build around your target and ensure all supporting components — fuelling, cooling, exhaust, and ECU tuning — are matched to the engine specification.
• Do you offer a warranty on rebuilt engines?
  Yes. All our engine rebuilds come with a warranty covering parts and labour. The warranty period and terms depend on the build specification and intended use. Standard rebuilds carry a 6-month warranty, while terms for competition or high-power builds are discussed on a case-by-case basis. Full warranty details are provided with every completed build.