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OHIO'S PERFORMANCE ENGINE BUILD EXPERTS

A performance engine build is for drivers who have a power target in mind, whether that's a street car supporting forced induction, a track build, or a high-mileage engine rebuilt with upgraded internals. If you need routine maintenance or engine repair rather than a performance build, our engine service team can handle it. At Pickups Plus Cars, performance engine builds are part of our broader performance upgrade services at our Lewis Center and Hilliard locations.

We've been building engines for Central Ohio customers since 1999. In that time, we've built engines for street cars, track builds, and everything in between. Every build starts with a conversation about what you want the vehicle to do, the power target you're working toward, and what the rest of the build looks like. The engine has to be spec'd for everything it's going to be asked to support, and we plan the build accordingly before any parts are sourced.

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Our Engine Build Services

From replacing factory weak points to building from the bottom up, we handle every stage of a performance engine build.

Full Performance Engine Builds

A full build starts from the bottom up. The block is bored and honed to accept new pistons, forged internals are selected to match the power target and intended use, heads are ported and fitted with an upgraded valvetrain, and a performance camshaft is chosen to complement the rest of the combination. Every component decision is made in relation to the others. We've built full engines for naturally aspirated and forced induction applications across a range of platforms.

Forced Induction-Ready Builds

Engines running a supercharger or turbo need internals that can handle the added cylinder pressure. A factory engine has a hard limit on how much boost it can sustain reliably. A build spec'd for forced induction uses forged pistons, stronger connecting rods, and a lower compression ratio to handle boost safely and consistently. We plan these builds around the forced induction system they're supporting so the combination is matched correctly.

Partial Builds & Targeted Upgrades

Not every build needs to start from scratch. Some customers need specific weak points addressed: replacing factory rods and pistons on an engine that's otherwise sound, upgrading the valvetrain on a high-revving build, or refreshing a high-mileage engine with new seals, bearings, and rings while keeping strong core components. We assess what's actually needed rather than recommending a full build when targeted work will accomplish the same goal.

Engine Assembly & Break-In

How an engine is assembled and broken in affects how it performs and how long it lasts. We assemble to correct clearances, torque to spec, and follow a proper break-in procedure before the vehicle goes back to the customer. A build that gets driven hard immediately before the rings have seated properly won't reach its full potential. We give every customer specific break-in instructions based on the build before the vehicle leaves.

YOU NEED THIS IF:

  • You're planning to run a supercharger or turbo and need internals that can handle the boost
  • You have a specific horsepower target that requires more than bolt-on modifications
  • You're building a track car and need an engine spec'd for sustained high-RPM use
  • Your current engine has reached the limit of what it can reliably support
  • You want a high-mileage engine rebuilt with upgraded internals rather than factory spec
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PERFORMANCE ENGINE FAQS

  • What's the difference between an engine build and an engine repair?

    An engine repair addresses a specific failure or worn component within an otherwise functional engine: a leaking gasket, a failing sensor, internal wear that's causing oil consumption. The goal is to restore the engine to proper working condition. An engine build is different in intent: the goal is to increase what the engine can handle or produce, which involves replacing factory components with upgraded alternatives matched to a specific power target. If you're looking for engine repair or routine service, that's handled through our engine service team.
  • How long does a performance engine build take?

    It depends on the scope of the build, parts availability, and what supporting work needs to happen alongside it. A targeted partial build with parts in stock can be completed in a couple of weeks. A full build with custom components, machining, and supporting modifications can take significantly longer. We give you a realistic timeline estimate at the start of the project based on what's involved, not a number designed to get you to commit. Parts lead times in particular can affect the schedule, and we communicate that upfront.
  • What power level can a built engine reliably support?

    It depends entirely on the build spec, the engine family, and what supporting modifications are in place. A built short block with forged internals on a turbocharged platform can reliably support significantly more power than a stock engine with the same forced induction hardware. We spec builds to realistic, reliable power targets rather than maximum theoretical numbers, and we're honest about the point at which a given platform runs out of headroom, regardless of what's done to the engine. Come in with your power goals, and we'll tell you what's achievable on your specific vehicle.
  • Do I need a tune after an engine build?

    Yes, in virtually every case. A built engine with upgraded internals, a different camshaft, or forced induction needs the ECU tuned to match the new hardware. Running factory tune parameters on a built engine leaves power on the table at best and can create detonation issues at worst. We factor tuning into the build planning rather than treating it as an afterthought, and we can recommend tuning resources based on your specific platform.

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