When your vehicle suffers a major engine failure, or you’re restoring a classic muscle car, you need a mechanic you can trust.
Not every one of the auto repair shops in Calgary rebuilds engines, and buying a new vehicle or a crate motor isn’t always the smartest financial move.
Rebuilding your current engine lets you keep matching numbers while replacing worn parts with tougher ones. That’s why I compared Calgary shops on machining, specialties, parts quality, and turnaround.
Here are the best engine rebuilders in Calgary for cars, trucks, and small engines.
How much does an engine rebuild cost in Calgary?
An engine rebuild in Calgary costs $3,500 to $15,000+ for a car or truck, depending on whether it’s a gas V8, a custom race build, or a diesel. Small utility engines run $150 to $800.
| Rebuild category | Estimated price range (CAD) | Core cost drivers | Best shop match |
| Small utility / industrial | $150–$800 | Simple component repair vs. total assembly replacement | Dave’s Small Engine Repair |
| Standard / vintage gas V8 | $3,500–$6,500 | Camshaft updates, block boring, cylinder head resurfacing | Marand Engines |
| Custom high-performance / race | $5,500–$14,000+ | Balanced rotating assemblies, custom pistons, high-end valvetrains | D & W Custom Engine Specialties Ltd. |
| Light / medium diesel truck | $4,000–$15,000+ | Injector testing, emissions overhauls, in-frame labour | Alpha Diesel Performance |
1. Alpha Diesel Performance
Website: https://alphadieselperformance.com/
Address: 1312 42 Ave
Contact: (403) 236-9444 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday: Closed
Powerstroke, Duramax, and Cummins pickups put heavy pressure on a diesel engine. Alpha Diesel Performance understands those loads and offers complete engine overhauls, engine swaps, and head gasket replacements.
They also handle high-end diagnostics, custom tuning, and turbo upgrades.
I brought my work truck here after blowing a head gasket on the highway, and their crew diagnosed the underlying pressure issues right away.
Their focus on light to medium diesel trucks means your daily workhorse gets specialized care rather than generic repairs. They back it with a one-year labour warranty.
That said, they focus almost entirely on diesel, so drivers who want a standard gas V8 overhaul will need to look elsewhere.
Additionally, full builds come at premium prices.
They even went the Extra mile in washing out my engine bay .
Hands-down, probably one of the best shops I’ve ever had in an interaction with. Contacted them to install a monster ram intake horn on my 2018 ram 3500. Till this day, I still don’t know who I talked to at the front desk, but she was amazing, She was very thorough and clear when giving details and benefits about installing this intake horn along with any questions I had. After picking up my vehicle, I’ve never witnessed a cleaner job than that. They even went the Extra mile in washing out my engine bay .
Tarek Elrafie | Google Review
I’d recommend trying here before any dealership!
Tatyannna was able to get my truck in right away and these guys saved me, literally, a few thousand dollars compared to what Tower Chrysler offered me for my engine problems. They’ve got an amazing up to text service for any updates which was great to use to authorize the work. Thanks again. I’d recommend trying here before any dealership! *This was posted about an hour after receiving back my vehicle. So far so good* 🤟🏻
Steve M | Google Review
2. Dave’s Small Engine Repair
Website: No official website
Address: 240074 Frontier Cres, Bay #13
Contact: (587) 717-8072
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM; Sunday: Closed
Not every broken motor belongs under a car hood. Dave’s Small Engine Repair fills that gap with outdoor power equipment like mowers, snowblowers, generators, and small industrial utility motors.
Instead of pushing a costly full replacement, Dave troubleshoots and repairs individual components. His rates are among the most affordable in the region for utility equipment.
He’s just as upfront about the job itself. You get direct, honest feedback on whether your equipment is worth rebuilding or a simple tune-up will do the trick.
His quick turnaround in peak seasons also helps homeowners and groundskeepers stay on schedule.
However, the space is limited for large equipment. And this shop doesn’t offer automotive or truck engine rebuilds, so vehicle owners will need a full-scale automotive machine shop.
This is THE guy for every need small engine related issue.
This is THE guy for every need small engine related issue. I needed a dip stick that no one had, Dave helped me in about 2 min. Took the time to check it out and help me solve the issue. Great guy.
Jason Campbell | Google Review
Super specialized knowledge with years and years of experience.
Guys like Dave are far and few in between. Super specialized knowledge with years and years of experience. He works around the clock tirelessly for his clients. Super fast turnaround, and the prices are unbeatable!!! Ill be taking all of my small engine repairs to Dave! 10 out 10, You will not find a better small engine repair than Dave!
M | Google Review
3. D & W Custom Engine Specialties Ltd.
Website: https://dwcustomengine.com
Address: 3604 Edmonton Trail
Contact: (403) 230-0427
Hours: Monday–Friday: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM; Saturday: 12:00 PM–3:00 PM; Sunday: Closed
Restoring a vintage classic or building a race machine takes serious machine shop experience. D & W Custom Engine Specialties Ltd. brings over 33 years of custom engine rebuilding and precision machining to local car enthusiasts.
Their fully equipped shop handles block boring, honing, and crankshaft reconditioning. They also offer flywheel grinding and engine balancing for domestic, import, marine, and antique engines.
When I stopped by to discuss a classic block refresh, their machinists walked me through their exact tolerances and balance specs.
They also offer complete overhaul kits and custom assembly, making them a strong stop for project cars.
However, engine rebuilds on older or uncommon engines can require extra machining and specialized parts. This can extend turnaround times for customers working toward a specific completion date.
Car fired right up. He also set up the timing. Runs amazing.
Amazing shop. Rods knowledge and expertise made this experience amazing. Had our small block mopar rebuilt by Richard and staff who’s knowledge and expertise is off the charts . After we installed the engine Richard came to our home and did start up on the car. He installed the distributor , set up carb and choke . Car fired right up. He also set up the timing. Runs amazing. Richard is a wealth of knowledge and a great person as well. Thank you DW. Highly recommended
Todd Smith | Google Review
Thanks for all the help,couldnt have done it without you guys
Had D&W engines custom built my 455 Oldsmobile engine for my GMC Motorhome in 2021. Rod suggested the camshaft and veriest other parts. Richard assembled the engine did a great job.
When I decided to upgrade to Fitech EFI,Edelbrock Alu custom heads and manifold in 2022,Rod ordered the parts. Richard made sure all the parts including Rockerarms and pushrods were finely tuned and put together. Richard was of great help keeping the unit tuned
Thanks for all the help,couldnt have done it without you guys , great guys to work with!
Werner Henzler | Google Review
4. RX-7 Specialties
Website: https://rotaryengine.com/
Address: 3813 17 Ave
Contact: (403) 246-6980 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday–Friday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday: Closed
Losing compression in a sports car is stressful when your mechanic only works on commuter cars. RX-7 Specialties focuses on Mazda rotary engines, from rebuilding and replacements to machining and performance work.
Their team handles everything from custom porting to complete block rebuilds, which makes them a go-to hub for enthusiasts.
When I dropped by their shop, I spoke with a technician who showed me how they carefully balance rotating assemblies using specialized jigs.
The only real catch is that they don’t service standard piston engines, so drivers with a traditional truck or family sedan will need to look elsewhere.
Adam is very responsive and keeps me updated on every step of the build
Adam & Mike always provide exceptional service. They rebuilt my engine and provided recommendations for a long lasting reliable build. I have never had any issues in the past 10+ years going to their shop. I would say the prices are very competitive especially the prices for parts. Adam is very responsive and keeps me updated on every step of the build and/if there are issues that come up. I recommend this shop for anyone who needs experts with rotaries, thanks 🙂
Jeson Wang | Google Review
and a lot of valuable advice for someone who has never done a full rebuild
Adam and RX7 Specialties were a huge help in completing my first rebuild, on the 91 NA I’ve owned 24 yrs. I was doing it myself as funds were tight, but Adam set me up with the parts I needed, refinishing for my housings, machining the flywheel, and a lot of valuable advice for someone who has never done a full rebuild on any engine, rotary or otherwise.
She fired right up in the the first try, and has done a series of steadily longer trips over the last week or so 😁
Greg Johnston | Google Review
5. Marand Engines
Website: https://marandengines.ca/
Address: Unit 9, 1667 38 Ave
Contact: (403) 218-6607 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–4:30 PM; Saturday–Sunday and holidays: By appointment
A rebuilt engine is only as good as the machining behind it. Marand Engines answers that with precision machining for domestic, import, vintage, and racing engines.
In practice, that means balanced and blueprinted short and long blocks, plus crankshaft balancing, line boring, and connecting rod resizing.
Cylinder heads get the same attention through their internal division, Calgary Cylinder Heads. It remanufactures heads for better airflow and compression.
Whether you need a simple stock refresh or a high-performance custom build, their machinists keep strict quality standards. That quality comes with competitive pricing, which makes custom rebuilds more accessible for local car owners.
However, their custom engine warranties need professional installation and strict break-in steps to stay valid. And final pricing needs a teardown first.
i recommend to everyone for any machine work or engine work. 10/10 service
Marc and Alex are the best overall machine shop in Calgary. These guys are super knowledgeable and will be the shop i recommend to everyone for any machine work or engine work. 10/10 service
Dan P | Google Review
Marc was awesome to deal with was great with communication
Had a SBC rebuilt as it was low on oil pressure. Marc was awesome to deal with was great with communication through the whole process. He identified the issue right away and repaired it back to factory specs. Unit is running great with 60psi oil pressure across the board.
Thanks Marc!!
Curtis Scragg | Google Review
