FAQ

What does Las Vegas Engine Lab do?

We are an engine-only shop based in Las Vegas.
We specialize in tear-downs, failure analysis, and precision rebuilds for modern European engines—especially BMW, AMG, and Jaguar / Land Rover.

No oil changes, no diagnostics on complete vehicles, no general repair.
Just engines, done like lab work.

Do you remove or install engines?

No.
Engines must arrive as a motor out of the vehicle.

Most customers have their local shop or dealer handle removal and installation, then bring the engine to us for tear-down and rebuild.

What engines do you specialize in?

We focus on modern Euro performance platforms, including:

BMW

• N20/N26, B48, N54, N55, B58, S55, S58

• N63/S63 V8, plus NA M and V8/V10 platforms (S50/S52/S54, S62, S85)

 

Mercedes / AMG

• M270/M274, M133/M139 2.0T

• M112/M272/M276 V6

• M113/M113K, M156, M157, M177/M178 V8

 

Jaguar / Land Rover

• Ingenium 2.0T

• AJ-V6 & AJ126 3.0 SC

• AJ-V8 & AJ133 5.0 NA/SC

 

If your engine is similar (modern Euro, boosted or performance-oriented), reach out and we’ll review it case-by-case.

If I send my engine in and decide not to move forward with a rebuild, what happens?

You’re still covered.

Once you book and we perform the tear-down, the tear-down and failure report are a completed service. That fee is non-refundable, even if you choose not to rebuild with us.

If you don’t move forward with a build, you have a few options:

  • Pick up the engine as-is – You can collect your engine and all components in torn-down form (bagged, labeled, and organized) by appointment.

  • Have it shipped back – We can help you prep it for freight; you would cover crating and shipping costs*

  • Authorize disposal/recycling – If you don’t want the core back (or it’s not worth saving), you can authorize us to dispose of or recycle it.

If you change your mind later and want us to build it, we’ll still have your digital report and measurements on file, so we can quote a rebuild using the info we already collected.

What engines do you NOT work on?

To keep quality high, we currently do not accept:

  • Subaru EJ / FA engines / Lamborghini / Porsche / Audi 

  • Rotary engines

  • Engines that are still installed in the vehicle

If you’re not sure, contact us with your year, make, model, and engine code.

How does the process work?

  1. Book a tear-down online – choose the service that matches your engine type.

  2. Complete the intake form – we’ll email it after checkout.

  3. Drop off your long block – by appointment only.

  4. We tear it down in the lab – clean, measure, and document everything.

  5. You receive a digital failure report – with photos, notes, and options.

  6. You choose a rebuild plan – OEM+ refresh or performance build.

Nothing moves forward without your approval.

What is included in the tear-down & failure report?

Every tear-down includes:

  • Full disassembly down to a bare block

  • Cleaning for inspection where needed

  • Photos of key areas and failed parts

  • Measurement of critical clearances (bearings, pistons, cylinders, etc.)

  • Written summary of why the engine failed

  • Recommended rebuild paths and machine work

It’s basically a medical report for your engine.

How much does an engine tear-down cost?

Pricing can vary by platform, but in general:

  • Inline-4 engines: from $400

  • Standard V6 / V8 engines: from $600

  • High-complexity / boosted engines: from $500 up to around $900, depending on configuration and condition

The exact price will be shown on the product page when you book.

Is the tear-down fee applied to the rebuild?

Yes.
When you choose to have Vegas Engine Lab rebuild your engine, part or all of your tear-down fee is credited toward the labor on the rebuild. The credit amount will be clearly listed on your estimate.

Do I need to pay a deposit for a rebuild?

Yes.
After your tear-down and report, if you approve a rebuild we require a 50–70% deposit to cover:

  • Parts

  • Machine work

  • Specialty consumables

The remaining balance is due when the engine is complete, before pickup or shipment.

How long does an engine rebuild take?

Turnaround depends on:

  • Parts availability

  • Machine shop workload

  • Level of build (OEM+ vs forged/performance)

  • Condition of your core

A simple OEM+ refresh is typically shorter than a full forged performance build.
We’ll give you a realistic time window with your estimate and update you as the build progresses.

Do you work with a machine shop?

Yes.
All machining (boring, honing, decking, head work, balancing, etc.) is handled by a professional machine shop partner.

We manage:

  • Transport of your block, crank, and heads

  • Clear written instructions and specs

  • Quality checks before reassembly

You only deal with Vegas Engine Lab—we handle the machine shop side for you.

Can I ship an engine to you from out of state?

In many cases, yes.

You are responsible for:

  • Proper crating/palletizing

  • Shipping cost to and from our shop

  • Insurance during transit

Contact us before booking so we can confirm details and make sure the engine is something we can accept.

Do you offer performance / forged builds?

Yes.

We can spec:

  • Forged pistons and rods

  • Upgraded bearings and hardware

  • Alternative compression ratios

  • Boost-ready clearances

  • Other supporting changes based on fuel, turbo setup, and power goals

During the estimate stage, we’ll ask about how you plan to use the car (street, track, drag, roll racing, daily driver) and build the engine for your goals.

Do you guarantee or warranty your work?

We stand behind our workmanship.

Coverage details (time/mileage, what’s covered, and what isn’t) are outlined in the written quote and on your final invoice.

In general:

  • Proper tuning, break-in, and maintenance are required

  • Detonation, lean conditions, overheating, abuse, or lack of oil will void any coverage

  • Any tuning must be done by a reputable professional

If there is ever an issue, we will inspect the engine and work with you to understand what happened.

Can I bring my own parts?

In some cases, yes—but we strongly prefer to supply parts.

We know which brands, revisions, and clearances work on the platforms we specialize in. Customer-supplied parts:

  • Must be new, in original packaging

  • Must be brands we approve

  • May affect warranty/coverage

If you already have parts, send us a list before shipping or drop-off.

Can I just get a quick opinion or “listen to it”?

No.
We don’t do parking-lot diagnostics or “just listen and tell me what you think” checks.

The only way to give you a real answer is with a paid engine tear-down and failure report. That’s what keeps our recommendations accurate and honest.

Where are you located? Can I just stop by?

We are based in Las Vegas, NV and operate by appointment only.

Once you book a tear-down or we approve a consultation, we’ll send you the drop-off location and scheduling details. This keeps the lab controlled, secure, and focused on the engines in process.

Where are you located? Can I just stop by?

We are based at a private shop and lab location in Las Vegas, NV and operate by appointment only.

Once you book a tear-down or we approve a consultation, we’ll send you the drop-off location and scheduling details. This keeps the lab controlled, secure, and focused on the engines in process.