From stock rebuilds to high performance, the V8 Speed and Resto Engine Shop is fully equipped to do it all – in house.

The V8 Speed and Resto Engine Machine Shop is a full-service facility handling all aspects of original and high performance engine rebuilding for classic cars, muscle cars, hot rods, and other enthusiast vehicles.

Click To Contact The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Engine Shop!

Some Of The Engine Services We Provide:

  • Engine Disassembly, Cleaning, Measurement
  • Cylinder Block Boring, Line Boring, Honing, Resurfacing
  • Cylinder Head Machining, Valve Machining, Decking, Reconditionng
  • Connecting Rod Resizing and Refurbishment, Piston Installation
  • Crankshaft Grinding and Balancing
  • Precision Engine Assembly, Run-In, Leak Checks, Dyno Tuning
  • Complete Engine Detailing and Appearance Restoration, Painting, and Custom Finishes
  • Photo Documentation of the Reconditioning Process

Contact us today for your engine needs!

The Art Of Power

The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is not only home to an award winning restoration shop complete with mechanical, fabrication, body, paint, and interior departments, but also a complete, in-house engine machine center capable of refreshing original as well as building complete custom high performance engines.  

We tailor each engine to the unique specifications of the customer. Whether it’s a meticulous, 100% concours-correct restoration or a high-performance engine for the street or track, our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional results. Our in-house engine machine shop and world-class fabrication, body, and paint departments enable us to create engines that meet the highest standards of quality and performance, including custom designs for one-of-a-kind vehicles.

Ready To Rock

Our goals include making the engine building and installation experience as enjoyable as possible by including many elements often overlooked in traditional rebuilds, such as the starter, engine mounts, linkages, and fasteners. Our process includes running the engine and verifying proper oil pressure, cooling system function, ignition timing, carburetor or fuel injection settings, and providing the customer with video footage of the engine running demonstrating leak free performance.  We also provide a-la-carte engine machine services, such as flywheel surfacing, valve jobs, block boring, parts cleaning, and more.  

Our Process

The process begins by our team learning all we can about the performance and appearance aspirations of the customer and the engine.   Many questions are asked and answered, including intended usage, power desired, appearance desired, custom aspects, and more. Once the usage and performance targets are determined, a build plan is drafted to select the required parts and components required to meet the goals of the project.   We work only with top manufacturers and reputable companies to source the parts required to build a performance engine. 

Next, each engine is carefully cleaned, disassembled, measured, and analyzed before the machining and reassembly processes begin.   This allows us to evaluate the condition of each component and decide the best course of action to achieve the customer’s goals.   New parts are proposed and ordered, and the machining process begins.   Machining tolerances are corrected to factory “blueprint” specs. Once machining and assembly are complete, each engine is run on our test station to ensure proper and leak-free performance.   Optionally, engines can be run, tested, and tuned on our dynamometer as well.   From there, engines progress to our world-class body and paint shop for proper polish, colors, and finishes.   Accessory brackets are restored and installed, and custom parts are completed and the engine final assembly is completed.  The end result is a ready-to-install engine that delivers performance and aesthetics worthy of a concourse restoration or a full custom build.  

Our customer experience and machine shop team will bring you along for the full experience through photo updates and videos of milestone moments, including video of the machining process, first start ups, and dyno tuning sessions.

ENGINE PACKAGES

CLASSIC RENEWAL SERIES

​​Original Looks With Fresh New Performance

This package renews your vehicle with a correct appearing engine, with performance restored to as-new.  This can be the original, numbers matching engine the car was born with, or if not available, a correct replacement.   Our team restores the original engine to have the correct finish, color, and internal specifications.  Rebuilding focuses on conservative machine work to preserve as much of the original block and cylinder head material as possible. Classic Renewal Series engines can be expected to make a similar power level to the original, but with blueprinted machine work, and all new internal wear parts like bearings, rings, and any other parts requiring replacement such as camshaft, lifters, oil pump, timing set, and gaskets.  Cylinder heads are cleaned and inspected, and machined as needed with a new valve job, springs, seals, and rocker arms.  The carburetor and distributor are rebuilt and tuned to match the engine.  Research to correct previous modifications and to obtain factory original or NOS parts is also part of this package.

Classic Renewal Series engines utilize all the original and correct equipment, including the front accessory drive system, carburetor, ignition system, spark, plugs, plug wires, sensors, connectors, and wiring.  The accessory drive brackets and components are restored and installed with correct belts, hoses, and fluids.   

The Classic Renewal Series is the perfect option for a correct restoration or an original surviving vehicle that needs an engine refresh.   We can even work to preserve the original paint on the engine block, intake, manifold, and valve covers where possible.

This series pairs well with the Day Two Period Correct appearance packages, which rely on authentic performance parts matched to the time period of the engine.   For example, should the customer seek a “Day Two” appearance featuring as-then-available performance parts, valve covers, and other items to reflect the look of a 1968 Camaro back in 1968, our team will locate and install proper examples of these vintage speed parts.  

RESTO MOD SERIES

Familiar Appearance, Modern Technology And Performance

When you open the hood, Resto Mod engines lead people to believe that there’s not much difference from the original… until you take them for a ride!   This series delivers an engine that appears to be mostly factory correct and original, but is hiding modern technology and performance modifications under the skin.  Once the architecture, performance, and appearance plan is hatched, our team goes to work amassing the parts.  The original or a replacement block is used, cleaned, and machined for proper tolerances. A stroker crankshaft may be added, along with custom pistons featuring ceramic coatings and upgraded ring packages. The block might be treated to a hydraulic roller camshaft conversion. A double roller timing chain, improved oil pump, new gaskets, roller rockers with modern springs, and other improved performance parts are used throughout.  Modern, high-performance aluminum cylinder heads, and an aluminum intake manifold are used to reduce weight and increase performance, all while being painted to match the original finish of the cast-iron pieces.  Original cast-iron heads can be machined and improved through porting and valve improvements for a completely stealth appearance.  Performance exhaust manifolds  or headers are treated to high-temp ceramic coatings for heat management and appearance.  An electronic ignition system hidden under a stock appearing distributor or other electronic ignition system is utilized.  This engine can be expected to make 50 to 100 more horsepower over stock and sometimes far beyond that. 

This is a great option for a person who wants to truly drive and enjoy their classic vehicle while retaining a familiar appearance under the hood. Our team couples these engines with an optimal, modern serpentine accessory drive system incorporating the proper water pump and power accessory units to ensure smooth and trouble free operation under the hood. These engines may be carbureted or rely on any number of electronic fuel injection systems, ranging from throttle body style to multi point with injector bosses machine into the intake manifold.  All the components, including the front accessory drive are color-matched in our paint shop to achieve the desired appearance.  The engine is test run to verify leak-free performance, and dyno tuning is also an option.   These engines are built to drop in, ready to go in your hot rod, street machine, Pro-Touring car, truck, or street cruiser!

STREET PERFORMANCE SERIES

Let’s Have Some Fun!

The Street performance series is a fully custom built engine that can be of a different architecture than what originally came in the car, or a highly modified version of the original.  For example, this could be a modified modern LS engine fitted with a performance camshaft, improved cylinder heads, supercharger, and the accompanying electronics to make it sing.  Or, it may be a vintage Ford FE series engine that has been bored, stroked, and treated to premium forged internals, block oiling modifications, high-tech coatings, a roller camshaft, cross-bolt main cap modifications, and more.  Our team works with the customer to custom design an engine that delivers the performance desired, targeting horsepower levels, torque, torque curves, transmission, and gear type, sanctioning body rules, and more. These engines feature a variety of exterior finish choices, from clear coated raw aluminum to painted finishes and ceramics.    Each is seasoned on our engine testing fixture, dyno tuned, leak checked, painted and detailed, and ready to install.  

CUSTOM SERIES

A One-Of-A-Kind Power Plant Designed To Stand Out.  Or Not.  

Our top offering is a fully custom built engine, both inside and out, featuring the elements from the STREET PERFORMANCE SERIES but adding a custom designed appearance to match your high-end, custom built car or truck.  CUSTOM SERIES engines are nice enough to bring home the cup at the big shows, but also deliver power and performance on the street or track.   

These engines can be of any architecture, deliver performance from smooth and quiet to extreme, utilizing superchargers, turbochargers, stack injection, multiple carburetors, vintage or modern induction… the sky’s the limit.   They feature custom exterior components, like valve or coil covers, air intake systems, brackets, housings, and accessory drive systems.  Custom Series engines flaunt the details, like deburred blocks and heads, custom mixed paint with gloss or satin finishes to match the other colors and finishes on the car, custom fabrication, and more.  Our world class body and paint team can match any color or finish desired.  We deliver an engine that has been designed, engineered, broken in, dyno tuned, leak checked, cleaned, prepped, and painted to show ready condition, ready to install in your show car or truck.

Selected Services – Not A Comprehensive List

  • Disassembly
  • Hot Tank Cleaning
  • Shot Tumbler Parts Cleaning
  • Magnaflux Crack Detection
  • Measuring / Dimensioning
  • Engine Design / Parts Selection
  • Blueprinting
  • Deburring
  • Block Surfacing
  • Block Boring
  • Block HoningAlign Honing
  • Cylinder Head Surfacing
  • Valve Seat Refacing
  • Valve Guide Replacement
  • Valve Grinding
  • Connecting Rod Reconditioning
  • Piston Installation
  • Crankshaft Grinding
  • Crankshaft Balancing
  • Cam Bearing Installation
  • Complete Engine Assembly
  • Custom Paint / Finishes
  • Test Run / Leak Check
  • Engine Dyno Tuning (3Q 2025)
  • Installation / In-Car Tuning
  • And Many More Engine Building Services

LET’S DO THIS!

The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Engine Machine Shop is our in-house engine lab where we control every aspect of the engine building process.  This allows us to keep stringent quality control standards along with our focus on the customer experience for a smooth and rewarding engine building journey. 

V8 SPEED AND RESTO SHOP ENGINE SHOP CONTACT FORM

Please take a moment to complete this form to let us know your needs and expectations for your engine build. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible to chat and learn more.

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From Small Dings and Dents To Complete Panel Replacement

The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Custom Fabrication Center is a full-service metal shop equipped with all the tools needed to repair or fabricate Muscle Car and Hot Rod body panels, consoles, brackets, suspension pieces, interior parts, and more. From small panel repairs to complete replacements and custom fabrication, we handle it all.

Recent 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Repairs in the V8 Speed and Resto Shop Fabrication Center

Rebuilding The Body Is The Foundation Of A Great Car

From from rust repair to custom hoods, floors, custom firewalls, intake tubing, TIG welded mandrel-bent stainless steel exhaust, fan shrouds, custom aluminum oil reservoirs, shaved door handles, tightened door and panel gaps, and much more, the V8 Speed and Resto Shop Fabrication Center can do it all.

Equipment includes a Pullmax Power Hammer with a full assortment of custom dies, English Wheel, Slip Roller, Shrinker / Stretcher, Punch Press, Box and Pan Brake, Metal Shear, HTP TIG Welders, HTP MIG Welders, Cutting Torches, Plasma Cutters, Pro-Spot Spot Welder, Aluminum Welder, and many more.

We work on classic cars, muscle cars, sports cars, customs, hot rods, and trucks, so we can help with just about any project you have in your garage!

Contact Us With Your Sheet Metal Replacement or Restoration Needs!


    Your name


    Your email


    Your phone number


    The Year, Make, Model of the car you have (or would like to build!)


    Tell us about your plan! What can we build or modify for you?

    Check Out These Recent Videos

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    817 S. MAIN STREET – RED BUD, IL 62278 – 314.783.8325

    V8 Speed and Resto Shop is a SEMA Member

    Weather you want a complete custom interior or your original refreshed, the V8 Speed and Resto Shop in-house Interior Shop shop can make it happen.

    Our interior shop works closely with our Fabrication Department and Body and Paint Department to create beautiful custom bespoke environments tailored to your needs, or to faithfully restore an original interior to brand-new condition.

    Carpets fade, seats tear, cushions go flat, springs break, headliners fall, and even the most well-kept interior will eventually show signs of wear. There are many ways to restore the seats in your classic or Muscle car, but in the V8 Speed & Resto Shop’s interior department, we choose to go far beyond simply removing the covers and replacing the foam.

    Our process involves a complete disassembly of the seat and the frame, rust removal from the frame and seat springs, and repairing or replacing the springs as needed. All of the seat tracks and release mechanisms are painstakingly restored to operate, smoothly, and safely. The next step is to protect all of the bare steel springs and frames with epoxy primer, and then paint them with industrial satin black in our full-service paint shop. Only then will the new burlap, seat foam, and seat covers be installed. Sometimes we install reproduction seat covers, and we also create custom seat covers in leather, vinyl, ultra suede, or material of your choice. We also pay special attention to make sure the seats are not over stuffed, and that day are comfortable and retain an original appearance were necessary.

    Completely Custom Tailored To Match Your Style

    Of course, we also create complete custom interiors, consoles, dashboards, headliners, door panels, convertible tops, audio systems, navigation systems, power ports, seat heaters and coolers, sound deadening, carpets, interior lighting… any interior project your custom, classic, or stock restoration needs, we can do in-house. Take a look at these photos of a bucket seat we recently restored for a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS convertible. The job takes time and tremendous attention to detail, but when finished, it’s reassuring to know the underside looks just as fresh as the top, is safe and comfortable, and will be ready for years of enjoyment. You’ll also find other photos of headliners, seats, custom consoles, door panels, convertible tops and more that we have created in the shop.

    Fill out the form below to contact the V8 Speed and Resto Shop to discuss your interior and upholstery needs, or call us at 314.783.8325. Be sure to scroll down for pics of our work!


      Your name


      Your email


      Your phone number


      The Year, Make, Model of the car you have (or would like to build!)


      Tell us about your plan! What can we build or modify for you?

      Recent Photos Of Our Work

      V8 Speed and Resto Shop Interior Shop Sewing Room
      V8 Speed and Resto Shop Interior Shop Sewing Room

      The Magic of High-Quality Paint: Elevating Your Custom Car or Restoration to Show-Stopping Perfection

      When you’re pouring your heart into a custom car build or classic restoration, every detail matters. But if there’s one element that can make or break the entire project, it’s the paint. High-quality paint isn’t just a coating—it’s the face of your vehicle, the first thing that catches the eye and the last thing you want to stop admiring.

      Why High-Quality Paint Matters More Than You Think

      A subpar paint job might look okay from 10 feet away, but up close? Orange peel, runs, mismatched metallics, or fading over time can turn your dream ride into a disappointment. High-quality paint, on the other hand, offers:

      • Durability: Modern automotive paints with proper clear coats resist UV damage, chips, and scratches far better, keeping your car looking fresh for years.
      • Depth and Brilliance: Premium formulations create that deep, wet-look shine with flawless metallic flake distribution and color saturation.
      • Value Boost: A show-quality finish can significantly increase your car’s resale or show value—judges and buyers notice the difference immediately.

      But the real importance goes beyond practicality. It’s emotional.

      That Breath-Taking First Reveal

      Imagine this: After months (or years) of work—stripping, sanding, priming, and blocking—the day finally arrives. Your car rolls out of the paint booth, and for the first time, you see it in all its glory under the lights or sunlight.

      The sparkle hits you like nothing else. Reflections so sharp you can see the world mirrored perfectly on the curves. The color pops with an intensity that makes your heart skip a beat. It’s your baby, reborn and shining brighter than you ever dreamed.

      There’s an undeniable emotion in that moment. A finish so captivating, you simply can’t look away. You circle the car again and again, running your hand over the glass-smooth surface, mesmerized by how the light dances across the panels. It’s not just paint—it’s perfection that stirs pride, excitement, and a deep sense of accomplishment.

      Achieving Show-Winning Results: It Takes Expertise and the Right Tools

      Great paint doesn’t happen by accident. It requires expert bodywork to ensure straight panels, precise color matching (especially for textures, metallics, and custom blends), and a controlled environment to eliminate dust and imperfections.

      At the V8 Speed and Resto Shop Body and Paint Center, we specialize in turning visions into reality with our full-service custom body shop capabilities:

      • Expert bodywork for flawless foundations
      • Show-winning paint finishes that turn heads at events
      • Expert color, texture, and metallic pattern matching for seamless restorations
      • Custom colors tailored to your exact specifications
      • Blowtherm downdraft paint booth for contamination-free application
      • Complete paint mixing center ensuring perfect matches every time

      Whether you’re restoring a classic muscle car, building a pro-touring beast, or creating a one-of-a-kind custom, investing in high-quality paint is non-negotiable. It’s what transforms a good car into an unforgettable one—and delivers that magical, can’t-look-away moment you’ve been waiting for.

      Ready to make your car sparkle like never before? Contact the V8 Speed and Resto Shop today and let’s bring your vision to life.

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      V8 SPEED AND RESTO SHOP

      314.783.8325