Complete Engine Rebuilds and Repairs

Free Estimate | Over 40 Years of Experience | Locally and Family Owned

Free Estimate
Over 30 Years of Experience
Locally and Family Owned

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D & S Engine Specialists — Expert Service for Auto, Truck, Marine, and Industrial Engines

When you're looking for engine services, including auto engine replacement in Clawson, MI, you should only settle for the best. At D & S Engine Specialists, we are proud of our more than 40 years of business providing high-quality services to all of our customers. We are the only engine shop in the area to provide a special 3-year warranty on all of the engines that we build.

Performance Engines and Parts

Get the most out of your engine with our engine services.

With over 40 years of experience in rebuilding, repairing, and replacing engines, we've developed a smooth system for fixing your car, truck, SUV, or industrial vehicle.
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High-Performance Engines

See us for more speed and more power.

Whether you need to go faster or pull heavier loads, more horsepower will help. Come to the pros at D & S Engine Specialists for custom work on all types of high-performance engines. 
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Stock Engine Rebuilds

Extend the life of your car with an engine rebuild.

Your car may have many more miles left in it! With our engine repairs and rebuilds, we can significantly extend the life of a stock engine. Come in today for a free estimate.
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Marine Engine Repairs

See us for all your boat engine repairs and maintenance.

You can rely on us for all your marine engine repairs and replacements. We work on a wide variety of personal and commercial boats, so stop in today to learn more.
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Here's what our satisfied customers are saying...

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I know if my vehicle requires a full auto engine replacement in Clawson, MI versus a simple repair?

    Determining the health of your powertrain requires a professional diagnostic, but there are several "red flag" symptoms that often point toward the need for a total overhaul. If you are experiencing consistent knocking sounds from the lower engine block, seeing excessive blue or white smoke from the exhaust, or finding metal shavings in your oil pan during a routine change, these are signs of internal structural failure. Choosing a comprehensive auto engine replacement in Clawson, MI ensures that every internal component-from the crankshaft to the valve train-is fresh and reliable.

  • What sets your 3-year warranty apart from other shops offering auto engine replacement in Clawson, MI?

    Most general repair shops offer a standard 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty, which often only covers the labor or specific parts they touched. Because we are a dedicated machine shop and engine builder, we have total control over the tolerances and quality of the assembly. This confidence allows us to provide a specialized 3-year warranty that stands as a testament to our craftsmanship. When you opt for an auto engine replacement in Clawson, MI through our facility, you aren't just getting a used motor swapped in from a salvage yard; you are getting an engine built to meet or exceed original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications.

  • Can D & S Engine Specialists handle performance upgrades during a standard auto engine replacement?

    Absolutely. One of the primary advantages of working with engine specialists rather than a general mechanic is the ability to customize the build. If your current engine has failed and you are already looking into an auto engine replacement in Clawson, MI this is the perfect opportunity to upgrade internal components for better towing capacity, higher horsepower, or improved fuel efficiency. We can install performance camshafts, upgraded pistons, and high-flow cylinder heads during the assembly process.

  • Do you provide services for commercial fleets that need high-volume auto engine replacement?

    Yes, we understand that for a business, a vehicle off the road is money lost. We prioritize efficiency and reliability for our commercial clients who require an auto engine replacement in Clawson, MI to keep their operations running smoothly. Our facility is equipped to handle heavy-duty truck engines and industrial machinery in addition to standard passenger vehicles. By choosing a local specialist with over 40 years of experience, fleet managers can reduce downtime.

  • What is the typical turnaround time for a professional auto engine replacement?

    The timeline for a project depends heavily on the complexity of the engine and the availability of specific internal components, but we generally aim for a smooth and predictable schedule. A standard auto engine replacement in Clawson, MI involves several stages: extraction of the old unit, a thorough cleaning and inspection of the bay, the precision machining of the new block, and the final installation and testing phase. Unlike shops that order "crate engines" and wait for shipping, we do much of our machining in-house, which can often speed up the process.

  • What specific types of marine engines do you service compared to your automotive projects?

    Marine engines operate under much higher stress loads than automotive engines, often running at high RPMs for extended periods while dealing with the corrosive effects of moisture. We service a wide range of marine powerplants, including inboard and sterndrive (I/O) systems from major manufacturers like Mercruise and Volvo Penta. While the mechanical principles are similar to the engines we use for an auto engine replacement in Clawson, MI, marine units require specialized gaskets, brass freeze plugs, and specific cam profiles to handle the unique torque requirements of pushing a hull through water.

  • Is it better to rebuild my original engine or buy a new one?

    In many cases, rebuilding your original engine is the superior choice because it maintains the "matching numbers" of the vehicle and allows for precision machining that addresses the specific wear patterns of that block. When we perform a stock engine rebuild, we strip the unit down to the bare block, bore the cylinders, and grind the crank to ensure everything is perfectly square and true. This often results in an engine that is actually better than it was when it first rolled off the assembly line.

  • How does D & S Engine Specialists ensure the quality of the parts used in their builds?

    We have spent four decades vetting suppliers and testing components in real-world conditions. We only utilize high-grade bearings, seals, and internal hardware that meet our rigorous standards. Because we offer a 3-year warranty, it is in our best interest-and yours-to use parts that won't fail.

  • What should I expect during my free estimate at your shop?

    When you come in for a free estimate, our technicians will perform a visual and auditory inspection of your engine. We will discuss the history of the vehicle, the symptoms you are experiencing, and your long-term goals for the car or boat. We believe in transparency, so we will explain the different tiers of service available, from basic repairs to full high-performance rebuilds. Our reputation in the Clawson community is built on the longevity of our engines, so we never cut corners with inferior components. 

  • Do you handle the removal and installation of the engine, or just the machining?

    We are a full-service engine shop, meaning we can handle the entire process from start to finish. You can drop off your vehicle, and we will manage the extraction, the machining/rebuilding, and the re-installation. However, we also work with other local mechanics and DIY enthusiasts who prefer to pull the engine themselves and bring just the block to us for specialized machine work.