⚠️ Notice: Prices may vary. Please call to confirm current pricing.
General Automotive Machining Services in Houston & DFW
At Rick’s Machine Shop, we offer precision automotive machining services for LS and LT engines, built for street, strip, and restoration projects. Located in Houston and serving DFW, all of Texas, and nationwide, we specialize in V8 and V6 engine machining including block work, head surfacing, rotating assembly prep, and full engine assembly. Whether you’re restoring a factory engine or prepping a block for boost, our shop ensures performance, reliability, and accurate tolerances every time.
Automotive machining services
BLOCK MACHINING SERVICES
Our block machining services are the foundation of every reliable build. Whether you're prepping a stock short block or a forged stroker setup, we use precision boring, honing, and surfacing techniques to maximize power, sealing, and longevity. We serve Houston, DFW, and all of Texas with expert LS and LT block prep.
Bore Only (V8)
$250.00
Precision cylinder boring to exact spec
Bore Only (V6)
$175.00
Precision cylinder boring to exact spec
Bore & Hone w/ Torque Plate (V8)
$550.00
Includes bore to spec and torque plate hone. Ensures true cylinder geometry for boosted, high-compression, or stock applications.
Bore & Hone w/ Torque Plate (V6)
$400.00
Includes bore to spec and torque plate hone. Ensures true cylinder geometry for boosted, high-compression, or stock applications.
Torque Plate Hone (V8)
$300.00
Final cross-hatch finish for oil control and ring seal
Torque Plate Hone (V6)
$225.00
Final cross-hatch finish for oil control and ring seal
Deck Resurfacing
$180.00
Mill block deck for flatness and MLS gasket sealing
Align Hone (stock bolts)
$300.00
Align hone using factory fasteners
Align Hone w/ ARP Studs *
$350.00
Align hone for ARP fasteners, extra setup for performance builds
*Plus price of ARP Kit
Cam Bearing Installation
$200.00
Remove and install cam bearings with accurate alignment
Hot Tank Cleaning
$150.00
Full cleaning service to remove old oil, carbon, and debris before machining or assembly.
- Up Charge for Excessively dirty Block / Parts
- Additional parts charged separately
Magnaflux Crack Inspection
$150.00
Detect cracks in blocks before investing in machining or rebuilding.
Freeze Plug & Galley Plug Install
$75.00
Brass freeze and oil galley plug installation
CYLINDER HEAD SERVICES
Our cylinder head services improve airflow, sealing, and performance whether you're rebuilding OEM heads or prepping for boost. We service LS cathedral and rectangle port heads, Gen V LT heads, and classic GM castings for street and race builds in Houston, DFW, and across Texas.
Disassembly & Cleaning
$100.00
Full tear down and cleaning of heads
Resurface Heads
$150.00
Machine gasket surface flat
3-Angle Valve Job
$300.00
Multi-angle valve seat machining for flow and sealing
Valve Guide Replacement (each)
$18.00
Press-fit guide installation for worn-out heads
Spring Install & Setup
$125.00
Valve spring install and shim setup
Pressure Testing / Crack Check
$125.00
Crack detection to ensure cylinder head integrity
CNC Porting *
Call For Quote
High-flow CNC porting (outsourced, varies by head)
ROTATING ASSEMBLY & BALANCE SERVICES
We provide rotating assembly services designed to enhance efficiency, power delivery, and engine longevity. Balancing and blueprinting your crank, rods, and pistons is essential for any high-RPM LS build.
Crankshaft Polishing
$75.00
Micro-finish crank journals for smooth bearing surfaces
Rod Resizing (each)
$15.00
Hone connecting rod big ends for clearance and roundness
Assembly Balancing
$350.00
Match component weights for smooth, vibration-free operation
ENGINE ASSEMBLY SERVICES
From short block assembly to full turnkey LS engines, every motor is built-to-order in-house in Houston, TX. We assemble with blueprinting, clearancing, and part matching for reliable, consistent performance—whether you're doing an NA build, boosted setup, or full race engine.
Short Block Assembly (V8)
$850 – $1,200
Crank, rods, pistons, rings, cam bearings, all clearanced and torqued
Short Block Assembly (V6)
$850 – $1,200
Crank, rods, pistons, rings, cam bearings, all clearanced and torqued
Long Block Assembly (V8)
$1,500 – $2,200
Short Block Assembly+ heads, cam, timing, lifters, valvetrain, sealing
Long Block Assembly (V6)
$1,500 – $2,200
Short Block Assembly+ heads, cam, timing, lifters, valvetrain, sealing
Turn-key Assembly
Call For Quote
Fully assembled ready-to-run engine with accessories, sensors, break-in
Rick’s Machine Shop Engine Machining Labor Packages
Note: These packages reflect labor pricing only. Parts are not included. Prices may vary based on engine condition, broken bolts, helicoils, rusted components, or customer-specific requests.
SHORT BLOCK MACHINE WORK PACKAGE
Our Short Block Package includes all the essential machine work and assembly needed to prepare a solid foundation for your LS/LT engine build. This service is ideal for customers starting with a bare block and rotating assembly.
Includes:
- Bore & Hone with Torque Plate
Simulates cylinder pressure during operation for maximum ring seal accuracy
- Deck Resurfacing
Ensures a flat, clean deck for proper MLS head gasket sealing
- Line Hone (Stock Bolts or ARP)*
Align hone main bores for precise crankshaft alignment
- Cam Bearing Installation
Press-fit and align cam bearings with proper depth and orientation
- Hot Tank & Crack Check
Thorough cleaning and magnetic particle inspection for cracks or fatigue
- Rotating Assembly Balancing
Balances crank, rods, pistons, flexplate/flywheel for smooth performance
- Short Block Assembly
Install crankshaft, rods, pistons, rings, bearings with proper clearances and torque specs
Estimated Labor Price: $2,260 – $2,660
(Does not include parts. Subject to condition.)
LONG BLOCK MACHINE WORK PACKAGE
The Long Block Package starts with everything in the Short Block Package and adds head work, valvetrain setup, and top-end assembly. This is ideal for customers wanting a fully assembled engine minus accessories—just add intake and fuel.
Includes Everything in Short Block Package PLUS:
- Cylinder Head Resurfacing
Flat gasket surface for proper combustion sealing
- 3-Angle Valve Job
Precision cut valve seats for improved airflow and durability
- Valve Spring Install & Setup
Sets correct spring pressure, height, and shims for cam specs
- Pressure Test / Crack Check (Heads)
Tests head castings for cracks, leaks, or porosity
- Long Block Assembly
Includes camshaft, timing components, cylinder heads, lifters, pushrods, rocker arms, seals, and full valvetrain setup
Estimated Labor Price: $4,410 – $5,510
(Includes all short block machine work. Does not include parts. Pricing varies based on condition and cam/valvetrain complexity.)
Turnkey Engine Assembly
(Includes Short + Long Block Packages)
Ideal for: Customers wanting a drop-in-ready engine minus ECU and wiring.
Adds:
- Oil Pump & Pickup Installation
- Front Timing Cover + Seal
- Rear Main Seal Housing
- Oil Pan (customer-supplied or matched)
- Harmonic Balancer Install
- Final Torque Check on All Components
- Optional: Intake Manifold, Brackets, Sensors
Labor Estimate: $5,800 – $7,500+
Contact Us
We proudly serve Houston, DFW, Texas, and LS engine enthusiasts across the USA. !
Hours
Mon | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Tue | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Wed | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Thu | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Fri | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Sat | Closed | |
Sun | Closed |
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