Engine Rebuilds & Repairs in Charleston, SC
Collins Automotive & Performance is a certified IAG engine installer in Summerville, SC, handling engine diagnosis, repairs and full rebuilds for drivers across the Charleston area. Whether your Subaru needs a head gasket or you are planning a built motor for more power, we diagnose it first and give you a clear plan before any work starts.
- Certified IAG engine installer
- Custom engine packages
- Cylinder head packages
- Free consultation
Owner Matt Collins has 15+ years of hands-on Subaru and performance experience, from engineering school and aircraft manufacturing and testing to performance and tuning shops. Every job starts with a free consultation, and nothing is charged without your consent.
What is the difference between an engine repair and a rebuild?
An engine repair fixes a specific problem, like a leaking head gasket, a worn timing belt or a bad coil pack.
An engine rebuild means taking the engine apart, inspecting every component, and replacing or machining whatever is worn or damaged before it goes back together. A rebuild makes sense when the damage is widespread, when the engine is worn out, or when you want to build it stronger than stock.
What are the signs my engine needs work?
Catching a problem early is often the difference between a repair and a rebuild. Bring the car in if you notice any of these.
Unusual noises
Knocking, ticking, rattling or hissing from the engine bay.
Check engine light
The car’s computer has logged a fault. Do not ignore it.
Smoke from the exhaust
Blue smoke usually means burning oil, white can mean coolant, and black often means running rich.
Overheating
A failing radiator, water pump, head gasket or coolant leak. Stop driving and get it checked.
Loss of power
Sluggish acceleration, poor fuel economy or misfires.
Leaks and smells
Oil spots under the car, a burning oil smell, or a sweet coolant smell.
What engine repairs do you do most often?
On Subarus and the other platforms we work on, these are the jobs we see most:
- Head gasket repairs
- Timing belt or chain replacement
- Oil leaks
- Overheating and cooling system repairs
- Spark plugs and coil packs
- Knocking or ticking noises
- Rough idle, misfires and check engine lights
What happens during an engine rebuild?
- We remove the engine from the vehicle.
- We take it apart down to individual components.
- Every part is inspected for wear and damage.
- Worn or damaged parts are repaired or replaced, including upgraded parts for a performance build.
- The engine is reassembled.
- It goes back in the car, and fresh builds can be broken in and tuned on our all-wheel-drive dyno.
How long does a rebuild take?
An engine rebuild can take several weeks or even months, depending on how much damage there is and how quickly parts arrive. We give you a realistic timeline before we start, and we never charge without your consent.
Do you build performance engines?
Yes. As a certified IAG Performance engine installer and dealer, we install IAG engines and build in-house custom engine packages and cylinder head packages for customers who want more power with reliability.
A built engine is usually paired with a protune, so we plan the engine and the tune together.
IAG engines
Certified IAG Performance installer and dealer.
Custom packages
Engine and cylinder head packages built around your goals.
Other services at the shop
ECU tuning & COBB protunes
COBB authorized dealer and certified ProTuners, plus EcuTek and open-source tuning.
ECU tuning and COBB protunesDyno tuning
Custom tunes on our in-house Mustang MD-AWD-150 all-wheel-drive dyno, under real load with both axles driven.
Dyno tuning on an AWD dynoSubaru repair & maintenance
Diagnostics, check engine lights, brakes, clutches and routine maintenance on Subaru, Mitsubishi and Nissan models.
Repair and maintenance servicesOur Promise & What to Expect
Every engine job starts with a free consultation. We look at the car, talk through your goals and your budget, and give you a clear plan before any work begins. Nothing gets charged without your consent.
Engine Rebuilds & Repairs FAQs
What is the difference between an engine repair and a rebuild?
A repair fixes a specific problem. A rebuild takes the whole engine apart, inspects every part, and replaces or repairs anything worn or damaged.
When should I consider an engine rebuild?
Consider a rebuild if the engine is making unusual noises, burning a lot of oil, losing power, or has widespread internal damage.
How long does an engine rebuild take?
Several weeks or even months, depending on the extent of the damage and parts availability. We give you a timeline before we start.
Are you an IAG installer?
Yes. Collins Automotive & Performance is a certified IAG Performance engine installer and dealer.
Do you do Subaru head gaskets?
Yes. Head gasket repairs are one of the most common engine jobs we do.
Do you work on all makes?
We focus on Subaru, Mitsubishi and Nissan, with some exceptions. Send us your year, make and model and we will tell you if we are a good fit.
Ready to get your car in?
Start with a free consultation. Tell us what you drive and what you want out of it.