Build Policies And Disclaimers

The following policies help ensure a clear understanding between Reid’s Speed Shop and the customer regarding the engine build process, expectations, and responsibilities.

By moving forward with a build, the customer acknowledges and agrees to these policies.

1. Estimates & Final Costs

Initial estimates are provided based on the information available prior to the engine arriving at the shop. Because the true condition of an engine cannot always be determined from photos or descriptions alone, final costs may change after the engine has been disassembled and inspected.

If additional damage, wear, or unusable components are discovered during inspection or machine shop evaluation, updated estimates will be provided before moving forward whenever possible.

2. Engine Core Condition

Customers are responsible for providing a usable engine core.

If an engine or major components such as the block, crankshaft, connecting rods, or cylinder heads are found to be damaged or unusable during inspection or machine shop evaluation, the customer will be notified before further work proceeds.

If the customer chooses to discontinue the build at that point, the customer remains responsible for payment of:

• Labor related to engine disassembly and inspection
• Any machine shop services already performed

3. Parts Purchasing

Reid’s Speed Shop may order parts in the shop’s name on the customer’s behalf in order to complete an engine build. Parts are sourced from suppliers deemed appropriate based on quality, availability, and compatibility with the build.

Actual parts pricing may vary slightly from initial estimates due to normal supplier pricing changes, shipping costs, or availability at the time parts are ordered.

During the build process, it is also possible that additional small components or hardware may be required that were not originally included in the estimate. These may include items such as sensors, plugs, connectors, fittings, gaskets, or other minor parts necessary to properly complete the build. When required, these items may be purchased and will be included on the final invoice.

Reid’s Speed Shop will make reasonable efforts to inform customers of any significant changes to the estimated cost before moving forward.

4. Project Cancellation

Because many parts are ordered specifically for each engine build, parts purchased for a project may not be returnable.

If a customer chooses to discontinue a project after work has begun or parts have been ordered, the customer remains responsible for payment of:

• Parts already ordered
• Labor already performed
• Any machine shop services completed

5. Installation Responsibility

Reid’s Speed Shop cannot control the installation, tuning, or operation of an engine once it leaves the shop.

For this reason, Reid’s Speed Shop is not responsible for damage, performance issues, or engine failure resulting from improper installation, tuning, break-in procedures, overheating, lubrication issues, fuel system problems, or other operating conditions outside the shop’s control.

6. Warranty Disclaimer

Reid’s Speed Shop does not provide a blanket warranty on completed engines.

Certain individual components used in a build may carry their own manufacturer warranties where applicable. Any warranty claims related to those components must be handled directly through the manufacturer of the part.

7. Performance Parts & Intended Use

Some performance components used in engine builds may be designated by their manufacturer as “off-road use only,” “race use only,” or “not intended for use on public highways.”

These designations are determined by the individual manufacturers of those components and are outside the control of Reid’s Speed Shop.

It is the responsibility of the vehicle owner to ensure that their vehicle and its components comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

8. Customer-Supplied Parts

Reid’s Speed Shop cannot guarantee the compatibility, quality, or reliability of parts supplied by the customer.

If customer-supplied components fail, cause damage, or require additional labor to install or correct, Reid’s Speed Shop is not responsible for resulting issues.

9. Engine Test Runs

When possible, completed engines may be test run on a run stand to verify oil pressure, operation, and general engine function.

Customers may choose to hear the engine run in person or receive a video demonstration of the engine operating prior to delivery.

Certain engine combinations, particularly some electronically controlled fuel injected engines, may not be compatible with the shop’s current run stand setup and therefore may not be able to be test run prior to delivery.

10. Customer Verification

Customers may be given the opportunity to review the completed engine and confirm satisfaction with the build prior to pickup or delivery.

Reid’s Speed Shop may require customer acknowledgment confirming satisfaction with the completed build before the engine is released.

11. Engine Pickup & Storage Policy

Once an engine build has been completed and the customer has been notified, the engine must be picked up within 30 days unless other arrangements have been agreed upon in advance.

Due to limited shop space, Reid’s Speed Shop reserves the right to charge storage fees for engines that remain in the shop beyond this timeframe.

Storage fees may be applied at a rate of $10 per day after the 30-day grace period.

Engines will not be released until all outstanding balances and applicable storage fees have been paid in full.

12. Final Payment Requirement

All invoices and outstanding balances must be paid in full before an engine will be released for pickup or delivery.

Reid’s Speed Shop reserves the right to retain possession of the engine until payment has been completed.

13. Performance Expectations

Any horsepower figures or performance estimates discussed or listed for engine combinations are approximations based on typical component performance and prior experience.

Actual results may vary depending on many factors outside the control of Reid’s Speed Shop including but not limited to:

• Vehicle configuration
• Exhaust system design
• Tuning and ignition timing
• Fuel quality
• Altitude and environment
• Drivetrain components
• Cooling system performance

For this reason, specific horsepower or performance results cannot be guaranteed.

14. Right to Refuse Service

Reid’s Speed Shop reserves the right to decline or discontinue any project at its discretion.

This may include situations where a requested build falls outside the scope of services offered, involves components deemed unsafe or unreliable, or when project expectations cannot reasonably be met.

If a project is declined after work has begun, the customer remains responsible for payment of any labor performed and any parts or machine shop services already approved or completed.

15. Parts Deposits & Payment Structure

Reid’s Speed Shop requires a parts deposit before ordering components or beginning an engine build.

Customers may choose to pay the full estimated parts cost upfront or arrange a two-stage deposit structure. The initial deposit covers applicable engine core costs, machine work, and short block components. The second deposit covers the remaining components necessary to complete the build.

All remaining labor charges, outstanding parts costs, and applicable fees are due upon completion, prior to engine pickup or delivery.

In the event of project cancellation, deposits will be applied toward parts ordered, labor performed, machine shop services, and other authorized project expenses. Any remaining balance will be reconciled according to the project's agreed terms.

16. Engine Break-In, Operation & Maintenance

Performance engines require proper installation, initial operation, tuning, and ongoing maintenance to ensure dependable service.

Following delivery, customers are responsible for maintaining appropriate oil levels, oil pressure, operating temperatures, fuel quality, ignition timing, and air/fuel ratios, along with following applicable break-in and maintenance recommendations.

Engine operation should be discontinued immediately if abnormal noises, overheating, loss of oil pressure, or other indications of mechanical trouble occur.

Reid’s Speed Shop is not responsible for damage resulting from improper operation, inadequate maintenance, or continued engine operation after signs of mechanical distress, to the extent permitted by applicable law.

17. Shipping & Transportation

Customers are responsible for applicable shipping, freight, crating, and transportation expenses unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

Engines will be appropriately prepared for transportation based on the shipping method selected. Customers are encouraged to inspect shipments upon arrival and promptly document any visible damage or concerns.

Any shipping damage should be reported to Reid’s Speed Shop and the transportation provider as soon as possible. Responsibility for shipping damage and applicable freight claims will be determined by the agreed shipping arrangements and applicable law.

18. Project Timelines & Delays

Estimated completion dates are provided as general projections and are not guaranteed delivery dates.

Engine building schedules may be affected by machine shop availability, supplier delays, component backorders, additional machining requirements, or unforeseen conditions discovered during the build process.

Reid’s Speed Shop will make reasonable efforts to communicate significant delays and provide updated completion estimates when appropriate.

19. Additional Work & Customer Authorization

During engine disassembly, inspection, machining, or assembly, additional components or services may be required to properly complete a build.

Reid’s Speed Shop will seek customer authorization before proceeding with significant changes to the agreed scope of work or estimated project cost.

Customer approval may be documented through written correspondence, including email or text message.

Additional authorized work, components, and services will be reflected in the final invoice.

A Note to Our Customers

These policies are not intended to make the process complicated—they exist to ensure clear communication and fairness for both Reid’s Speed Shop and the customer throughout the build process.

Every engine project is approached with attention to detail, transparency, and a genuine passion for the craft of engine building. The goal is always the same: to deliver a reliable engine that meets your expectations while keeping you informed every step of the way.

If you have any questions about the build process, policies, or a potential project, feel free to reach out through the contact page. I’m always happy to discuss your goals and help determine the best direction for your build.

Let’s build something great together.