Restoring an old vehicle can be both exciting and a bit stressful. If you need to purchase a new engine in order to complete your vehicle's restoration, working with a machine shop to have an engine custom built could be a great option.

Here are three pieces of information that you should be prepared to provide your machine shop to ensure that you end up with the engine that is best suited to meet your needs in the future.

1. Your desired engine application.

In order to create an engine that is uniquely suited to meet your needs, your machine shop will need to know your intended application for the finished engine. If you are planning to use your restored car as a racing vehicle, you will likely need an engine that is built for endurance.

If you plan to use your vehicle off-road, then power and performance will be top priorities during the machining of your new engine. Being prepared to identify your desired engine application will ensure that your machine shop can build the engine that's right for your restoration project.

2. Your horsepower needs.

Determining how much horsepower you anticipate needing access to once your vehicle is completely restored is essential when it comes to conveying your needs to your machine shop. There are many different processes that can be used throughout the engine fabrication process, and some of these processes help to create more horsepower.

If your machine shop knows that horsepower is a priority, they can stroke a short-block motor to help increase displacement (which can create more horsepower). When your machine shop knows how much horsepower you want, they can customize their machining processes in creating a finished motor to help you achieve your horsepower goals.

3. Your final budget.

Most machine shops will charge between $350 and $600 just to clean your old engine. If replacement parts must be manufactured and alterations made to improve performance, machining costs will only increase.

It's important that you communicate your final budget to your machine shop before having them begin an engine build. Establishing clear boundaries when it comes to the budget will help you get what you want without breaking the bank.

Restoring an old car often requires the assistance of a skilled machine shop. Be sure that you are prepared to let your machine shop know your desired engine application, horsepower needs, and budget restraints to ensure your restoration goes as smoothly as possible. For more information, check out companies like Certified Products Co.