Engine RepairSt. Cloud, MN
Engine Repair & Performance.Done right.
From rough idles to full motor swaps, we handle the heart of your vehicle. Whether you're chasing down a misfire on your daily driver or building a crate motor setup for your project car, ANR brings real-world engine experience to every job. We work on everything from bone-stock commuters to built motors, no job too mundane, no build too ambitious.
- $120/hr labor
- Bring your own parts
- All makes & models
Signs it's time
Notice any of these? Bring it in before it gets worse.
Check Engine Light Stays On
That little orange light isn't just a suggestion. It could be anything from a loose gas cap to a failing catalytic converter. We'll pull the codes and actually diagnose the root cause, not just clear the light and send you on your way.
Knocking or Pinging Under Load
Hearing a metallic knock when you accelerate or climb a hill is never good news. Could be detonation from bad fuel timing, worn rod bearings, or carbon buildup. The sooner you get it looked at, the less likely you're looking at a full rebuild.
Rough Idle or Misfires
If your engine shakes at a stoplight or stumbles when you hit the gas, something's off, ignition coils, fuel injectors, vacuum leaks, or worn spark plugs are common culprits. These get worse over time and can damage your catalytic converter.
Excessive Oil Consumption or Smoke
Burning through oil between changes or seeing blue/white smoke from the tailpipe points to worn piston rings, valve seals, or a blown head gasket. Don't just keep topping it off, let us figure out where it's going.
Sudden Loss of Power
If your vehicle feels sluggish or won't pull like it used to, there's a restriction somewhere, clogged fuel filter, failing fuel pump, restricted exhaust, or a turbo issue. We'll trace it back to the source.
Can't drive it in?
If it isn't running or isn't safe to drive, call us about a limited local tow-in to the shop. We confirm each pickup first.
Good to know
What Your Engine Is Telling You
Exhaust color, sounds, and smells, they all mean something.
Exhaust Smoke Color Guide
The color of smoke from your tailpipe can point to the root cause before any diagnostic tools come out.
- White SmokeCondensation or coolant leak (head gasket)Watch
- Blue SmokeBurning oil, worn rings or valve sealsAct now
- Black SmokeRich fuel mixture, injectors, sensor, or filterAct now
What we do
- Complete engine diagnostics and code analysis
- Motor swaps and crate engine installations
- Engine rebuilds, partial and complete
- Head gasket replacement and cylinder head work
- Timing belt and timing chain service
- Spark plug, ignition coil, and fuel injector replacement
- Oil leak diagnosis and repair
- Performance tuning and ECU calibration
How the job goes
- 1
Inspect & Diagnose
We start with a thorough inspection, OBD-II scan, compression test, leak-down test, visual inspection, whatever the symptoms call for. No guessing, no parts-cannon approach.
- 2
Explain & Quote
We walk you through exactly what we found, what needs fixing, and what it'll cost. You'll understand the why behind every recommendation. No pressure, no upselling, just straight talk.
- 3
Repair & Build
Once you give the green light, we get to work. We use quality parts (OEM or better), torque everything to spec, and follow proper procedures. If it's a swap or build, we keep you updated on progress.
- 4
Verify & Test
Every engine job gets a thorough post-repair verification, test drive, re-scan, fluid level checks, and a look for any leaks. We don't hand back keys until we're confident in the work.
Straight pricing
Labor is $120 an hour, about $30 less than the local average. You get a clear quote for your car before we start, and nothing gets added without a yes from you.
Engine RepairFAQ
Questions we hear a lot
How much does an engine swap cost?
It depends heavily on the vehicle and what motor you're going with. A straightforward like-for-like replacement is very different from an LS swap into a classic truck. Our labor rate is $120/hr, and most swaps run 15-30+ hours depending on complexity. We'll give you a detailed estimate before any wrenches turn.
Can I bring my own engine or parts?
Absolutely. We're BYOP-friendly, if you've sourced a motor, turbo kit, or parts online, we're happy to install them. Just know that our warranty covers our labor, not customer-supplied parts. We can also source parts for you if you'd prefer.
Is it worth rebuilding my engine or should I replace it?
Depends on the vehicle and condition of the block. A rebuild can be more cost-effective and lets you keep your matching-numbers drivetrain, but a quality reman or crate motor can sometimes be the smarter play. We'll give you an honest assessment based on what we find during teardown.
How long does a typical engine repair take?
Simple stuff like spark plugs or an oil leak can be same-day or next-day. Head gasket jobs usually run 2 to 4 days. Full rebuilds or swaps can take 1 to 3 weeks depending on parts availability and the scope of work. We'll give you a realistic timeline upfront.
Do you work on diesel engines?
Yes, we work on light-duty diesel trucks and SUVs, Cummins, Duramax, Power Stroke. Injector replacements, turbo work, glow plug service, the works. If it's a heavy commercial vehicle, we'll point you in the right direction.
Ready when you are.
Book online in about a minute, or call and talk to the people who'll actually work on your car.