Engine Machine Shop — Hayden, ID Est. 2004 — Owner-Operated
(208) 772-0301
A Dying Art, Still Alive in Hayden

Carter's
Automotive

The engine machine work most shops have forgotten how to do — rebuilt, reconditioned, and machined to exact tolerances by one man who's been doing it right since 2004.

5.0★25 Reviews
21+Years Open
FreeEstimates
Engine Rebuilding Cylinder Head Work 21 Years in Hayden 5.0★ Perfect Rating Owner-Operated Precision Machining Crankshaft Grinding Engine Balancing Engine Rebuilding Cylinder Head Work 21 Years in Hayden 5.0★ Perfect Rating Owner-Operated Precision Machining Crankshaft Grinding Engine Balancing
What We Do

Precision engine machine work

i.
Engine Rebuilding
Complete engine rebuild from the ground up. Tom does the work most shops can't — or won't. The kind of machinist craft that customers drive from across North Idaho to find.
ii.
Cylinder Head Reconditioning
Valve seat machining, head resurfacing, and full reconditioning to restore compression and seal integrity to exact tolerances.
iii.
Engine Block Work
Cylinder boring, honing, and block machining. Not "close enough" — factory tolerances.
iv.
Crankshaft Grinding
Precision crankshaft grinding and polishing to restore journal geometry and surface finish for maximum bearing life.
v.
Engine Balancing
Full rotating assembly balancing — pistons, rods, crank — for smooth power delivery and reduced vibration at all RPM ranges.
vi.
Performance Engine Building
Custom performance builds for trucks, muscle cars, and anything that deserves more than stock output. Blueprinted, balanced, built with purpose.
"I learned about Carter's through friends that swore by him and how he knew the lost art of engine machine work… I give 5 stars to Tom of Carter's Automotive because I am a builder and know what to expect from engine machining. Well done Tom and thank you."
Corey Canzoneri — Google Review
About Carter's

The engine work most shops have forgotten

Carter's Automotive is Tom Carter — a machinist who still does the work that most shops outsource or turn away. Engine rebuilding, cylinder head work, block machining. The kind of precision craftsmanship customers drive from across North Idaho to find.

Tom has been at it since 2004 and every review says the same thing: he knows what he's doing, he's fair, and he takes pride in his work. When the dealer says "replace the engine," Tom says "let's fix it."

Engine machine shop specialistCylinder heads, blocks, cranks, balancing
Perfect 5.0★ rating25 verified Google reviews, every one of them five stars
All makes & modelsDomestic and import engines, cars and trucks
Owner-operated since 2004Tom does the work — no middlemen, no subcontracting
What Customers Say

5.0★ Perfect Rating

★★★★★
All I have to say is I wish Tom was younger again so he could provide his quality work for another 20 years, he knows what he is doing and does an excellent work. I learned about Carter's through friends that swore by him and how he knew the lost art of engine machine work.
Corey Canzoneri
★★★★★
Tom is very professional and awesome to deal with. Very fair and knowledgeable. I have used his services for many of my customers needs as well as my own.
James Weaver
★★★★★
Locally owned and operated. Best machine shop in town!! Excellent work from a guy that knows what he's doing!! Thank you Tom!!
Sarah Rasmussen
★★★★★ 5.0 from 25 Google reviews — a perfect record.
Get In Touch

Request an estimate

Send a request and Tom will confirm by phone — usually same day. Or just call direct.

Hours
Mon – Thu9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday – SundayClosed

Free Estimate

Tom will call to confirm — usually same day.

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