Engine Rebuild Kits: How to Choose the Right One
At REV6, we understand that not every engine needs a complete overhaul. Thatโs why we offer a wide variety of engine rebuild kits tailored to different needs and budgets. Whether youโre dealing with a full-blown failure or just a tired top end, we have the right kit for your situation โ from our comprehensive Master Engine Rebuild Kits to our more affordable Top End Refresh Kits.
To make it easy, weโve included a reference chart (see below) that breaks down exactly whatโs included in each kit. But letโs go deeper into what makes each of these engine rebuild kits useful โ and when you should choose one over another.

The Master Engine Rebuild Kit
If you want to completely rebuild your engine from the crank up, this is the most complete option. Our Master Engine Rebuild Kit includes:
- Crankshaft
- Connecting rods and rod bolts
- Pistons and rings
- Cylinder
- All gaskets and seals
- Main and rod bearings
- Valves and valve seals
- Timing chain
- Oil pump chain
This is ideal for engines that have experienced a full failure โ low compression, knock, oil contamination, or damage to multiple components. If youโre rebuilding a used engine with unknown history, this kit ensures youโre replacing all wear-critical components and starting fresh with quality, performance-grade parts.
The Top End Refresh Kit
On the other end of the spectrum is our Top End Refresh Kit. This kit is designed for engines that are still running but have symptoms like:
- Excessive oil consumption
- Low compression in one or more cylinders
- Minor ticking or valve noise
- General wear from high mileage
These symptoms are often caused by worn piston rings, gaskets, or valve seals. Instead of doing a full teardown, this kit lets you fix the essential components without touching the bottom end. Itโs a more affordable way to bring your engine back to life, especially if youโre just trying to get through a season or extend engine life without a major investment.
Bottom End Rebuild Kits
If your engine has suffered a rod bearing failure or crankshaft damage โ but your top end is still in good condition โ a Bottom End Rebuild Kit might be the right move.
This kit includes components like:
- Crankshaft
- Rods and bearings
- Crank seals
- Bottom end gasket set
- Oil pump chain, guides, and tensioners (in some kits)
By reusing your existing top-end pistons, cylinder, valves, etc., you can save money while addressing the real issue in your engine. This option is great for skilled builders who want to repair just the damaged section of the motor while maintaining reliability.
Other Kit Options
In addition to the major rebuild kits, REV6 also offers:
- Top End Rebuild Kits โ A more complete version of the refresh kit, includes pistons, rings, and valves.
- Gasket & Seal Kits โ Ideal for resealing engines that are torn down for inspection or minor repairs.
- Performance Upgrade Kits โ Available for some platforms with upgraded pistons, cams, or billet components.
So Which Kit is Right for You?
Ask yourself a few key questions:
- Is your engine knocking or completely blown? โ Go with the Master Kit
- Are you burning oil but still running? โ Try the Top End Refresh Kit
- Did you spin a rod bearing or damage the crank? โ Go for the Bottom End Kit
- Want to reseal or clean up the top end? โ A Top End Gasket Kit might be all you need
Final Thoughts
Not every engine failure is the same, and not every rebuild needs to cost a fortune. At REV6, we give you the flexibility to choose the kit that matches your problem, skill level, and budget.
However, we always recommend a complete rebuild whenever there has been any type of engine failure. Mixing new and used internal components can lead to uneven wear and reduced reliability over time. New parts naturally last longer, while used components may already be nearing the end of their service life. Doing a full rebuild ensures that all critical parts are fresh, balanced, and built to run together for maximum performance and longevity.
If youโre still not sure what you need, feel free to reach out. Our team is here to help you pick the best option for your build.
Check out the chart below to compare kit contents and find the right fit for your engine.
If our current selection doesn’t have the engine kit you’re looking for, reach out! We can build a custom kit tailored to your needs.