We build elite performance engines that are powerful, reliable, and engineered to dominate on land or sea.
At Sterling Engines, we don't just build engines. We engineer champions. Whether you're powering a record-chasing offshore boat or a championship-winning road car, our high-performance auto and marine engines are proven to win on every raceway.
From full custom builds to expert rebuilds and tuning, we deliver engines designed with relentless power, undeniable reliability, and uncompromising precision. Racers and performance enthusiasts choose Sterling because no one else pushes harder for victory. You need power that pushes you ahead. We make that happen.
Three decades of titles across UIM Class 1, APBA & SBI offshore, Super Cat, and SCCA road racing.
With nearly four decades of legendary experience, we’ve set the standard in inboard marine performance, powering championship boats and high-performance cruisers with engines known for record-setting speed and lasting strength.
Now, we’re expanding our reach, bringing that same elite engineering to a broader range of marine and autosport applications.
What we offerNot chasing a trophy? You don’t have to be a racer to expect the best. Sterling Engines also crafts high-end marine and automotive builds for those who value exceptional performance off the course.
Whether you’re cruising the open road or cutting across the lake, we bring race-level precision and craftsmanship to every engine, customized for your lifestyle and expectations.
Custom builds, full rebuilds, dyno testing, and championship support, all under one roof in Milford.
Your engine is the heartbeat of your machine. Trust Sterling Engines to make it roar.
Four decades of race-proven engineering, now stitched on your sleeve. Shop official Sterling apparel — straight from the builders in Milford.
Both marine and automotive, across nearly every high-performance platform. On the auto side that's Big- and Small-Block Chevy, LS, Ford (including the 460), Mopar big-blocks and Hemis, plus vintage cast-iron and Ferrari. On the water it's inboard power built on Mercury, Volvo, and Crusader. Naturally aspirated, supercharged, or turbocharged — if it's built to push limits, we build it.
Both. You don't have to chase a trophy to expect the best. Alongside our championship race programs, we craft engines for cabin cruisers, pleasure boats, vintage restorations like Chris-Craft, Riva, and Hacker-Craft, and pro-touring and street cars — the same race-level precision, tuned for your lifestyle.
Yes — every single one. Before a Sterling engine leaves Milford it's broken in and run on the dyno, and its power is verified by hand. Verified numbers, not promises: the number on the dyno sheet is the number you take to the track or the water.
It starts with a conversation. Before we cut a single part, we map the power band to your class, your boat or car, and your goals. From there every engine is hand-assembled, given a fully custom calibration, then broken in and dyno-verified — built by racers, for racers.
Absolutely — and we don't just refurbish, we transform. Our rebuilds are championship-grade refits: every internal hand-checked, every clearance measured, brought back to spec and back to peak dyno numbers. That includes full machine work — cylinder-head resurfacing, block boring and honing, balancing, crankshaft polishing, and dry-sump service — for marine and auto alike.
We do. Marina owners and dealers get dedicated fleet service, volume pricing, and partnership options, so your customers' boats spend more time on the water. See our marina program or reach out and we'll build one around your operation.
Our shop is in Milford, Michigan, but Sterling power has won everywhere from APBA offshore circuits to Class 1 Grand Prix racing in Dubai. We work with racers, builders, and owners well beyond Michigan and can crate and ship completed engines — get in touch and we'll sort out the logistics.
Every build is quoted and scheduled individually — timing depends on the scope, the spec, and parts availability, and we'll give you a realistic timeline up front. The first step is a free consultation: call (248) 684-5040, email info@sterlingengines.com, or send us your project details and we'll take it from there.
Let’s build something legendary.
