Performance Parts Machine in Oklahoma City: CNC Custom Fabrication for High-Performance Builds
Performance Parts Machine is a custom CNC machining and fabrication shop in Oklahoma City that specializes in one-off and small-batch performance parts for engine builders, drag racers, and custom automotive enthusiasts. Unlike chain auto parts retailers that stock inventory, this operation manufactures specific components to customer specification, handling jobs that require precision tolerances, exotic materials, or designs not available off-the-shelf. It fills a gap between big-box suppliers and full machine shops by focusing exclusively on automotive performance work.
What Performance Parts Machine Actually Does
The shop operates computer-controlled CNC mills and lathes capable of working with aluminum, steel, titanium, and cast iron. Common jobs include custom intake manifolds, fuel rails, billet pulleys, rocker covers, engine block modifications, transmission adapter plates, and suspension brackets. The business also offers traditional machine shop services like boring, honing, and porting for heads and blocks, alongside fabrication work for brackets and one-off brackets that don't exist as catalog items. Projects range from street rod builders needing a single custom pan to competition drag teams fabricating engine internals for specialized racing applications.
The shop does not stock consumer-grade air filters, spark plugs, or bolt-on kits; it is not a retail destination for standard maintenance parts. Instead, customers arrive with a design, a CAD file, or a worn part that needs reproduction or modification, and the shop produces it.
Services and Turnaround Pricing
Pricing depends entirely on part complexity, material, and quantity. A simple aluminum bracket might run $150 to $400, while a bespoke intake manifold or ported head work can range from $800 to $3,500 or more. The shop typically requires 50 percent upfront to schedule machine time, with the balance due on completion. Turnaround varies: simple jobs may complete in one week, but complex castings or multi-operation pieces can take three to four weeks. Call ahead to discuss your design and get an accurate quote and lead time; these figures fluctuate based on shop load and material sourcing.
How It Compares to Other Oklahoma City Options
Most major auto parts chains in Oklahoma City (such as AutoZone, O'Reilly, and Advance Auto Parts) stock catalog parts and carry inventory for plug-and-play upgrades. These are faster and cheaper for common performance upgrades like headers, carburetors, or exhaust systems already manufactured by suppliers. Performance Parts Machine competes instead with smaller custom shops and general machine job shops scattered across the city that lack automotive specialization. The advantage of Performance Parts Machine is focus: the machinists understand racing and performance tolerances, and the shop has relationships with suppliers for exotic materials and processes. A general machine shop can make you a part, but it may not understand why an engine builder needs a specific bore tolerance or wall thickness.
Choose a retail chain if you need an off-the-shelf part today. Choose Performance Parts Machine when your vision requires custom manufacturing or when the part you need does not exist as a catalog option.
Who This Shop Suits and Who It Does Not
Performance Parts Machine suits experienced builders, race teams, and enthusiasts who already know what they want to build and have a clear design intent. It serves small shops that fabricate one or two custom cars a year and need local, reliable fabrication support. Engine builders and transmission specialists rely on the shop for ported heads, honed blocks, and custom adapters.
The shop does not suit someone looking for a quick impulse upgrade at a retail counter, nor does it work for bulk manufacturing runs where overseas tooling and production make more economic sense. It also does not replace a general automotive parts store for consumables like oil, filters, or belts.
What the First Visit Involves
Contact the shop by phone to discuss your project scope. Bring a design sketch, blueprint, or damaged part that needs reproduction. The machinists will assess feasibility and material requirements, provide a labor estimate and timeline, and quote a setup fee if custom tooling is needed. You will leave a deposit to lock in machine time, then return when the part is ready. Many customers build relationships with the shop and return for follow-up work as their project evolves.
Hours, Location, and Logistics
Performance Parts Machine operates during standard business hours; confirm exact times and any appointment requirements by phone before visiting. The facility is located on Oklahoma City's south side and has space for customers to park and walk in. No walk-ins without a scheduled consultation are typical, as the machinists are often deep in setup or production work.
Performance Parts Machine fills a functional role for Oklahoma City's race and performance community by manufacturing what cannot be bought ready-made and translating builder vision into precision metal.
