Got Questions? We've Got Answers

Yes. River Speed & Sport is the new name and new home for what was Advanced Racing Engines — same ownership, same shop expertise, now based in Blythe with a broader focus on marine performance alongside the machine shop work we've always done.

We wanted a name that reflected where we're headed as a marine performance shop — but we're proud of where we came from, which is why you'll still hear us call it "River Speed & Sport by Advanced Racing Engines."

We're at 1460 E Hobsonway in Blythe, CA, right on the Colorado River, and serve boaters and customers throughout the river community.

Walk-ins are always welcome. If you'd rather plan ahead or know your job's going to take some time, feel free to call first — but you don't have to. Stop by, and we'll take a look.

Yes. Owner Heath Hiebert runs the shop, his wife Kelly helps run day-to-day operations, and daughter Kaylee — who races their boat GN369 herself — helps out around the shop too.

Yes. Standard service and repair labor is warrantied for one year from the date of invoice against workmanship defects. Parts are covered under their manufacturer's warranty. Custom engine builds have a separate 15-day workmanship warranty due to the demanding conditions they're typically run in.

Our specialty is big block Chevy (BBC) inboard performance — from flatbottoms to ski boats — but our machine shop background means we're not limited to one engine type.

Yes — full cut-and-polish detailing, lettering removal, and color work, alongside the mechanical side.

Yes — stop by the shop. We carry parts and marine accessories and can point you toward what you actually need.

Yes — while our own racing background shapes what we build, we take on custom engine builds for outside customers too, from boats to street rods.

Yes. Every custom build gets dyno time before it goes out, so you know the real numbers before you ever put it to use.

Our roots are in custom engine building, not just boats — we also work on street rods, off-road vehicles, and trucks.

Yes — custom-built engines are warrantied for 15 days from the date of invoice, covering defects in workmanship and assembly only.

Note: This doesn't cover damage from racing, off-road use, competition, improper break-in, misuse, or modifications made after delivery.

Given the demanding conditions these engines are typically run in, we stand behind our workmanship for those first 15 days, but can't warranty an engine against the wear and stress of race or off-road use beyond that.

Decades of BBC engine building — including a 572ci ski boat engine that put down 716 hp, and a blown 468 built for a customer racing at the Outlaw Nationals. Owner Heath Hiebert is also a Parker Enduro competitor and races GN369 in Grand National boat racing.