What is an SBT Engine? Is it Any Good? [Video]

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SBT engines are remanufactured jet ski engines produced by Short Block Technologies (SBT). The Florida-based company has been offering a wide range of aftermarket PWC parts as well as complete revamped power sources since 1997.

If you want to find out more about this manufacturer and its products, this post is for you.

We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this SBT engine review!

What is an SBT Engine?

If you are looking for a jet ski engine, you can choose from remanufactured or OEM power sources. Unfortunately, OEM engines come with hefty price tags and are only offered for newer models.

Therefore, finding a new engine for an older jet ski (especially a vintage 2-stroke model) is virtually impossible.

This is where remanufactured jet ski engines come into play. These power mills are original factory engines that have been revamped with new aftermarket parts.

One of the most well-known names in this marketplace is Short Block Technologies (SBT), founded in 1997. The company is one of the largest sources of remanufactured jet ski engines and aftermarket parts for major brands.

The biggest advantage of SBT products is that they are readily available for countless vintage jet ski models.

In a nutshell, the company offers remanufactured engines and parts for the following brands:

Yes, you read correctly; besides the Big Three, SBT offers PWC engines and parts for other smaller brands as well.

How Are SBT Engines Made?

Each SBT engine undergoes the same rigorous remanufacturing process. As a rule of thumb, the block of the OEM engine is the only part reused with the internals being completely replaced.

This means that SBT engines come with new gaskets, seals, pistons, rings, rods, and a crankshaft.

What’s more, the American company owns two patents for the fixtures and tools needed for its unique crankshaft remanufacturing procedure.

The manufacturing process also uses advanced CNC technology for boring and honing the cylinders, cutting heads, and resurfacing covers.

Are SBT Engines Covered Under Warranty?

SBTs engines come with either a one- or two-year “fault-free” warranty, depending on the model. Standard engines have a one-year warranty, while premium SBT engines have an extended 2-year warranty.

What does SBT’s “fault-free” warranty mean?

This generous warranty means that the manufacturer will cover the engine regardless of the type of failure. Consequently, the engine will be covered even if it seizes due to lack of lubrication, overheats, or is blown for any reason.

SBT Engine Parts

Besides remanufactured PWC engines, the company markets complete rebuild kits and a line of aftermarket maintenance parts. The major product categories of SBT’s offerings are as follows:

  • Engine and cranks
  • Cylinders and heads
  • Engine parts/Tools
  • Cables
  • Gaskets
  • BlackTip Jetsports seat covers and deck mats
  • Hydro-Turf seat covers and deck mats
  • Pump parts
  • Electrical features
  • Fuel system features

One of the main reasons for SBT’s popularity is its stellar online shop. Thanks to its easy-to-use browser, you can easily find the parts matching your ski.

All you need to do is select your ski’s manufacture, year, model, and the part you are looking for. SBT’s PWC specialists guarantee that the ordered part will fit on your ski. You can also expect the shortest possible delivery time.

If you have doubts, note that more than 5,000 dealers and service shops worldwide use SBT parts!

What’s the Difference Between Standard and Premium SBT Engines?

Standard SBT engines come with a one-year warranty, while you can expect a two-year warranty on premium engines. The latter also comes with an additional installation gasket kit, SBT’s latest pin-up calendar, and an exclusive BTS video of the calendar shoot.

Where is SBT Located?

SBT is headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, which is where the company’s 70,000 square foot factory is located. The manufacturer supplies dealers and customers in almost every country in the world.

Should You Buy an SBT Engine?

If you need a new engine for your jet ski, then you can basically choose from four options:

  1. Investing in an OEM engine
  2. Rebuilding the current engine by yourself
  3. Getting your engine rebuilt by a professional
  4. Purchasing a remanufactured engine

Although new OEM engines are available off the shelf, this would be by far the most expensive option. Moreover, manufacturers typically offer engines for the latest 4-stroke models.

If you’re on a budget, you can consider rebuilding the engine yourself or getting the job done by a professional. But considering current labor rates, it’s often not worth rebuilding an engine this way.

Another problem with this project is that you won’t know how much it will end up costing, not to mention the hassle and headaches that come in the process!

This is why remanufactured SBT engines are so popular among riders. Investing in an SBT engine is by far the easiest and most convenient way to replace the engine in your jet ski. On top of that, these power sources come with one or two years of warranty.

If you rebuild your engine yourself, you probably won’t be able to do it any cheaper, and it will be a very time-consuming project.

And once it’s done, your engine still won’t be under warranty.

Beyond off-the-shelf remanufactured engines, SBT also has a “core exchange policy,” which is probably the most cost-effective way to get a new engine for your jet ski. All you need to do is send your current engine core (block) to the company and you will get back a remanufactured engine.

The price of this service varies depending on your ski’s make and model.

Takeaways

Short Block Technologies (SBT) is the largest supplier of remanufactured jet ski engines globally.

It’s safe to say that revamped STB engines are the cheapest and most effective way to get a new engine for your jet ski. These units are completely rebuilt with new SBT internal parts and come with one or two years of warranty, depending on the model.

Besides complete engines, the company offers a wide range of parts through their online shop. Besides a countless number of unique customers, SBT parts are used by more than 5,000 dealers worldwide.

If you want to find out more about this company and its services, don’t hesitate to visit the official SBT shop or call their professional sales staff directly.

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