About us

SERVICE TO THE MOTORSPORT INDUSTRY

ESTABLISHED IN 2003

OUR TEAM

EXPERIENCE. KNOWLEDGE. PASSION.

OUR FACILITY

BUILT FOR PERFORMANCE.
DESIGNED FOR EXCELLENCE

OUR EXPERTISE.

PRECISION ENGINEERING
TRUSTED BY CHAMPIONS

EXPERT TEAM

PRECISION ENGINEERING

RACE PROVEN

QUALITY ASSURED

Damico Engines Limited is a family run business located close to the Snetterton Race circuit in Norfolk specialising in the development, machining, building and testing of competition engines with excellent customer service at competitive prices.

As well as an enviable reputation within the motorsport industry, we are very experienced with engine restorations. Damico engines has the necessary equipment and experience required to overhaul and recondition all classic car engines.

Take a look at our restoration page.

Damico Engines Limited are also distributors for many of the industry's premium suppliers. We only provide our customers with the highest quality parts sourced from reputable companies and original equipment suppliers.

In addition to this we have a considerable amount of experience making components in small batches or even one-offs, often improving the original design, where replacement parts are no longer available.

We pride ourselves in the quality of our workmanship and have a comprehensive range of machinery and equipment at our 3,600sqft premises to cope with the most challenging operations.

Put simply, whatever your requirements, from the most basic cylinder head skim, to a bespoke competition engine development programme,

Damico Engines has the experience to provide.

Established 2003

3,600 sq.ft

F56 JCW Engines

600 bhp

2 miles

Damico Engines Ltd was founded in 2003 on the Roudham park industrial estate, close to the Snetterton Race Circuit, Norfolk. UK

Workshop facility fully equipped to cater for the most challenging automotive engineering requirements

Damico Engines Ltd is the chosen engine builder for the Mini Challenge JCW series

Our Schenck D400 Dynabar water-brake Dynamometer can control power outputs up to 1,300Nm torque

The distance our workshop is situated from Snetterton Race circuit, Norfolk. UK

Darren Snelling

Company Director

Darren has been working with competition engines from 1986, where he served his apprenticeship at B & E Randall earning a City & Guilds credit and distinction in Automotive Engineering. Working there for over 12 years, he gained experience with a wide range of performance engines, his list of duties included the development of cylinder heads, for more power. Many many hours were spent porting cylinder heads, measuring gasflow then backing up results on the dyno.

Darren changed opportunities when he moved to Autopoint Rolling Road Centre, where he took the role of Senior Technician, he was responsible for all engine development and modifications, designing major components, such as camshafts, valves & pistons. He was also actively involved in race car preparation, set up and track support helping Autopoint gain 3 championship wins and a constructors trophy.

In 2003, Darren set up a business to offer the highest standards possible at affordable prices so privately funded drivers could benefit from professional help and support. Darren has been investing in the business year on year acquiring more machinery and test equipment so Damico Engines truely has control over all the processes that go into the engines we build.

1986

40+ Years

12,000+ hours

5,000+ hours

Darren started his apprenticeship at B & E Randell when located in Bury St Edmunds

Enhancing competition & restoring classic engines

Gas flowing & porting cylinder heads to improve performance

Calibrating & testing engines on a variety of dynamometers

Carol Snelling

Company Secretary

Carol is the Company Secretary and Darren’s wife of 35+ years, playing an important role in the day to day admin of the business. Alongside Darren, she manages invoicing, supplier payments, material orders and general administration, helping keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Having worked alongside Darren for many years, Carol has become a valued and trusted part of the team, known for her reliability, patience and practical approach.

Jeff Gibbs

Business Analyst

Jeff is a skilled Business Analyst with a Bachelor of Computing Science degree from the University of East Anglia. He joined Damico to support its digital transformation, replacing traditional T-card systems and manual processes with efficient digital solutions.

With a strong technical background and practical approach, Jeff works closely with the team to improve workflows, increase operational visibility and deliver scalable business processes that bridge the gap between technology and operations.

Suzanne Snelling

Personal Assistant

Suzanne is Darren’s eldest daughter and has grown up watching Damico develop into the business it is today. She previously worked at Damico after leaving school, gaining early experience in the company before taking time out to focus on raising her family.

Now returned as a Personal Assistant, Suzanne works closely with Darren, supporting him with day to day administration while continuing to build her knowledge of the business. Her background and familiarity with the company make her a valued and capable member of the team.

Andrew Snelling

Senior Machinist

Andrew, Darren’s eldest son, has been working alongside his father since 2008. He honed his technical skills at West Suffolk College, earning a Level 2 NVQ in Mechanical Engineering. He has also completed AERA – Cylinder Head Machinist and Engine Machinist training through the Federation of Engine Reconditioners. Combined with hands-on training under Darren’s guidance, Andrew has developed into a highly skilled machinist, expertly handling the majority of engineering work and precision tool-making at Damico.

Paul Snelling

Race Engine Specialist

Paul is Darren’s youngest son and joined the family business in 2018. He studied at West Suffolk College, achieving EAL Level 3 Diplomas in Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing, Computer Aided Design, and Technical Support, all with distinctions.

He has also completed AERA – Cylinder Head Machinist and Engine Machinist training through the Federation of Engine Reconditioners. Paul is now our main race engine builder, specialising in high-performance engine assembly and precision engineering.

Darren Gill

Cylinder Head Specialist

Darren joined Damico in 2017 after studying at West Suffolk College, where he achieved a Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance.

His methodical approach to work and keen eye for detail quickly made him the ideal candidate for all cylinder head-related work. Darren is currently furthering his expertise by studying an Integrated Master’s Degree in Engineering, continuing to build on his strong technical foundation and practical experience within the workshop.

Reece Nicholson

Cylinder Head Technician

Reece joined Damico in 2023 after completing his Level 3 Engineering qualification at West Suffolk College. He started as a Junior Cylinder Head Technician under Darren Gill, quickly developing his skills in precision engineering and cylinder head work.

He is now a key member of the team, confidently handling all aspects of cylinder head preparation with accuracy and attention to detail. A true car enthusiast, Reece brings passion and consistency to every project he works on.