Short-block vs. Long-block question

[Gunter]

What does it mean? Where does a short-block end, and a long-block start?

[VaSteve]

I was told when I asked the same question that the short block includes basically just the case. The long block goes all the way out to include the heads.

People, correct me if I'm wrong...

[Tim Walsh]

Yep a short block is just the case and everything inside of the case and a longblock is the case, cylinders heads and cam towers with all of the internals inside each one.

[VaSteve]

Tim is the one who told ME!

[Gunter]

Thank you. So, a short-block would be a case with crank, rods, intermediate shaft with gear and sprockets, oil pump, press. relieve valve, ????

[Tim Walsh]

yes

[silverc4s]

The term "short block" comes from the world of Detroit (water cooled) engines, where there actually IS an engine "block".
Here is a clip from a reputable "Detroit" engine builders Q&A

I WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE AN ENGINE, CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FOLLOWING ENGINES, SHORT BLOCK, LONG BLOCK AND THE TURN KEY ENGINE.

TO START WITH ALL ENGINES ARE THE SAME DIMENSIONS, SOME PEOPLE ASK IF A SHORT BLOCK IS SMALLER THAN A LONG BLOCK, THE ANSWER IS NO ! THEY ARE THE SAME SIZE, THE REASON THEY CALL IT A SHORT BLOCK IS THAT MANY OF THE PARTS ARE LEFT OFF SUCH AS HEADS, ROCKER ARMS, LIFTERS, OIL PAN, ETC. IN OTHER WORDS THEY HAVE BEEN SHORTED FROM A LONG BLOCK, HENCE THE NAME SHORT BLOCK. TO HELP CLARIFY THE THREE I WILL GIVE YOU A LIST OF WHAT IS INCLUDED IN EACH ENGINE.

SHORT BLOCKS HAVE THE FOLLOWING INCLUDED.

LOWER BLOCK, CRANKSHAFT, CONNECTING RODS, PISTONS, RINGS, MAIN BEARINGS, ROD BEARINGS, CAM BEARINGS, WARNING ONLY PURCHASE THIS UNIT IF YOU HAVE A QUALIFIED ENGINE SPECIALIST WHO CAN PROPERLY CLEAN, REWORK, AND ASSEMBLE TO A COMPLETE RUNNING ENGINE, IT WILL REQUIRE NUMEROUS NEW PARTS, AND LOTS OF TIME NOT RECOMMENDED FOR THE WEEKEND WARRIOR !!!

LONG BLOCK ENGINES HAVE THE FOLLOWING INCLUDED.

BLOCK, CRANKSHAFT, PISTONS, RINGS, MAIN BEARINGS, ROD BEARINGS, CAM BEARINGS, CAMSHAFT, TIMING CHAIN, SPROCKETS, LIFTERS, PUSH RODS, ROCKER ARMS, CYLINDER HEADS, OIL PUMP, OIL SCREEN, AND GASKET SET. THIS WILL ALSO REQUIRE A SKILLED ENGINE SPECIALIST, AND HOURS OF TIME CLEANING THE FOLLOWING PARTS THAT YOU TAKE OFF YOUR OLD ENGINE TO REUSE ON YOUR NEW ENGINE, SUCH AS OIL PAN, TIMING COVER, VALVE COVERS, INTAKE MANIFOLD, CARBURETOR, WATER PUMP DISTRIBUTOR, ALL IGNITION COMPONENTS, IT WILL REQUIRE MANY HOURS OF CLEANING AND ASSEMBLY, PLUS IF YOU SCREW IT UP IT IS YOUR PROBLEM !!!

TURN KEY ENGINES HAVE THE FOLLOWING INCLUDED.

THIS IS THE WAY TO GO, YOUR ENGINE ARRIVES READY TO RUN RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX, THE ENGINE IS COMPLETE FROM THE OIL PAN TO THE AIR CLEANER, IT HAS BEEN HOT RUN TESTED, THE ENGINE IS BROKEN IN, IT HAS BEEN TESTED FOR OIL LEAKS, FUEL LEAKS, VACUUM LEAKS, AND COOLANT LEAKS, TIMING, CARBURETOR, CHOKE, AND MIXTURE SCREWS ARE ALL ADJUSTED, EACH CYLINDER IS BALANCE TESTED TO BE SURE IT IS PERFORMING AT 100 %, TEMPERATURE IS TESTED AT ALL 4 CORNERS TO BE SURE THE BLOCK IS COOLING EVENLY, TURN KEY ENGINES HAVE ALL NEW MOVING PARTS, PLUS BRAND NEW CYLINDER HEADS, VALVES, SPRINGS, RETAINERS, LIFTERS, PUSH RODS, ROCKER ARMS, INTAKE MANIFOLD, NEW CARBURETOR, DISTRIBUTOR, CAP, COIL, ROTOR, SPARK PLUGS, IGNITION WIRES, NEW FUEL PUMP, WATER PUMP, FUEL LINES, ALL FILTERS WE EVEN SEND ALONG A VIDEO OF YOUR ENGINE RUNNING AND A DETAILED REPORT SHOWING YOU THAT YOU CAN INSTALL THIS ENGINE WITH TOTAL CONFIDENCE.


In 911 engine parlance, a "long block" is the engine assembly, out to the valve covers, with NO intake or exhaust systems included. Usually I would assume there to be no ignition system as well. This is very different from the definition above, as it includes heads, cams, valve gear, and is essentially an assembled engine.

I would be very wary of anyone using the term "short block" for a 911 engine. Just get a list of the parts they are including, and the condition of the bearings, chains, pumps, etc. that are being included..
YMMV...