# Short and Long block engines - The same thing?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/short-and-long-block-engines-the-same-thing/168470>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [April 13, 2003, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/short-and-long-block-engines-the-same-thing/168470 "2003-04-13T17:39:48Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![yme](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/35a633/32.png) [@yme](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yme)\
**Post date:** [April 13, 2003, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/short-and-long-block-engines-the-same-thing/168470/1 "2003-04-13T17:39:48Z")

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Does anybody know the difference between a “short block” and a “long block”? Just wondering because when looking at engines, I always see them advertised as one of the two. Is one like longer physically then the other? Whenever I’ve looked at motors, they all look they same. My question is based off of 350 Chevy’s.

thanks.

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**Author:** ![Shiva](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/85e7bf/32.png) [@Shiva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shiva)\
**Post date:** [April 13, 2003, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/short-and-long-block-engines-the-same-thing/168470/2 "2003-04-13T17:45:10Z")

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From: [http://groomsengines.com/g-car.html](http://groomsengines.com/g-car.html)

> [@](#):
>
> Short block includes:  
> Fully cleaned, machined and tested cylinder block  
> Remanufactured crankshaft and connecting rods  
> New or remanufactured camshaft  
> New rod and main bearings  
> New pistons and rings  
> New brass freeze plugs  
> New seals  
> New timing chain/belt  
> Long block includes:  
> Remanufactured short block  
> Remanufactured cylinder head(s)  
> New or remanufactured valve train parts  
> New lifters (most applications)  
> New Melling Oil Pump (where available)  
> Installation gaskets (most applications)  
> New timing chain/belt

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**Author:** ![herman\_and\_bill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/f1d935/32.png) [@herman\_and\_bill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/herman_and_bill)\
**Post date:** [April 13, 2003, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/short-and-long-block-engines-the-same-thing/168470/3 "2003-04-13T17:52:43Z")

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Long block will have the heads, short block won’t

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**Author:** ![yme](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/35a633/32.png) [@yme](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yme)\
**Post date:** [April 13, 2003, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/short-and-long-block-engines-the-same-thing/168470/4 "2003-04-13T18:11:06Z")

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Hmm. Makes sense, thanks.

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**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\
**Post date:** [April 13, 2003, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/short-and-long-block-engines-the-same-thing/168470/5 "2003-04-13T18:25:51Z")

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Short block and long block are two terms like tune up, where the meaning changes with who is talking. So a big YMMV is needed here.  
To be absolutely sure, ask questions.

In my experience **Short block** = Everything below the cylinder head gasket(s), and above the oil pan. This may or may not include the oil pump. Head Gasket(s), and pan gasket may or may not be included. (Probably not).  
Depending on who you are buying from, you may get all new parts (not common), all used, a mixture of new and used, or a mixture of new used and remanufactured (most common).

**Long block** Everything below the valve cover(s) and above the oil pan. May include valve cover(s) and pan. Comments about new, used and reman also apply to long block.

Parts not usually included in a long block include manifolds, flywheel/ flexplate, electrical wiring, sensors, carb, or injectors, alternators, power steering pump A/C compressor, and various belt drives, etc.

Water pumps can go either way. Some times it will be included it as it may be part of the cam drive, or they want to cut down on comebacks due to poor performance of the old water pump.