Unless you have an electric vehicle, you doubtless understand that your vehicle has an internal combustion engine that is made of hundreds of components. You also probably understand that engines can break in various ways and that they will need to be repaired as a result. If your vehicle does need an engine overhaul, it will be important for you to understand whether you need a short block or a long block engine.

The main difference between a short block and long block engine is that a long block engine contains everything that a short block engine would with additional components like cylinder heads, camshafts, and a valvetrain. A short block engine typically includes only a cylinder block, a crankshaft, pistons, and piston rods.

These are just general rules, though. Some short block engines do not even come with that many components, and long block engines can sometimes be bought as complete engines with all nearly parts included. Because of this, you should always ask the seller for a list of components included with any engine assembly that you purchase. 

### Repairing vs. Replacing

Before you assume that your vehicle needs an engine replacement, you should consider whether you can repair it rather than having to seek an entirely new engine. If engine damage is caught early enough, you may simply be able to repair or replace certain parts. Extensive damage to cylinder heads, camshafts, the crankshaft, or even the cylinder block may require a full engine replacement.  

Once you determine the extent of the damage to the engine, you have to consider whether you can repair it yourself or whether you need a repair shop to do it. Engine building and repairing is not as easy as fitting parts together, filling the engine with oil and coolant, and turning the key, but trying to rebuild an engine yourself can be much cheaper than taking it to a professional for repairs. 

Finding a replacement engine from either an engine builder or an independent dealer can be more economical if it comes mostly assembled with the correct parts. Having parts from your damaged engine repaired will require labor costs for disassembly, potential replacement costs of additional parts that you did not know were damaged, and extra waiting time if the damaged parts need to be shipped to a different shop to be refinished. 

### Engine Block Confusion

Before going any further, it is important to note that a short block engine and a long block engine have nothing to do with the actual size of the engine. A large V8 short block assembly may physically be larger and longer than a four-cylinder long block assembly because it has twice the number of cylinders and a larger cylinder block to fit them, but long block and short block designations are associated with the number of parts that come with a cylinder block. 

Additionally, short and long block engines should not be confused with small block engines and big block engines. “Small block” and “big block” usually refer to various V8 engines popularized by companies like Chevy, Pontiac, Chrysler, and Ford in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s that became associated with muscle cars of the era. 

As their names suggest, small block engines have a smaller displacement than big block engines. They typically have a displacement below 400 cubic inches. Big block V8 engines usually displace 400 cubic inches or more. As with short and long block engines, overall physical engine size does not matter as much as the overall displacement of the small block compared to the big block engine. 

It is possible to get a short block small block engine today that simply comes with a cylinder block and rotating assembly. It is also possible to get a long block big block engine that comes fully assembled and ready to install. Options that fall between them also exist. 

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### What Comes With a Short Block?

A short block assembly typically includes the components that form the “bottom end” of the engine. A crankshaft, pistons, and connecting rods and the parts associated with them like piston rings and crankshaft form what is called the rotating assembly. Typical short block engines include these parts, at least. 

Some short block packages include additional parts like an oil pan, oil pump, timing assembly, and water pump, but what all is included will depend on the seller. The most affordable crate engines are short blocks since they come with fewer parts. Crate engines are pre-built engines based on block packages that are offered by a seller or manufacturer. Short block crate engines typically come with the rotating assembly already installed in the cylinder block.

### What Comes With a Long Block?

A long block assembly comes with everything from a typical short block plus additional parts. Minimalist long-block engines will include cylinder heads, camshafts, and valvetrain components. A vehicle’s valvetrain includes components like valves, lifters, and rocker arms that work with the camshaft to allow fresh air to enter a combustion chamber and exhaust gasses to exit. Valve covers and valve cover gaskets also commonly accompany long block engines, at minimum. 

Long-block engines can come with even more parts than that, though. Depending on your long block package of choice, a long block can also include additional components like spark plugs, a water pump, carburetors, a distributor, head gaskets, a balancer, and a timing belt or chain.

Typical long blocks exclude things like the fuel system, intake manifolds, and exhaust manifolds, but some engine builders offer the option to buy full replacement turn-key engines. A turn-key engine is fully assembled and ready to go after it is installed, meaning that all you have to do is get in the car, turn the key, and drive away once the installation is complete. 

### Advantages of a Short Block

For many people, fewer parts are better for several reasons. 

#### Cost 

Short block engines come with fewer parts than long block engines and are cheaper as a result. They are ideal if you already have most of the engine components from a previous engine or if you know you can get them used at a good price. This is typically most beneficial when you either know exactly what you need, how to look for and purchase used parts, or simply need to save the most money possible on a new engine. 

#### Customizability 

A huge advantage of a short block engine is your ability to build onto the bottom end. With so few components included, there is plenty of room for you to add upgraded parts from a more robust engine, add aftermarket parts to increase overall engine strength and performance, or add extra things like a supercharger, turbo, or different fuel system. 

If you are planning to upgrade your engine rather than repair it, a short block provides a perfect platform for you to add pre-upgraded components that can handle the extra power rather than transferring parts you know cannot get the job done. 

#### DIY-Friendly

Lastly, a short block is great for those who just like to tinker. It can take years to build an engine from the ground up, but a short block is a great place to start. It provides a solid foundation for those who have a plan or for those who just want to take their time and learn as they go. 

### Advantages of a Long Block

Long-block engines have just as many advantages for those who need a new engine or are simply looking for a better replacement. 

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#### Less Assembly

Because long blocks come with more components, there are fewer parts that you or a shop need to worry about adding. A long block is a great option for those who know they need an engine replacement and who also know that trying to repair the previous engine’s parts will be too costly and time-consuming.

Long block options can be just as DIY-friendly as short blocks with minimal equipment for those with less experience. Long blocks are less imposing to install since they have many of the engine’s parts already installed and balanced. They come with options from the engine builder as well. That means you can buy them with only a few more parts than a short block would have or as a nearly complete engine depending on how dirty you want your hands to get.

#### Better Warranty

Both short and long block engines can come with a warranty, but long-block engines typically come with longer warranties. This is because manufacturers can guarantee that more of the components have been produced and installed correctly. The more components a random person can install, the greater the risk that pre-installed parts can fail as a result of incorrect installation or bad parts installed by a non-professional. 

#### Less overall Hassle

Perhaps the largest reason people choose a long block over a short block is the ease of installation. It is certainly possible to build an engine from a stripped-down short block outside of a vehicle and install it into a vehicle when it is complete, but getting a complete engine from an engine builder that guarantees fitment with a warranty on top of that can make life easier for anybody. 

### Which One is Best for You?

Chevy is especially known for making short block and long block crate engines in a variety of different configurations. Their LS-based V8 engines are typically easy to work on and relatively affordable. They are not the only manufacturer to offer crate engines, though. Honda, Ford, Dodge, and even performance companies like Roush all offer short and long block engines to get you started on your next project. 

Short block engines are best for those who have the tools and ability to work on their own engines. They require the most work, even if it is just transferring parts from a different engine. Short block engines are also excellent for those who want to customize and add to an engine that would otherwise necessitate removing parts and modifying pre-installed components. 

Long block engines are the better choice for those who are less handy, less DIY-focused, and for those who need a more complete engine that they can drop into a vehicle in a short amount of time. Buyers who like the pre-equipped long-block packages available from a certain manufacturer can also easily purchase one to replace or upgrade their existing engine. 

Both options are excellent for those looking to freshen their classic muscle car or add some extra magic to their modern performance machine. Since a plethora of short and long block engines are available from several different sources, you are sure to find the one that fits your needs, wants, and budget.

Long block vs short block: If you are considering replacing the engine in your vehicle, this article will aid in your decision in what type of engine you want to install in your vehicle.

Short Block vs. Long Block Engine - What's the Difference?

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