One misunderstanding among the public is that short block and long block engines are the same things. To the layperson, that may seem accurate because they are similar in size. Yet, there are a few differences between short and long block engines worth highlighting.

Short Block Engines

The lower portion of a car’s engine is known as the “short block.” It contains the cylinder block and several other crucial engine components such as the cam pistons, connecting rods, and crankshaft—otherwise referred to as the rotating assembly.

Although engine construction manufacturers’ packages vary somewhat, certain small blocks may include timing belts and camshafts. Additional components, including oil pumps, gaskets, and cylinder heads, are essential for all small block engines but require purchasing them separately. 

Short block engines are great for those who want to learn how to construct engines from scratch. Building a small block engine is a terrific learning experience that will really get you hands-on with your car.

Long Block Engines

On the flip side is a long block engine, essentially a small block engine that includes the pieces you had to otherwise buy separately. A long block engine contains the valve-train, lifters, cylinder head, and camshaft. A long block engine could also have additional components such as valve covers, a water pump, and an oil pan. Engines that require a massive overhaul need long block engines.

Although a long block engine provides more parts, it lacks some integral pieces. These missing pieces include the intake manifold, exhaust manifolds, electrical components, and fuel system an engine needs to run. While they are similar, some folks use each engine interchangeably with the other, but it’s clear that a long block engine includes a little something extra.

What Engine Is Your Best Option?

Since a short block engine contains fewer parts, it’s typically less expensive than a large block. Other factors like the brand, model, and year of the car could also affect the price, but generally, a small block engine is 25 percent cheaper. However, the cost of the additional components you must purchase for a small block engine is not included in the lower price. When you factor in those monetary costs along with the hours of labor, a long block engine, albeit at a higher upfront cost, is your best bet.

Another thing going for a long block engine is that their warranties are better than those of the short block variety. Since the short block engines only come as a skeleton of an engine, a warranty for those covers fewer parts. To have a sense of security, you might need several warranties to cover parts of the small block, whereas the warranty of long block engines casts a broader net.

Now that you know the differences between a short block and a long block engine, you won’t be one of those misinformed individuals who think they are the same. The good news is that Blessed Performance is proud to offer truck aficionados the best diesel crate engines on the market, including the classic 7.3 Power Stroke Diesel Crate Engine. Place this engine in your vehicle, turn the key, and you’re off! If you need assistance matching your vehicle with the appropriate engine, we are more than happy to help answer any questions!