Srivero297

iTrader: (2)

Okay planning on building the engine soon so I wanna start doing my research.

I noticed many places offereing built short blocks and built long blocks, with the long blocks generally costing more.
So basically, what is the diff between a long block/short block, what are the potential gains/losses of each, and are they interchangeable with the same motor mounts or is customization needed??

Im guessing the stock VQ is a short block, right??

PoWeRtRiP

long block=complete engine. block + head
short block=just the block without the head

onebadfyvo

iTrader: (1)

+1^^

One of the reason for a short block, is that it gives you a choice of which heads are best for your particular application.

CLETUS

the words "short" and "long" refer to how complete the motor is, not the actual length or width.


with a short block you are getting the block and the rotating assembly. crank, rods and pistons. everything else needs to be replaced, or swapped from the old block like water pump, timing chain, alt., ac compressor etc. here is a dodge 360 ci short block:



and ritchie (Z350Lover)'s short block:

a long block is a short block plus teh heads and valve timing stuff. accessaries will still need to be swapped. here is a chevy long block. very close to the dodge motor, couldn't find a good pic of a mopar long block. note the heads, timing cover, and rocker arms etc. very close to being able to be put in car and run.



either way, there will be stuff needed from your old setup to make either a short or long block work, it is "bolt on" but not in the sense of an intake or exhaust. a short block is generally used when there is damage to the cylinder walls or block that cannot be machined or fixed. since the heads are ok, only the block and rotating assembly needs to be replaced. a long block would be ordered if you motor is completely trashed or if you are having a motor built for high hp applications.