What does a long block engine mean?
A long block engine, also known as a long engine or long block assembly, refers to a type of engine configuration where the engine block, cylinder head, and other major components are pre-assembled and sold as a single unit. This contrasts with a short block engine, which only includes the engine block and internal moving parts.
Understanding Long Block Engines
The term "long block" is used to describe an engine that has been pre-assembled at the factory, typically including the engine block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, and cylinder head. This assembly is then sold as a single unit, ready to be installed in a vehicle. The advantage of a long block engine is that it simplifies the engine replacement process, as the entire assembly can be swapped out rather than having to rebuild the engine from individual components.
Long block engines are commonly used as replacement parts for older vehicles or as upgrades for high-performance applications. They are often more expensive than purchasing individual engine components, but the convenience and time savings can make them a worthwhile investment.
Key Differences Between Long and Short Block Engines
- Components Included: A long block engine includes the engine block, crankshaft, pistons, and cylinder head, while a short block only includes the engine block and internal moving parts.
- Assembly Process: Long block engines are pre-assembled at the factory, while short block engines require additional assembly and installation of the cylinder head and other components.
- Replacement Process: Replacing a long block engine is generally simpler and faster, as the entire assembly can be swapped out. Replacing a short block engine requires more time and effort to install the additional components.
- Cost: Long block engines are typically more expensive than short block engines, but the convenience and time savings can make them a worthwhile investment for certain applications.
In summary, a long block engine is a pre-assembled engine unit that includes the engine block, crankshaft, pistons, and cylinder head, making it a convenient and time-saving option for engine replacement or high-performance upgrades.
What does a long block engine replacement cost?
It could range from a total of $3,000 to $8,000 or even more when you have a mechanic do the work, and even changing the engine on your own will likely cost $2,000 or more using the most frugal options.
How long is a block long?
Oblong blocks range considerably in width and length. The standard block in Manhattan is about 264 by 900 feet (80 m × 274 m). In Chicago, a typical city block is 330 by 660 feet (100 m × 200 m), meaning that 16 east-west blocks or 8 north-south blocks measure one mile, which has been adopted by other US cities.
What is a long block V-8?
The long block engine includes both the short block, which is the lower part of the engine, and the upper part. Thus, the long block will include components such as the cylinder head and sometimes camshaft plus rocker arms.
Are long block engines good?
Other advantages of a long-block engine include less complications during installation. A longblock is built to the exact engine serial number of the engine being replaced. The flywheel and flywheel housing are already an exact match so that bolting up the engine to transmission will work every time.
Why do they call it a long block?
Long block engines get their name from the fact that they have a longer list of components. They contain the engine block, crank and pistons, just like the short block, but they also have a cylinder head, camshaft and valve train. In some cases, you'll also get an oil pan and valve covers with your purchase.
How much HP can a 454 block hold?
In general, a properly tuned production automotive engine produces 1.0-1.5 hp per cubic inch. Where a particular engine falls depends on many factors, so we'll use 1.3 hp per cubic inch as a middle figure. That means a 454 can support almost 600 hp (454 x 1.3 = 590.2). Indeed, many do.
What Ford engines are big blocks?
The Ford 385 engine family (also called "Lima") is a series of "big block" overhead valve (OHV) V8 engines designed and manufactured by Ford Motor Company. The family derives its 385 name from the 3.85-inch (98 mm) stroke of the 460 cubic-inch V8 introduced in 1968.
How do you tell if an engine is a big block or small block?
So this is a 496. And this is a 350 making this a small block. And this a big block. Now there is one exception to the big block that's under 400 cubic inch and that's the 396.
What is the difference between a long block and short block engine?
Key Differences Between Long and Short Blocks
Short blocks include, and fully assembled, the block, crank, rods, and pistons. Short blocks may include other items such as the camshaft, timing chain, and covers. Long blocks are short blocks with the heads and typically the valvetrain installed.
Is a 454 a long block?
Chevrolet 7.4 Liter Engine 454 Long Block » Accurate Engines | 100k Mile Worry-Free Warranty.
