What is missing from a long block?
Readability is often what's missing in a long block of text: clear paragraph breaks and visual structure that guide readers through the argument.
When a writer piles ideas into one continuous block, it can overwhelm readers, reduce comprehension, and lower engagement. This piece looks at what people mean by a "long block," why structure matters—especially in digital publishing—and practical steps to restore rhythm and clarity.
What counts as a long block?
A long block can mean a single, unbroken paragraph or a sequence of paragraphs with little visual separation. In online journalism and web writing, readers expect scannable pages with breaks, headings, and concise paragraphs.
In digital publishing
Web readers skim for key ideas, and the eye often follows an F-shaped pattern. Short paragraphs, headings, and lists align with how people read on screens, improving comprehension and engagement.
Common elements missing from a long block
Below are elements that are frequently absent when text reads as a single, dense wall. Each helps transform a long block into something easier to navigate.
- Paragraph breaks and white space between ideas: empty lines that create digestible chunks.
- Clear organization with topic sentences and transitions: signposts that guide readers from one idea to the next.
- Headings and subheadings: visual cues that break the page into sections and improve skimmability.
These structural cues—breaks, transitions, and headings—collectively improve readability by giving readers an easier path through the piece.
Practical fixes to break up a long block
Writers can apply several practical techniques to turn a dense block into skimmable sections. The following approach is commonly recommended by editors and UX experts for online content.
- Break up text into shorter paragraphs (generally 2-4 sentences each) to reduce cognitive load.
- Use descriptive subheads to signal new ideas and provide navigation points for readers.
- Convert dense information into bullet or numbered lists where appropriate to aid scanning.
- Enhance typography and spacing for screen readability—adequate margins, a comfortable line length, and appropriate font size.
Applying these fixes yields content that is easier to read on desktop and mobile alike, improving comprehension and retention.
Summary
In essence, a long block is missing the readability cues that help readers navigate text. By inserting paragraph breaks, clear structure, and visual cues like headings and lists, writers can turn a dense block into accessible, engaging prose suitable for today’s multi-device readership.
What does a long block include?
A long block includes the engine block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, and the cylinder head with its valvetrain components, such as the camshaft, valves, and rockers. It essentially combines a short block with the cylinder head and its associated parts, making it a more complete engine assembly that is ready for external accessories to be added.
Components typically included in a long block
- Engine block: The main structure of the engine.
- Crankshaft: Converts the linear motion of the pistons into rotational motion.
- Pistons and connecting rods: Move within the cylinders to create power.
- Cylinder head: Seals the top of the cylinders and houses the valvetrain.
- Camshaft: Controls the opening and closing of the valves.
- Valvetrain: Includes components like valves, springs, and tappets that operate with the camshaft.
- Oil pan: Sometimes included, it holds the engine's oil.
- Valve covers: Covers the top of the cylinder head.
What is not included
- External accessories like the fuel system, intake and exhaust manifolds, spark plugs, and wires.
- Other parts that are often reused from the old engine or purchased separately.
What is a long block missing?
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.
What is not included in a long block engine?
A long block includes the engine block, crankshaft, camshaft, connecting rods, pistons, and cylinder heads. It does not include components such as the intake and exhaust manifolds, fuel system, or electrical components.
What is the difference between a long block and a short block Subaru?
A Subaru short block is the lower part of an engine, including the engine block, crankshaft, pistons, and connecting rods. A long block is a more complete assembly that includes the short block's components plus the cylinder heads, camshafts, and valvetrain. A short block is for builders who want to customize the engine top-end, while a long block is a more convenient, pre-assembled solution.
This video explains the difference between short block and long block engines: 48sJohn Smith RacingYouTube · Sep 30, 2023
Short Block
- Includes: Engine block, crankshaft, pistons, and connecting rods.
- Best for: Engine builders who want to customize and upgrade the cylinder heads, camshafts, and valvetrain themselves.
- Considerations: Requires more time and expertise to complete the assembly and carries a higher risk of part incompatibility.
Long Block
- Includes: Everything in a short block, plus cylinder heads, camshafts, and valvetrain. Some "deluxe" versions may also include the intake manifold, oil pan, and other accessories.
- Best for: Those who want a more complete, pre-assembled engine and want to save time on assembly.
- Considerations: It is a more expensive option because it includes more parts and has been professionally assembled. You will still need to add accessories like exhaust manifolds, fuel systems, and electrical components.
You can watch this video to see a comparison of Subaru engine blocks: 34sMRT PerformanceYouTube · Nov 7, 2017
