Whats the difference between a long block and a short block cummins?

The main difference between a long block and a short block Cummins engine lies in their construction and the components included. A long block Cummins engine includes the cylinder block, crankshaft, camshaft, and cylinder heads, while a short block Cummins engine only includes the cylinder block and crankshaft.

What is a Long Block Cummins Engine?

A long block Cummins engine is a more comprehensive engine assembly that includes the cylinder block, crankshaft, camshaft, and cylinder heads. This type of engine is often used in larger, more powerful applications, such as heavy-duty trucks, buses, and industrial equipment. The long block design provides a more complete and integrated engine system, making it easier to install and maintain.

What is a Short Block Cummins Engine?

A short block Cummins engine, on the other hand, only includes the cylinder block and crankshaft. This type of engine is often used in smaller, more compact applications, such as pickup trucks or light-duty commercial vehicles. The short block design is more modular, allowing for easier customization and replacement of individual components, such as the cylinder heads or fuel system.

Key Differences Between Long Block and Short Block Cummins Engines

• Components Included: A long block Cummins engine includes the cylinder block, crankshaft, camshaft, and cylinder heads, while a short block Cummins engine only includes the cylinder block and crankshaft.


• Application: Long block Cummins engines are typically used in larger, more powerful applications, while short block Cummins engines are often used in smaller, more compact applications.


• Customization: Short block Cummins engines are more modular, allowing for easier customization and replacement of individual components, while long block Cummins engines provide a more integrated and complete engine system.


• Installation and Maintenance: Long block Cummins engines are generally easier to install and maintain, as they come as a more complete assembly, while short block Cummins engines may require additional components to be sourced and installed.

In summary, the main difference between a long block and a short block Cummins engine is the level of completeness and integration of the engine components. The choice between a long block or short block Cummins engine will depend on the specific application and the desired level of customization and ease of installation and maintenance.

What's better, a long block or a short block?

Long block is always better. Short blocks don't run real well.

What is the difference between a short block and a long block Cummins?

For instance, a short block includes the most basic block with connecting rods, pistons and crankshaft, whereas a long block also has these components, plus cylinder heads, camshaft and valve-train.

What is the holy grail of Cummins?

The "holy grail" Cummins is typically a 1994-1998 12-valve Cummins engine with the P7100 injection pump, particularly when paired with a rare quad cab and a rare 5-speed manual transmission (NV4500). These are considered the "holy grail" because this era combines the engine's reputation for reliability with a highly desirable and hard-to-find body and drivetrain configuration. 
Key characteristics of a "holy grail" Cummins

• Engine: The 12-valve, 5.9L Cummins engine produced between 1994 and 1998, known for its reliable mechanical P7100 injection pump.
• Transmission: The rare combination of a 5-speed manual NV4500 transmission, as they are much harder to find than the automatic versions.
• Body: The quad cab configuration is highly sought after, as it was first introduced in 1998, the last year for the 12-valve engine.
• Combination: The most desirable version is a 1998 quad cab with the 12-valve engine and a manual transmission, a rare combination that is very difficult to find in good condition. 

Other "holy grail" models

• Some enthusiasts consider the late 2001.5 and 2002 second-generation trucks to be a "holy grail" due to their increased horsepower, improved automatic transmission, and rear disc brakes. 
• In some cases, a highly modified truck, even if it's not from the 1994-1998 era, can be called a "holy grail" because of the extensive and expensive work put into it. 

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What cummins block to avoid?

The main Cummins blocks to avoid are the '53' blocks due to their thin casting and susceptibility to cracking, particularly when modified for high power. Additionally, the 'Killer Dowel Pin' (KDP) problem affects 1989-2002 models (12-valve and early 24-valve engines), where the dowel pin can come loose and cause catastrophic engine failure. For modern engines, some performance builders avoid 2019 and newer blocks due to concerns about lighter, potentially less durable designs, as noted by this YouTube video. 
53 block

• Identification: Look for the large "53" cast into the block on the driver's side, typically near the oil pan. 
• Reason to avoid: Produced with a thin casting, these blocks are prone to cracking, especially with added power. 
• Note: If a 53 block has not cracked by high mileage, it might be okay, but it is still a risk, particularly if you plan on modifying the engine. 

Killer Dowel Pin (KDP)

• Affected engines: 1989–2002 Cummins engines (both 12-valve and early 24-valve). 
• Reason to avoid: An unsecured pin can fall into the timing gears and cause severe engine damage. 
• Note: The KDP issue is a well-known problem that can be prevented with a simple fix, but it's crucial to either confirm the repair has been done or perform it yourself if you have one of these engines. 

Modern blocks

• Affected engines: Some performance builders avoid 2019 and newer blocks due to concerns about their material and design changes intended to reduce weight, as mentioned by this YouTube video. 
• Reason to avoid: Concerns about long-term durability when used for high-performance applications. 
• Note: This is a concern mainly for those building high-horsepower engines, and many modern engines are reliable for their intended use.