A short block is the lower part of a replacement engine. A short block includes the part of an engine from the oil pan up to the head gasket. If you are replacing your car's engine, a short block can be a good investment that is much less expensive than a long block option. However, before you purchase a short block engine, there are a few things to consider.
Requires Engine Head Cylinders and Gaskets
Although a short block is much less expensive than a long block, it is not complete and will require that you have compatible head gaskets and engine head cylinders. Depending on the price you pay for the head cylinders, a long block engine may be a more attractive option.
May Come with a Short Warranty
Short blocks also come with a much shorter term warranty that long block engines in most cases. This is especially true if you are purchasing a short block from little known re-manufacturers or purchasing used short block engines that have been pulled from salvaged vehicles. So, when purchasing a short block, always make a longer warranty one of your most important factors in making a purchasing decision.
May Be All You Really Need
If you are swapping the engine in your vehicle with an engine of the exact same type, a short block can prove to be the best value for your engine swap--especially if you already have working engine cylinder heads and head gaskets. Although a long block engine is a much more complete kit, a short block engine swap is not much harder to perform and can usually be completed in about the same time. If you're handy with a wrench, a repair manual made by Chilton's or Haynes will enable you to do the job yourself.
Engine Head Replacement Considerations
Choosing the Best Long Block to Buy
How to Detect and Replace a Faulty Head Gasket
The Used Car Engine Price Listing: A Buyers Guide
Short Block vs. Long Block Engines: Comparing Auto Engine Performance