Long block, short block

[corvette66]

What is the difference between a long and short block? They all look the same to me. Is there an advantage to either of the 2? And is milling a head the same as re surfacing it?

just curious

 

[Ken]

A "short block" is a completely assembled engine, minus the heads and intake and all accessories. A "long block" is a completely assembled engine, including the heads and intake, and may even have the carburetor included as part of the package. The accessories are still necessary (aren't included).

 

[JohnZ]

"Milling" and "Re-surfacing" are done with the same equipment, but semantics sometimes reveal the reasons for doing so. "Milling" generally connotates metal removal for performance reasons in order to increase compression ratio (makes the chamber volume smaller), whereas "re-surfacing" generally refers to the standard process used by most rebuilders which removes just enough material to return the head surface to dead flat with the proper surface finish for new head gaskets.

When a block is decked and its heads are milled, generally the intake manifold mating surfaces should also be machined to compensate for excessive metal removal so the bolt holes and ports align properly.

 

[corvette66]

ken- oh i see, so it has nothing to do with the block itself then OK. thanx


milling and resurfacing, that makes sence. i got it.


thnax guys