Long Block vs. Complete Engine: What You Get With a Used JDM Engine
Used engine listings use a few terms that sound alike but mean different things: short block, long block and complete engine. Knowing the difference tells you what will arrive on the pallet and what you'll need to move over from your old engine.
Short block
A short block is the bottom end of the engine: the block with the crankshaft, connecting rods and pistons. It has no cylinder head. Short blocks are mostly used in rebuilds, when the heads from the old engine are being reused.
Long block
A long block is a short block with the cylinder head or heads installed, along with the camshafts and valvetrain. It's a running engine core, but it usually doesn't include external parts like the intake manifold, fuel injectors, ignition coils or alternator. Plan to transfer those from your old engine.
Complete engine
A complete engine is a long block with many of its external parts still attached. Depending on the unit, that can include the intake manifold, injectors, coils, alternator and other accessories. "Complete" doesn't mean every part your car needs, and what's attached varies from one engine to the next.
What's often not included
Unless a listing says so, don't assume these come with the engine:
- The transmission
- The ECU and engine wiring harness
- Fluids, filters and new gaskets
Some parts also differ between versions of the same engine, so the parts on your old engine may be the ones your car needs. Our guide on how to make sure a used engine fits your car explains why.
How to read a listing
Check two things on every listing: the written details of what's included, and the photos of the actual unit. If a part shows in the photos but isn't mentioned in the text, or the other way around, ask us before you order. It's a quick call and it avoids surprises when the engine arrives.
Which one do you need?
- A long block makes sense when the external parts on your old engine are in good shape and your shop is transferring them anyway.
- A complete engine saves transfer work, and it helps when parts on the old engine were damaged, for example by overheating.
Either way, have your shop replace gaskets and seals during the install, and transfer anything your car needs that isn't on the replacement unit.
Shop JDM engines
Every JDM Engine listing shows real photos of the unit, the approximate mileage, a stock number, and the years and models it's listed for. Browse all JDM engines or all JDM transmissions. Not sure what's included with a unit? Call (973) 969-5190 or use our contact page.