Engine Blocks
Our definitions of the types of engines available:
Bare Block
All you get is the block and because they will look alike, care must be taken to correctly identify the correct size, as a 283ci block can easily be mistaken for one of its larger brethren.
In order to avoid buying a 283 block instead of a 350, you need to identify the casting numbers and be aware of the differences. Blocks are generally two bolt (hold the crankshaft to the block) or four bolt. For street use up to 400 bhp a two bolt block is more than adequate. For rodding, drag & race applications, where higher revs and increased bhp are required, a four bolt block should be used. Four bolts blocks are not as readily available and attract an increased price over a two bolt. Purchasing a block on its own is a good idea if you have damaged just the block of your existing engine, and wish to transfer over the parts. It is also for those of you that wish to build your own engine from scratch.
Short engine
A short block includes the bottom end of an engine, or the block, crank and pistons. It does not include any of the ancillary parts (water pump, starter motor) or the heads, inlet manifold, balancer, carburettor, distributor or the valve train.
The short block appeals more to the experienced engine builder, as you need to be aware of the variations in performance / reliability when purchasing the top end parts.
With the availability of American engine parts in this country, there is little benefit in purchasing a short block over a long block for the majority of applications. If you are having your engine built for you, it makes sense to pay the extra for a long / long + engine and know that the right parts for your engine have been purchased and correctly fitted.
Long engine
A long block includes the block, crank, pistons, balancer and heads.
Most of the difficult work has been done, however, the camshaft, timing gear, lifters and pushrods (valve train) still have to be installed. Due to the various types of camshaft, pistons, valve sizes, stroke, bore and compression ratios, many bhp options are available. Achieving 350 bhp from a 350ci (5.7 litre) engine is relatively easy, however, you may fall short of the potential bhp & torque available through incorrectly completing the engine. Therefore, unless you are an experienced engine builder, we recommend that you consider our Long + or turn key engine.
Long + engine
A long + engine includes the block, crank, pistons, balancer, heads, camshaft, timing gear, valve train, sump, rocker and timing gear covers. To make a long + engine into a complete and working engine (turn key), you will need to fit an inlet manifold, carburettor, air filter, alternator, water pump, pulleys, brackets, belts, tensioners, distributor, spark plugs and leads. The long + engine is popular for those that want some involvement in the building of their engine, as it is relatively easy to add these parts. You can research & choose the remaining parts required or we can assist you, whilst basing your choice on performance / looks or both.
Complete Engine or turn-key unit
Our most popular choice, with over 500 turn key engines built to date. Everything is included and all you need is coolant, fuel and twelve volts to start. Virtually all of our turn key engines are test run and videoed and the video is permanently uploaded onto our You Tube channel for the customer to see, before the engine is dispatched. Our turn key engines also include a twelve month warranty from date of purchase, which is in addition to your statutory rights.
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