I am having the dreaded OC problem in my 05 6mt sedan - The dealer said that if an engine replacement is done that they would be putting in a long block in place of the short block that I currently have - Are there any differences to the two blocks that I should be aware of. I am right on the edge of whether I need the replacement or not.

 

? As far as i have always known a short block was just block and head/s, long block would include tranny/harness so

 

Short block is the engine block with the rotating assembly in place. No heads or top end. If it's an OHV engine, the cam is usually installed with appropriate chains(s)

A long block is the engine block with the rotating assembly in place AND the heads bolted on. It usually does not have the intake manifold on it. cam(s) are usually installed too with appropriate chain(s).


There is no difference in blocks...the terms long and short just refer to how the block comes dressed. By what the dealer told you, it doesn't make sense. If they give you a short block, they will reuse your heads and top end. If they give you a long block, you'll get new heads. But in either case, most of your wiring and sensors and induction is reused unless a complete crate motor is purchased.


if pics help...this is the same Ford 5.0L V8 in both state of dress (sorry for using a Ford engine...but I tried finding pics of G35 engines in both states and couldn't)

Short Block


Long Block

 

Thank you for clarifying that - It just made me curious when the dealer told me it was easier to install the long block than the short block

 

They would need to essentially rebuild your motor if they were to only change your "short block". You actually have a long block in the car already, its when its disassembled the name changes, as show in the pictures above. Long block is a much better route since you are getting a completely new motor.

 

Thanks for everyone's answers - I think I will be pushing for the new motor. I only have 42XXX miles on the car, but if there is any chance of an oil burning problem I want it gone.

 

That much is true, since they don't have to assemble/install the heads, which you probably want done from the factory anyway, not at the dealership.

 

If they offer the long block it is definatly the way to go.

 

It doesn't really matter. Both engines will be factory remanufactured engines anyway. A long block saves the dealer the time and expense of bolting on the heads and cams and such.

I could be wrong, but most typical factory engine replacements are done with remans unless the defect is in the engine design and a reman does not fix the issue. Unsure where the defect lies in the OC-affected engines though