Hey,
What are the primary differences between the long block 350 and the short block 350? I know that the L98 is a short block. What is and isn't compatible between these two engines? What is the physical size difference in size? Can I put a long block in place of my L98?

Basically, if you haven't already guess, I accidentally picked up a long block 350...I'm only out $50 if it doesn't work, but I do want it to.

Please help me in all of my stupidity!

Thanks,
Howie :o

 

No worries.

Long Block refers to any engine WITH cyl. heads.

Short Block is any engine WITHOUT heads.

ANY engine.

 

The terms refer to how complete the engine assembly is

Long Block


Short Block


What is the part number of the long block you purchased. Was it sold
by an on-line vendor? What description did they provide?

.

 

Thanks all, it was a complete engine minus intake. I plan on getting rid of the heads anyway...but after that err, 'moment' I wonder how competent I am to actually assemble a 383!

ME

 

More then me, but im giving it a shot too

 

Ive seen some good deals on 383's all ready built check around,E- bay maybe.

 

I think you have the terms confused, do you mean BIG block and SMALL block?

 

That's always a possibility, but in this case it looks like he is still
within the same block configuration based on reported displacement.

.

 

This statement led me to believe we are talking about BIG blocks and SMALL blocks.

 

I understand, but since he describes it as being a 350 ...

Hope it works out for him. Flat tappet vs roller, 2-pc rear vs 1-pc
and so on.

.

 

Don't forget 4 bolt vs 2 bolt...aluminum or steel heads...crank sensor or Opti...

Oh, wait, we're talking about the L98

 

In my own defense, I do know the difference between the big block and small block A big block in a C4 would be uhh, a difficult shoe-horn to say the least. I do understand the mains (2 bolt vs. 4 bolt, I know the L98 is a two bolt, and I know that the SB 400 is stronger with the two bolt main). I do know that the motor I bought will have a 2 piece rear main seal.

Hmm...lets see what else. I don't need an optispark because I'm going to run the stock intake, and this was out of a pickup.

As far as cams go, I still have some questions...but that bridge is a ways away. Thanks to everyone for all of their help, its been a 'stupid' week for me. I ran into my daily driver with a truck at work...got lost, didn't realize that a longblock just is more complete...one of those few days!!

 

What year vette are you working on? The reason I ask, is you mention a L98 and you also mention a opti-spark. The opti was only used from 92-96 and it was a LT1 motor. Even though both the L98 and the LT1 were 350 cubic inches. they are different motors and dont interchange. At least without a lot of work.

 

I always wondered what the difference was between a short block and a long block too.
Thanks.

 

The car itself is a 1985, but the current motor is an updated TPI setup, I'm thinking Late 86-88 because it has aluminum heads...

Basically, here's the plan as it stands right now...I have a 1995 longblock 350 from a pickup. This was a TBI motor, but that really doesn't matter, I don't think, except for the fact that it will be set up to run an HEI distributor, just like the L98. (This is good) I'm going to have the block cleaned up and machined. The cylinder walls will be bored .030" over, and I'm going to use a 400 crank, aka, a 383 stroker. For the top end, I'd like some aluminum cylinder heads, either ported and polished factory heads, possibly some ported and polished aftermarket heads (I like Dart and Brodix, people seem to have a lot of luck with them), but it is all dependent on funds and what is available. I have not selected a cam or what kind of rockers yet. For the intake, I'm thinking I might go with an Accell Super Ram. I'm in the process of installing one on the updated L98 that's in the car now. (When I say in the process of...I mean, my intake and stuff is half put back together). I'm thinking either the Accel controller or maybe a Fast XFI system.

Do you guys think this will work? Basically, I'm 19, I'm mechanically inclined, but I'm not even going to try to pretend that I know the first thing about engine building, but I'm hoping that I can learn as I go. I'm thinking at this point, if the worst mistake I make is buying the wrong engine for $50, I'll take it. I'll keep everyone posted on my progress simply based on the questions I'll be asking! This is probably going to take a while, because I'm in school, (Like real college, a few hours from home, not a JC, so I have to truck my tools from work to back home everytime I'm doing something to the chevy!) so money, time, and energy are scarce. I have all the drive in the world, but I'll be the first one to admit, that all that drive and $1.25 will get me on the bus!