Short block

This is a 3S-GTE shortblock on an engine stand waiting to be cleaned.

The same engine after cleaning. Carbon deposits can be removed with a wire brush and the surface is then polished with a very fine sandpaper. Many times this kind of work is done by a machine shop as part of a more involved engine rebuild. Rebuilding an engine helps restore power and economy and/or improve or increase performance

A short block is an engine sub-assembly comprising the portion of the cylinder block below the head gasket but above the oil pan. An in-block cam engine includes the camshaft, timing gear, and any balance shafts. Overhead cam engines don't include those parts.

Applications

Mechanics purchase a shortblock as a quicker way to rebuild an engine—avoiding the work and time of rebuilding and assembling the shortblock components. Companies that provide short blocks may also offer performance improving engine work. Machine shop work can increase performance by boring out the engine to increase cylinder diameter (which increases internal volume), balancing rotating assemblies (such as the crankshaft), installing a higher performance camshaft, etc. Bored-out engines require larger pistons and new piston rings. This kind of work can be done by amateurs ("shade tree mechanics") or by professional machine shops and engine rebuilders.

A short block is considered destroyed when it either warps or cracks, often due to overheating.

See also

• Long block