Small block/big block I know...but I don't know what constitutes a short block versus a long block.

And I'd like to find out...

A short block is essentially the engine block with the crankshaft, connecting rods and pistons installed. A long block is essentially the complete engine block with heads installed, cam, oil pump, oil pan, etc., but less items such as alternator, power steering pump...the accessories.

It has nothing to do with big block or small block. The same block, but dressed out to different degrees. A turn-key engine is one complete and ready start after installation in a car.

[QUOTE=Gunslinger]A short block is essentially the engine block with the crankshaft, connecting rods and pistons installed. A long block is essentially the complete engine block with heads installed, cam, oil pump, oil pan, etc., but less items such as alternator, power steering pump...the accessories.

It has nothing to do with big block or small block. The same block, but dressed out to different degrees. A turn-key engine is one complete and ready start after installation in a car.[/QUOTE]

There can still be differences between truck and car blocks, sometimes the difference is only in the stampings applied by the factory to denote its original purpose.

Some truck blocks may have four bolt main bearing caps machined in while many, if not most car blocks have two bolt mains. So much depends on the intended purpose the block is designed for...performance cars, RV's, sedans, etc. Even though the bore and stroke of the block may be the same, internal reinforcing of the block can differ, the oil galleries can be of different diameters, crankshafts may be cast or forged, camshafts are definitely different depending on intended use.

That being said, the blocks by themselves are still essentially the same. They can be built to whatever use you like by careful selection of components.

Some people prefer truck blocks since they're designed for severe service from the casting stage.

don't know about the new engines but in most of the older engines the truck engines had a smaller bore requiring a longer stroke (producing more lower end torque) to produce the same cid as a car engine with a larger bore and shorter stroke. Remember something from school about over square and under square but can't remember which engine is which 

Oversquare is greater bore than stroke.

Gunslinger: DARN YOU GOOD!

The main difference in SB Chevs are the rear main seal.  Early have a two piece seal and late have a one piece.  The heads on a 2PC RMS unit will not fit correctly on a 1PC RMS unit.