Short Block VS Long Block Subaru: Which one choice for a car?

Can’t you decide which Subaru, short block or long block, is better suited for you? Then, you have come to the right place. By reading this article, you will understand these two types of engines and learn if they can meet your different needs or not.

Let’s not be fooled by the names. In size comparison, Subaru long block and short block engines have no difference. But, they mainly differ in which parts are included while building them. Each of them costs different and offers its packages of features.

In this article, I will compare these engines and discuss the essential factors you should know before buying. So, you will have a better idea of which engine to get for your new Subaru.

What is Short Block Subaru:

Do you want to build or assemble a powerful Subaru car for personal use? Then a short block engine will be the heart of your vehicle. This engine’s rotating system includes a cylinder, crankshafts, cam pistons, and connecting rods, allowing you to have a racing vibe with your Subaru. Besides these, some short blocks may also include camshafts and timing belts.

If you want to buy or assemble a short block engine, you may need additional parts such as gaskets, cylinder heads, oil pumps, and so on, which you must buy separately from the market. If you have the time, I’m sure assembling a short block engine will be an unforgettable experience for you.

What is Long Block Subaru:

A long block engine is a complete version of a short block engine. It may differ depending on where you buy it. So, by purchasing it, you will have some additional features too. This package includes rods, pistons, the blockhead, the crankshaft, the camshaft, and the valve train.

If you are lucky enough, your long block Subaru may also surprise you with a water pump, valve covers, and an oil pan. When you buy a long block engine, you avoid the dirty and laborious task of assembling and installing it. Your only job will be to select the correct parts for your long block and install them in your vehicle.

Although a long block engine has more parts than a short block engine, it is not a complete engine. To make it fully functional, you must also buy separately the fuel system, electrical components, intake manifold, and exhaust manifolds.

Related Camshaft Sensors

Long block vs short block Subaru engine:

You can use this comparison table to get a clear picture. This comparison will assist you in better understanding the primary distinction between these two engine types.

Installation time of Long block engine vs Short block engine

When we want to install or assemble the engines, the long block engine has the upper hand. Because of the long block’s design, you will need only a few more parts, not so many. It’s much easier to install and less time consuming.

In the meantime, the short block engine give you the opportunity to customize to serve your specific requirements. All additional parts you buy, you need to install them separately. To do so, it will consume much more of your precious time.

Again, if you want to do the assembly or installation of the engine yourself, a long block engine will be the easier one to do. Installing a short block engine may be a nightmare for you if you don’t have the knowledge and expertise.

Performance of long block engine vs Short block engine

Generally, your long block Subaru engine will perform better than a short block. Because it contains more parts than a short block engine.

If you buy a long block Subaru the chances of engine failure are lower than in a short-block engine. However, a short block engine requires additional parts and components to perform better. So, you can see, a long block engine is far more balanced than a short block engine.

On the other hand, by purchasing a short block engine, you will have the advantage of customizing the parts per your preferences. This flexibility may increase your engine’s performance exponentially and attract those who want to customize their car engines according to their needs.

Cost of a long block engine vs Short block engine

A short block engine should be less expensive because it does not have as many engine parts as a long block engine. However, this will not always be the case.

An average long block Subaru engine will cost around $3,000-$4,000 in 2021, while an average short block Subaru engine will cost you approximately $1,000-$3,000. Your costs may vary depending on the machine’s dealer, model, country, and year of manufacture.

A short block engine will disappoint you because it requires extra parts that are standard in a long block engine. On top of that, they usually have a short life span, and you must replace them regularly.

So, choosing a long block Subaru engine over a short block Subaru engine will thus save you money in the long run.

FAQs

In this section, I collect frequently asked questions from the internet and provide you with the answers. So, after reading this, you should have a better understanding of these two types of engines.

Which one is better, short block or long block for your Subaru?

Which one is better, a long block engine and a short block engine? The debate continues because both of these engines have their advantages and disadvantages.

Are you a car enthusiast who wants to do the hard work and assemble and install the engine yourself? Then the short block engine will be the best upgrade to your skill. On the other hand, if you love your precious time and don’t want to take the workload on your head, then buy a Subaru long block engine.

Is the ‘short block’ and ‘small block’ or “long block’ and ‘big block’ the same thing?

There are some differences in context between these terms. It starts with the classification. ‘Small block’ or ‘big block’ engine, in a general sense, refers to the engine size. On the other hand, a ‘short block’ or ‘long block’ engine refers to a unique combination of additional parts to increase your car’s performance.

Is it cheaper to rebuild an engine?

It depends on your preferences. If you do the work yourself, it would be much cheaper to rebuild an engine. But, if you don’t have the skills or time to rebuild an engine, consider going to a professional mechanic. And obviously, it will cost you more money.

What is a “turn-key” engine?

The ‘all setup and ready’ engine is a turn-key engine. You will receive a complete package if you purchase a “turn-key” engine. This package will give you all the long block features and other components.

This engine may be worth buying if you want to fit it into your vehicle and start. A typical turn-key machine includes:

• The block
• Crank
• Pistons
• Connecting rods
• Camshaft
• Cylinder heads
• Pushrods
• Gasket
• Valve-train
• Oil pan
• Valve covers
• Intake manifold
• Throttle pedal
• Spark plugs
• Oxygen sensors
• Airflow sensors

What is a Crate Engine?

When researching Subaru’s long and short block engines on the internet, you may come across the term “crate engine.” It gets this unusual name because if you order a crate engine, it will arrive in a crate!

A crate engine will be the answer if you are a racer or need a quick engine replacement for your car. Experts may also refer to it as a “Plug and Play” engine or a “Turn Key” engine. Because after purchasing this machine, you just need to install it in your vehicle, and your car will be ready to go.

Conclusion

After reading this far, now you know the required information about a short block vs a long block Subaru engine before buying. You can directly go to Subaru dealer points to get your needs fulfilled. Or, you may try multiple dealers before you make the transaction to compare the quality, cost, and other priorities.