the simple answer is a short block is the block and its vitals only, no heads, intake, exhaust - a long block you just need to install a few bits like carb, accessories and exhaust - a "complete long block" or turn key engine is ready to install except accessories

Bill

Moved over to the Passing Lane

"When we tug a single thing in nature we find it attached to the rest of the world" John Muir
"When we tug a single thing on an old truck, we find it falls off" me
Some TF series details & TF heater pics & Rust-a-holics Unanimous parking lot