The Forgotten On

A short block is an engine sans heads and intake.

A long block has the heads and intake along with the valve train normally.

I would love to slip a S2 long block into my 81 with the L jet (yes I know power loss) to sneak it past the smog police and get a huge Hp bump.

GlenL

Seems everyone has a different view. I understand it's regional. The parts list will vary by cam arrangement, too.

The internets will give an answer:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short_block

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_block

It's good for shorthand but needs details to discuss well.