89 351

When I purchased my 89 SN the PO said the engine was replaced with a short block 351.
Can someone explain the difference between short vs. long blocks, and how I could determine which one I have??... Thanks for any help.

    A short block is a term for a replacement sub a**embly that does not include the Heads, a long block is an engine sub a**embly that includes the the short block plus Cylinder Heads and usually more.
    They are not terms that describe the type of engine that you will end up with (like a small block vs. a big block), but rather how much of the engine was bought as new/rebuilt.
    So you have have an engine with a rebuilt/replaced short block and with the original heads if the PO is to be believed. So the valves/springs may be tired but the cylinders/rings, main bearings, oil pump, connecting rods, etc should be tight and ready to go for a long time. Not all short blocks are created equal, both in terms of what parts they include and in quality of the work, hopefully you got a good marine unit...