What does longblock and shortblock mean?

I've heard that longblock means the head and the block together, where short block is just the block itself.

Or I've heard longblock means the block is actually taller, thus short block being shorter.

Which is it? Thanks

long block= complete block w/ complete head, but no manifolds or accessories
short block= complete block and that's it

Block and head together, definently. I've never heard it used to mention the size of the block before, unless I just didn't pay attention. But like on hmotorsonline, they sell just the long block of the b18c, b16a, b18b and d15b vtec; and the d15b block is shorter than the B-series blocks yet still called a long block because it comes with the head too.

ok thanks for clearing that up guys.

Long block- head with all valves, springs, retainers, cams, exct

Short block- block, pistsons, crank

Or I've heard longblock means the block is actually taller, thus short block being shorter.

LOL thats like the domestic big blocks and small blocks. Nah short and long just means what it includes.

im just wondering, who said the long block was taller on the poll?

im just wondering, who said the long block was taller on the poll?
Probably just some random newbie who just wanted to be different. Or just didn't want to explain why they think it, and give the rest of use a reason to rip into him or her.

Long block doesn't come with the tranny either.

Shortblock is with no trans or head.

i guess since long = block plus head, that is "taller" than just the block alone.

so technically.....