>I have a 91 VW vanagon and would like to know the difference when some
>body (vw) says they are either going to replace the long Block or the short 
>block....I was told a long block is just a complete engine with alternators...sheet metal and other parts strapped on, while the short block is 
>the core, pistons, and heads and valves...thanks in advance
>john.

A short block is built up thru the case, but no pistons, cylinders, heads 
and all. 

A longblock is the same but with pistons, cylinders and head.

Neither will have an alterator, carb/injection or any of that stuff.

Thom
-- 
>> If a tree falls in the forest, and it hits a mime, does anyone care?
............................................................................
:    Thom Fitzpatrick                             Transamerica Info Mgmnt  :
:  Systems Administrator                          1860 Howe Ave            :
:  tfitzpatrick@tim.com                           Sacramento, CA 95825     :
:   fax (916) 921-6781                            (916) 565-3346           :
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All opinions expressed herein are mine and not necessarily those of TIMS!