Automobile engine replacement
[5] An in-block cam engine short block includes the camshaft, timing gear, and any balance shafts.
A short block is the preferred replacement component for a worn-out engine that requires major servicing beyond the capabilities of a local repair garage, when instead a machine shop may be needed.
The short block represents the major wear items of an engine: piston rings, and potentially a rebore of the cylinder bores or replacement liners, together with reground bearings on the crankshaft.
A short block includes the preassembled set of major parts needed that generally exceed the capability of the garage, in one item.
The third item sometimes requiring machining, the re-cutting of valve seats in the cylinder head, was less frequently needed.
Grinding of valves to fit was once a regular garage task, as was light re-cutting with hand tools, when cast iron seats were common.
A short block has advantages over dismantling the engine and sending the crankshaft and other related automotive parts away for rework.
Sidevalves were pre-eminent before the short block appeared as a common item, and they also offered little saving by omitting the (simple) head.
These parts can include the oil pan, timing cover, valve covers, intake manifold, emission-control parts, carburetor or fuel injection system, the exhaust manifold(s), alternator, starter, power steering pump (if any), and air conditioner compressor (if any).
[6][7] This type of engine has various applications including general replacement, hot rod builds, and motorsports competition.
[10] In recent years, the restoration and EV conversion of a classic car has become known as an electromod, a portmanteau of electrification and restomod.
[16] Many recent non-factory electromods are implemented by extracting and adapting the complete drivetrain (traction motor(s), battery, controller, and inverter) from an existing mass-produced EV, such as Tesla.
[20] Previously in 2018, Chevrolet Performance advanced an "electric crate motor" concept with the unveiling of the eCOPO Camaro at that year's SEMA show.
The electric traction motor essentially served as a drop-in replacement with the same bellhousing bolt pattern and crankshaft flange as the LS engine family, so the car retained the same transmission, driveshaft, and axles as the conventional COPO Camaro.
[23] The following year for SEMA, Chevrolet showcased the "Electric Connect and Cruise" eCrate package in October 2020, which included the main drivetrain components of a single Bolt (motor, battery, controller, and inverter), and was demonstrated as a retrofit to a restored 1977 K5 Blazer.
Together with the controller and inverter, the motor occupies approximately the same space as a small-block V8; the 900 lb (410 kg) battery presents a greater challenge for packaging, which is why the initial development has focused on trucks.
[10] As of July 2022[update], it was still being explored as a "future business opportunity", according to Chevrolet Vice President Scott Bell.
[27] General Motors began developing several small block crate race car engines in 2001 and they were released into production in 2002.
These blocks commonly replace rare or popular designs for aftermarket rebuilding, especially when the original is no longer produced.
