"Long block" gets used loosely in the engine world, and it trips up a lot of buyers who assume it means something different than it does. Here's exactly what you get — and don't get — with Tracy Lewis Performance's GM LFX 3.6.
Bare Block vs. Short Block vs. Long Block vs. Complete Engine
A bare block is just the engine block itself — no heads, no internals installed. A short block adds the crankshaft, pistons, and connecting rods but stops below the cylinder heads. A long block — what this product is — includes the cylinder heads and valvetrain assembled on top of the short block, essentially a fully built engine minus certain bolt-on accessories. A complete engine would include everything, including the intake manifold and all accessories ready to drop in.
What's Included
This long block ships complete except for the intake manifold, and unlike many bare-block competitors, it already includes:
- Fuel injectors
- Fuel rails
- High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP)
- Flex plate
- Water pump
- Oil filter
That's a meaningfully more complete package than a typical rebuilt long block, which often ships bare and leaves you sourcing these components separately.
What's Not Included
The intake manifold is the one component excluded — it's the single confirmed exclusion from an otherwise complete long block. You'll transfer yours from your original engine, or source one separately. If you have questions about any other accessory not listed above, confirm directly with Tracy Lewis Performance before ordering.
Why This Matters When Comparing Options
When you're weighing this against other sellers, "long block" alone doesn't tell you what's actually in the box. See new vs. used vs. rebuilt LFX 3.6 for how that plays out across the market, and the full buyer's guide for the complete picture on this engine.
The engine, and what pairs with it
The engine described on this page is the brand new GM LFX 3.6 long block for the 2012-15 Camaro and Cadillac CTS and ATS — genuinely new rather than rebuilt, with no core charge.
Because the intake manifold is the one thing you have to supply yourself, this is the natural moment to decide whether to refit the original or upgrade:
- Ported LFX intake manifold — around 20 hp paired with a ported throttle body, 25-30 with the 80mm. The manifold is coming off regardless, so the labour is already being done.
- Ported throttle body — 4-12 RWHP, no core required, and it bolts to the manifold you are about to fit.
- LFX flex fuel kit — unlocks E85 on the 3.6 with a GM sensor and plug-in harness.
- Tracy Lewis tunes — a fresh engine is the right time to have the calibration matched to it.
Not sure which of these applies to your build? Get in touch with your year, model and what you are running.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this include the intake manifold?
No. It's complete except for the intake manifold, which you'll transfer from your original engine or source separately.
Does it include the injectors and fuel rails?
Yes — injectors, fuel rails, and the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) are all included.
What about the flex plate, water pump, and oil filter?
All three are included with the long block.
Is this the same as a "complete engine"?
Not quite — a complete engine would also include the intake manifold and remaining accessories. This is a long block: fully built short block plus cylinder heads and valvetrain, plus the components listed above.