G'day all,

Is the A15 short block a good engine to put in a 1971 1200 ute?

Any dangers/drawbacks to look out for?

After reading the info in the tech wiki section about engine upgrades, I am aware of the type of modifications needed and also about the diff issues.

Why was there short variations?

Any help would be great,

Mat

I don't think there was a short variation. Short Motor and long motor is sometimes a terminology used to describe how much of the complete engine package is for sale. A short motor can be just the block crank and rotating components, whereas a long motor can include the cylinder head and a few ancillaries if not all.

That's my understanding of it anyway.

Your ute diff will be plenty strong for the A15 no need to modify your diff. The ute comes with the H165 diff.

All a15 blocks are the same stroke.Good choice for a ute

If you get a 56a gearbox to go with itNo problems, but a 60 series gearbox will be the right torque an strong enough for the a15 no need to change prop shaft.

Right you are:
Long block is assembled block AND head
Short block is assembled block WITHOUT head

Thanks for clearing that up, good info.

My ute has the 56A

So what's the best head to get $$ wise?
or just stick with what I've got on the A12?

Cheers,

Mat

A12 head is good on an A15 for about 65 HP @ 4800 RPM
H89 head is good for about 80 HP @ 6000 RPM

If you are going A15 you are best to use the oval port engine head with the stamp H89 as suggested by DD.