What are the basic parts used in a car engine?

The block, the main body of the engine. Crankshaft, on the bottom half of the engine, pistons and connecting rods that connect the pistons to the crankshaft. The head or heads depending on the type of engine. These bolt on top of the block over the pistons. Intake manifold where the carb. or injectors are located. Camshaft that opens the valves in the head. In older engines the camshaft is in the block above the crankshaft. Newer engines the camshaft is on the head or heads.