Well, I was curious enough if this combo would handle the "average" small block v8 that I ran it through the DeuceCoupe Gonkulator. I was surprised, low-15s and 87mph, which by 1960s-70s showroom stock standards would be average-to-good for a smallblock. Of course by the late-1980s and newer it was not so easy.
Recipe I used - 1976 (?) Ventura, 3300lb curb, T350, 3.55 posi, 2500 stall.
250-9.0cr, lump head, Clifford with twin 38 webers (about 440cfm total), Langdon exhaust in to dual 2". Clifford 264H cam set up 4 advanced, ie 110 LSA, 106 ICL.
Torq 265 at 3600
Powr 252 at 5400
2.25 60ft
9.87 at 71.1 1/8 mi
15.44 at 86.8 1/4 mi
7.33 0-60mph
As you said, not a GTO (well maybe a base powerglide GTO on a bad day?) but a fair runner. This is about the best I would expect, just so you have an idea of what the combo might do when done. I agree though about the novelty-bling factor, otherwise just toss something ordinary/boring/new under the hood.
As far as the 292 fit, yet its 1.75" taller, but fits in my 62-63 Novas just fine, I can even use a flat-base 14x2" air cleaner (but a 14x3" will hit the hood). Not sure if the 75-79 body hood is higher or lower though. That would add a lot to the swap in a heavy 3300lb car if you can find one.
