Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines 327 out 292 in

Can anyone give me a good reason why I should remove a 327 with a 3 speed Saginaw tranny and replace it with a low mileage 292 "Hecho en Mexico" bolted to the same 3 speed with 308 diffy on a 76 Chevy 1/2 ton pickup truck??

It could happen..ya know..

Just to be different.
Mileage would probably be about the same.

MBHD

You'd be well respected in our circle.

A lot depends on the condition of the 327 and how you use the truck. If the 327 ain't "broke," then it is generally a good idea not to "fix it." Save the good 292 for another project where you need it. If the 327 is old and weak, then the 292 is a good replacement. If the truck works every day, a reliable, low-mileage, high-torque 292 is an even better choice.

Of course, we like to say that anything a v-thing can do, an inline can do better. An inline just takes more money and time, more thought and skill.

God's Peace to you.

d
Inliner #1450

more room in the engine bay to work on it LOL
all good points I just had to add my 2cent humor.
lol

As much torque as a 350.

The extra weight will lower the front end so you'll look cool like the rest of the "guys".

I may replace the 327 in my 68 with a 292.

Larry

Lgriffin,,,
How much does a 292 weigh?

A 250 L6 is roughly 100 lbs lighter than a basic cast iron 350 SBC.

MBHD

Well, it did happen today. 327 on the floor and the 292 in the engine compartment. I took the 292 out of a 1976 P20 box van and assumed it would be an easy bolt in, just use the passenger side motor mount bracket and such....After an hour or two of trying to get everything lined up I discovered that I needed to use the driver's side 250 chevy block bracket and the stock 250 frame bracket. Left side received the P20's 292 block bracket and I also used the stock 250 frame bracket but had to re-drill the holes in the frame to make the fit. Was glad I dropped the engine/tranny in together because I ended up putting in the tranny cross frame brace to get the correct mounting locations for the engine mounts and plates. Finished up building the needed power steering bracket and decided to call it a night. Parts store tomorrow for the correct length of belts and other small stuff, then Monday it is off to the muffler shop for the short length of exhaust pipe to make the hook-up. Was easier putting the V thing in after the tired 250 came out than the 292 but in the long run, it will be rewarding....
jb

I hadn't read there was a difference between the drivers side mounts, I'll have put those on my list.

There may be some interest in seeing pictures of your power steering brackets.

You might find your exhaust pipe at the parts store. I now Pep Boys and Kragen carry 3 or foot lengths.

I think you'll find the 292 is a different drive, you don't have to rev it up to get to the torque.

Tomorrow I hope to finish bolting in the A833 tranny and start the rebuilt 292 for the first time.

Larry

Sounds like a small job hehe Paid off. But we're glad to see you but a 6 back in where a 6 came from

Fired it off today, adjusted everything and went for a spin. Nice. There is just something about a six in this old truck. I have a Holly "Economizer" 2 bbl carb and I am thinking about trying this on. It is probably about 350-400cfm, suggestions on manifold?
Larry, my power steering brackets are nothing to shout about. It places the pump up high on the block but it does work. Dunno how to post pics but could email you some if you would like.
Thanks folks for the support!

jeff

Wish I could say the same. I didn't even finish bolting the cross member in for the tranny.

The two most common manifolds are the 4bbl Offy and Clifford. There are adapters for putting a 2bbl on them. The Offy is considered better for low end torque as the Clifford has larger runners and flows more air. I'm not partial to 2bbls if you keep your foot off he floor it might be an "Economizer".

Larry

If the motor is basicly stock The offey would be in your better interest.esp with the 2b carb. Like
Lgriffin said the Offey is more suited for Low to
mid range power. If you can find a 2b adaptor and
do not want to stake carb plates let me know I maybe able to help you.
Does the Economizer 2 bbl have the same Base(bolt
patteren) as the 350 & 500 cfm holley?

Twisted:
I bought this Holly off of ebay about 8 years ago, it was NIB and intended for a 307 Chevy truck motor. If the bolt patterns hold true between the Rochester 2bbl and the Holly then I have a winner. It is a nice little carb, starts and runs out well, had it on the 327 with a stock chevy 2bbl manifold for a while while I was trying to sort out the "thirsty" problem with the engine.(Did not help much at all, maybe 2mpg better with a loss of power.) 327 chevys are not known for their gas mileage and mine was no exception. 14mpg highway with the Holly and 12mpg with the Edelbrock 600cfm and Performer manifold.
Took my favorite cattle dog out with me this PM for an evening drive in the hills, he loved the cool air coming in the window and I loved the additional torque going up and down the hills...
Don't know if I want to mess with a good thing now...

jeff

Ok no problem. The holley (350,500 cfm)has a bigger bolt patteren then The stock chevy carbs.