Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines What 292 to use?

More questions on my 67 C-10 restoration. I am taking the message board's advise and leaving the original 250 in the truck for now while I look for a good 292 to rebuild. Is there a specific year of 292 block and heads that are "better" to use for rebuilding? I have heard of some head gasket problems with some of the later 292s. Any help would be great. Thanks, Todd.

Todd, I think you've made a good decision. The 250 will be a good back up for the 292 when you get it together. In the mean time you'll learn a lot maintianing it, and may be a few tweaks for little better performance. The 292 is pretty much the same over the years, with one exception and I'll get to that latter. To find out just were you want to with the 292 I suggest you get the book "Chevrolet Inline Six-Cylinder" by Leo Santucci. The book will tell you what to look for, in a good block, what mods can be done to the block, heads, cam. After you've read it then you can shop around and see what your budget is going to let you do. Now the 292 that is an exception and it is the integral head 292. The integral head has the intake and exhaust cast with the head and that is the primary differnce. It is not thought of too highly though there are those who take exception. I believe the census on the board is that you can bolt the earlier heads on. There has also been some discussion of the newer blocks cast in Mexico having additional webbing to reinforce the block. Now do you have to look at all the details to build a street 292 probably not, but if you're going to build 292 for a record ET then you damn well better. Get Leo's book, shop around and see what you are going to be happy with. May the road rise with you.

Larry
63 C20 daily driver
68 C20 327 soon to be?

Thanks for the good advice Larry, I will get the book and start shopping.

Yes the mexico Blocks do have the extra web cast into the blocks. And some do feel that they are the stronger blocks.The 194,230,250 head will fit theses blocks with out any mods. The 194 head on the 292s can net you WELL over the 11-1 compression with a flat top piston ( a TRUE flat top) So if you are not looking for that kinda compression I would not use that head.( unless you plan on useing a dished piston) a flat top with the 230,250 head can still get you into that kinda compression if the head is milled So make sure that you plan ahead on what you want for compression. And picking the right cam & head work along with a set of headers. Will make you a very nice strong Running,& streetable 292. hope this helps }[oooooo]

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NovaMan/Twisted6/Larry

[This message has been edited by Twisted6 (edited 11-28-2003).]