Sounds right on the stock 292 cam, I have measured a couple.
On the cam choice, the split pattern thing I think is not just a function of engine (or engine color LOL) but how the intake vs exhaust flows, so I find in the Gonkulator that you have to dial in the whole engine, then see what split it wants if any.
FWIW here is what the Gonkulator said about your 292, I assumed 8.2 CR
1-5/8 x 37" open headers
All cams advanced 4 degrees (they are usually ground that way)
188-188 cam stock
Torq 275 at 2900
Powr 200 at 4400
194-204 cam
Torq 282 at 3000
Powr 209 at 4400
199-199 cam (I made the 194-204 into a straight pattern)
Torq 282 at 3000
Powr 214 at 4400
It liked the straight pattern better with open headers
Sometimes with mufflers split duration works better
Not a whole lot of diff either way
212-218 cam
Torq 283 at 3300
Powr 226 at 4600
This will idle rougher, use more gas, and likely need screw-in studs due to the lift and loads.
192-200 cam
Torq 283 at 3000
Powr 203 at 4400
206-206-110 .473 .473 cam, Comp 252H
Torq 281 at 3100
Powr 217 at 4500
Good numbers for low lift you could likely stay w press in studs.
Most of Tom Lowe's dyno series ran straight pattern cams, not sure if that was deliberate or just availability.
Also at 8.0 - 8.2 CR you don't want a big cam to start killing low end below 3000 if its a daily driver / tower / cruiser.
Well you decide, not a bunch of difference either way. You have a stick so could get away with a rougher cam, depends on use and how much gas you want to put in it. Cams drink gas like crazy in the city.
If the stock cam is good, I'd build it that way, enjoy it, then decide if you want more cam. Or maybe add a lump port head with screw in studs etc and then a big cam with it. Lots of options.
