Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines I want to buy a 292 crate engine ...... advice?

I want to buy a GM crate engine 292 ci six .I want complete from valve cover to oil pan. I was given a part number #10121028(for new) and it does not have the integral manifold cast into the head. $Price is $1600. From a dealer in the midwest . Does the board suggest any other places I may obtain this motor? I would even take a rebuilt if it had a good warranty. Looking for someplace reliable that the list has dealt with before.Is the price about right?

Thanks
Ken

Ken
The 292 crate motor can probably be obtained from your local Chevrolet dealer although it will likely cost a little more. When you add shipping and the fact that the local dealer will take care of any warranty work including labor it might come out to be a better deal in the long run. You can sometimes get a better deal if you ask the local dealer if they can match the price that the mailorder dealer advertises. Several years ago I needed a 350 engine and I called my local dealer and asked how close their price was compared to one of the mailorder prices and they sold me an engine for about what the engine and shipping would be--plus I got it that day and didn't have to arrange to have a forklift at my shop to unload it when it arrived.
The 292 is listed as weighing 422 pounds but I am not sure if that is shipping weight or bare engine weight and a 350 is generally around 450 pounds.

Bill Burdette

I personally would not go for a crate engine unless you can get it for cheap.
Your bast bet would be to buy a 292 and get the materials to rebuild it, the crate engines are newer Mexican built engines and from what I understand the metal in them is not as good as the old engines also try to find a 292 1967 or older they have a stronger crankshaft that is steel.