Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines 292 horsepower ratings?

I found a website that says 63-70 292s have 170 hp and 275 lb. ft, 71s have 165 hp and 270 lb ft and 72 and on have 125 hp and 250 or 255 lb ft. Why is the horsepower and torque down so much for 72 and on 292s than the 63-71 292s were?

Also, what is the redline for a 292 chevy? Would they be a good engine for towing a single four wheeler trailer if the engine was put in to a Jeep?

Dear Jake;

All 72-up engines suffered a horsepower loss due to smog regs. I think in your case they droped the compression.

Yes! That engine has a lot of 'low-end' so It's great for towing. In fact when used in Tow Cars in that era, they out performed the V-8s.

If stock; I would stay below the HP curves top end with regard to "red line". It will go much higher, but what for?

Good luck, John M.......

Jake,

John makes excellent points. A healthy 292 with a good carb will turn 4500 rpms very safely. Max horsepower is produced somewhat short of that (around 3800 rpms I think). Without the proper camshaft, adjusting the timing and modifying the induction anything over that is wasting fuel like crazy. Especially when kept at higher rpms on the road.

Trust me - 292s are not the most fuel efficient engines!

After running one of these engines for awhile my ideal combination for a mild street 292 is a mild cam, ported and polished head with hardened exhaust seats, single two barrel (or small 4 barrell) carb on a heated intake, upgraded ignition and Stovebolt or Clifford shorty headers. This combo should give better MPGs and much improved torque and throttle response over stock.

-magic mike-

I think '71-'72 was about the time that power and torque ratings switched from gross to net. This probably accounts for some of the difference you see.

Yup,Eric's correct.Just a new way of measuring.