Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines HP POWER

hI, Im new here I want to learn all the vast knowledge of this site..

which are the differences between the chevy 292 L6 and the 350 v8 in terms of HP & Torque?

WHich is the relation of cost-modification of this two engines?

With a simple modification(Cam, headers, Intake) how many HP & Torq I obtain of the 292 L6?

I have a 292 chevy all stock in my truck, I want to modify but all people say that Im in the wrong side, all people tell me of the natural change to a v8 side, but I have hope with that Old 292 monster plant.
Thanks....

If you buy Leo's book it will tell all.

John M., #3370

ThrashTruck,

Because of government regulations you find different HP and torque numbers for each of these engines for different years. For example, the 292s were supposedly 170 HP engines up through 1970-71. But in 1972-73, through the rest of the decade the 292 became a 115-120 net HP engine. Given the design of the head and the compression ratio the latter numbers are probably far more accurate.

In the book John M mentioned there is a racing duo (Jim Headrick & Cotton Perry) that built a 292 that puts out over 650 real HP. And I don't believe that engine ran on nitrous. That's way unrealistic for a street engine but it shows you the awesome potential for a low rpm, high torque truck motor.

If you want the most power for your $$$ get the 350. It can easily and inexpensively be built to put out a very reliable 350-400 HP as a hot street engine (the 292 can't). The 350 will always spank a 292, when hopped up with similar performance mods (hot cam, polished/ported heads, valves, ignition, intake, headers, etc.).

When it comes to power production, cubic inches matter (with engines of similar technology). The 350 not only has 58 more cubic inches than the 292, but also has larger valves, a bigger bore, shorter stroke, shorter & lighter crank, and MUCH better and more efficient head design (especially on the intake). The 292s head can be modified with lump ports for better breathing but the cost of the head alone from a professional (such as Sissells, at 1500-1800+) approaches the cost of a complete street/strip 350 such as this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayIS...sspagename=WDVW

But the real issue is that if you want a street/strip 292, then a 350 won't do!

-magic mike-

Fred, correct statement.A young guy who shops carefully can build a 300 HP 350 Chevy smallblock V-8 on his garage floor for 1000 bucks including the cost of a rebuildable engine.This engine will have a smooth poweband with plently of low end power and rev to 5500 rpm easily.
Like Leo Sanducci says,the mega HP 6's are limited powerband drag racing engines with zero streetability.
Super charging will get bif power from a six and still retain a decent idle,but it cost's a bag of cash to get there.

there's no doubt a 350 sbc is the cheapest easiest way to go. are you really going to be drag racing? are you pulling a freght car? probably neither. why not do something a little different? i'm tired of looking at magazines & shows & seeing the same old boring stuff. if i ever build anything else besides early chevy & gmc sixes it still won't be a abc.

Right-on Robert!

Back when "Hot Rodding" began most were 4 cyl Fords/48 Merc flatheads, a Cad/Olds OHV (now & then) and our GMC and Chevy 6 engines.

Quite a variety for decades. The vast majority of these cars were built at home, in garages by those skilled in automotive methods. Many new ideas were tried at local drag strips/dry lakes and the industry benefited.

Today that's all gone. Most of the cars shown at shows are pre built commercialy & sold to those wanting the 'glamor' of it all. Many don't know an engine from a motor and are just "cruisers".

The last place where I lived had no Auto Shop in their High School. When a group of kids wanted one merged with driver training, they were told it han no academic value and ignored. When I brought the issue up at a public meeting I was asked to leave. The Sheriff was called to prevent me/parents representing the kids that wanted it, further discussion and questions.

If you inspect the emplovee parking lot of any government building all you see is Jap cars.

Happy 4th of July, John M......

I really appreciate your posts, I will go with the 292, I think is much better to be different, Im young(24 years) and I want to have fun with this motor but I want to increase their power with the addition of the basic things like, headers, cam, intake, carb.....
In other time I will try with the 350 and like walt140 say we need to respect the inline stuff and all the V thing, get outta here....

I have one question, with the basic modification (cam, intake, headers) how many Ponies I can expect?

Thanks masters.

I forget, I want my truck for street Pourposes, great low end, i want a monster, at this time i have some money so i thing i will purchase the basic things with your valious advice...

I purchase the Leo's santucci book, its wonderfull.

Thrash,

With a typical mild cam, plus the 4 barrel intake and headers you'll probably add 30-40 HP over stock. So on a typical 292 with 125-130 real HP you'd be up to around 170-180 HP. Probably with quite a bit more torque too.

My personal advice - build your street 292 for low end torque. Why?

1. That's what this engine was originally designed for.

2. It will allow you to get some really good acceleration off the line and strong pulling power to get up to highway speed quickly.

3. You'll have good pulling power at lower rpms.

4. Because you won't have to rev the engine to high rpms to get good power, your engine will last longer.

If you want to make more power from your 292, then you start getting into serious $$$. Custom pistons to boost compression - extensive head work, including larger valves and professional quality porting and polishing - or the good old lump port head, which really makes the big six make power, but is not for the faint of pocket at all.

-magic mike-

COol, Good info magicmike, yeah I want great low end I use my truck to haul, in the next days i will try to put some pics of the truck and the advances, this day i will look for the modification stuff and then I will question more.....

LONG LIVE TO SIXES!!