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-
