It sounds like you need to do a little practicing on split-shifting to keep the RPM up there. Once a small engine bogs down, most of the pulling power goes away. The 292 will pull very well as long as you don't lug it down out of its torque band. It's great that you've got the old rig working like it was meant to be, though!
Jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!