The highest-rated 250 truck engine I've found specifications on is a 1980 with a 2 barrel carb, rated at130 HP at 4K RPM, and 210 ft/lbs. of torque at 2K. Earlier and later engines had less. The quickest way to beef up a 250 is to run 307 V8 flat top pistons, and a hotter cam. To get any real performance, a lot of cylinder head work needs to be done. "There's no substitute for cubic dollars" where head mods are concerned! Big valves, porting and a "lump port" setup can really turn a 250 on, but it's E$$$$$$PENSIVE!
I believe the 230/250/292 uses the same lifters as a small block V8 but I'm not sure of that. If so, the same "anti pump-up" lifters we used on the round track engines would probably work. Check with Comp cams to see what they offer in the way of performance type lifters for the 3rd-generation stovebolt engines.
OK- - - -just did a little research- - - - -the 194 through 292 stovebolt sixes do use the same lifters as a small block V8. The standard Comp Cams lifter is their part number 812. The anti pump up lifter that resists valve float and lifter top-out is their number 858. I've used the 858 lifters in 6K + RPM round track V8's. They really do work well with the right adjustment procedure.
Jerry
