I'm just now completing the build up of a 292. The block was bored 0.060 with flat top pistons, rotating assembly has been balanced. The head has been milled 0.020, modified with lump ports, screw in studs and guide plates. The valves have been resized : int 1.86 and ext 1.60 both stainless. Harland-Sharp roller rockers and Roades lifters, Crower custom push rods and a Howards Cam. Clifford 4 barrel intake, 500CFM Edelbrock carb, and split headers and Davis HEI. I have finished assembly and working the last few details, I hope to brake it in late this month. This engine is going in a 50 3100 on a S10/Code 504 frame. Just a note on this engine, my local Machinist is James Bailey, he holds the 1981 NHRA record for 230 CID .
This engine will be a beast for sure. If you take a video of it running, post it up please.
I am buying a compression gauge later this week. If the compression checks out I am going to reseal the engine and run it. It has 155k on it. I can get upgrades for it later on. I have researched a bunch since I posted this thread, and the lump upgrade with bigger valves, dual exhaust and a mild cam really bump up the the power and economy these engines can make. The dyno graph I saw was enough to sell me on the upgrades for increased torque and hp. Slowly I'll be sourcing the Lump Kit, the Offenhauser intake and a three barrel Holley, and Langdon Dual Exhaust. When I do rebuild this engine I'll get bigger valves installed, and maybe get the higher compression pistons.
I'd like to run my 2 Jet on this engine, but it doesn't seem to be a good fit for some reason. Heck, they ran them on the 283's, that's where I got mine from. Getting an adapter isn't the way to go according to a thread on here.
While we were driving back from Yuma last Friday, I got to thinking, if this engine can run like the 4.0 in my Cherokee, then it could get decent gas mileage with the gearing I'll eventually have in the truck. It may get good mileage anyhow with the gearing I currently have in the truck (3.19 final drive as it is). I know, it's not fuel injected, but it could still get decent mileage in my book. I've read of people getting in the 20's with these engines, and other's that get around 10. If it gets better or equal to 13 I'll be happy, but I am certain it can get better than 13 with the correct upgrades and gearing.
