In 2002, I "inherited" a 1953 Chevy 3600 216/3-speed truck and I joined this message board. Until today I have posted 3 times.
Fast forward to 2020. I am now 59 years old and as of 10/2/2020, I am semi-retired and will be fully retired on 4/1/2021. The truck has been in storage since I received it. I recently began sizing up my truck for upgrades.
I want to update my truck. I'm looking for a "modern", reliable drive train while keeping a 6 cylinder and manual transmission.
I am considering a Chevy 292, S-10 NV3500 (1990-1993 with external slave cylinder), NP241C transfer case (1988-1989 Blazer/Suburban right-hand drop) and 4.10:1 gears. For now, my 3600 will remain 2WD, but installing the 4WD transmission and transfer case at the time of the swap will make converting to 4WD easier in the future.
Now for the engine-related questions.
I have found a 1977 292, a 1983 292 and a 1984 292 with approximately 100k miles. I've read on this forum (and others) the length of a 292/250 bare engine is shorter than a 216, but the radiator must be moved to the "forward position" for fan clearance when installing a 292 in an Advance Design truck. It is my understanding the additional room is needed because the water pump / fan is longer on the 292. I have learned the 1975-1977 water pump shaft is longer than the 1978-1986 water pump shaft.
- Are the accessory brackets further forward on the 1975-1977 engines? Or is the 1978-1986 water pump shaft and water pump pulley offset different to reduce the overall length of the engine?
- What are the differences between the 1977 and 1983/1984 engine besides the water pump length and the HEI distributors?
- Are there any advantages to using the 1977 or 1983/1984 engine?
- Is the newer or older engine(s) better?
I read through many threads that once had pictures (photobucket debacle), but could not find definitive answers. I apologize for all these questions in my first post in 18 years, but I'm excited to get started on this post retirement project. I'm sure you've heard it before - "I either have time or money, but never both". Retirement will offer me the luxury of both for the first time in my life. Thanks for the help!!
