63ChevyNova,
What a find..and for $700! The following thoughts are from my 235 experience, and I am hoping the 292 is similar. The lifters should come out easily by hand, or with needle nose pliers.
Removing the head would be the best way to address the spring swap. It can be done on the rig, and if you lose a valve, the head will come off anyway. Doing the job in the truck requires extra creativity, while doing it on the bench only requires a valve spring compressor.
Removing and replacing the cam gear is sort of simple...but, as with all things mechanical, there is room for disaster. There is a retainer in back of the gear..the gear must be pressed on and the retainer must have specific clearance.
If you haven't done engine work of the detail before, I would find someone to help you that has.
Stuart
