Unfortunately, dude, I can only answer #1 and part of #2.
The 292 was widely used from 1963 to (I think) 1989 or 1990 in Chevrolet trucks. Applications were 1/2 ton & up trucks. In the 60s through early 70s, Chevrolet used the 292 in their C10-C60 series trucks. The C50 & C60 were
huge vehicles that had 2 ton + payloads. You can still find some big 292 powered rigs on the roads today. I often see them used as logging trucks or heavy equipment haulers.
It sometimes is strange to open the hood of huge dump truck in a salvage yard and see a tiny 292 bolted in. Seems like it's not enough engine for the rig but obviously it was.
(answer to #2) How the 292 mates to your 3 speed depends on the type of 3 speed. I get the feeling that it's one of the pre-62 3 speeds made to mount behind the 235/261. In that case it won't work with the 292. I think there may be an adapter made for such a conversion but it wouldn't be worth the money. The 292 can bolt up stock behind a wide series of overdrive transmissions as well as the TH350 and Th400. These are versatile engines.
But if power is your goal, or most power for the $$$, then if you're willing to go through the trouble for mounting the 250 or 292, then I'd go with the SBC. MUCH more power potential and versatility than with the inline 6. You only have a couple or three manufacturers actively making inline 6 manifolds, headers, doing custom head work, etc., etc. And the specialty shops like Sissells Automotive charge ridiculous prices. A lump port racing head costs $1700! Sheesh! :rolleyes:
But if it's a six you want, then a 350 won't do. Me? I chose the six because I wanted to be different. Lots of people spend big $$$ on inline 6 performance stuff after surfing message boards like this, only to be discouraged after their friend blows their $3000 250 away with their $1500 small block. You can find their stuff on Ebay cheap.
My point. Make absolutely
sure that you're willing to commit to the inline project through the end
before you begin. You will save a lot of time and money.
-ftyler
