''The 292 is rugged, recent-manufacture, and at least some parts''
ANYWAY you cut the mustard
it's ALL EXPENSIVE....................................
As far as the ''COOL FACTOR''
.....................IT's ALL COOL
FIRST buy leo santucci's book on powering L6 motors. read it
learn to do a search on this bolt page about 292 vs 302's as there is LOTS of that info out here.
the search button is in the upper right corner.
http://www.stovebolt.com/bboard/cgi-bin//ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=009843#000000
the 302 is longer than any other L6, where as 194-292 are the same length.
more parts are avail for 292's. intake, exh manifolds, valve covers & tin-work, pistons /cams are more affordable
it all depends on what you want or how much time you want to spend sourcing vs driving.
there are lots of very good engines out there. at one time when and shortly after i got our little 3104, i knew we needed a new engine. re-building a 235 was 3-4 times the expense vs. what i was lucky enough to find my 292 completely rebuilt and ready to install. so that's a no brainer. the 292 won my vote. 250's rev a little higher than 292's and are a little faster. 292's have torque, you have a 2ton so consider a 292. there are many trade offs to building a reliable bolt.
it's your choice. differences are also made w/ a modern tranny and rear end gearing.
good hunting and luck.
my.02
