The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 216 to 292swap

I have a 1950 5 window 1/2 ton gmc. With a 216 and 3 in the tree. All original so it also has the enclosed drive shaft. It runs and drives great . That being said I have a chance at a 292. Will the 292 bolt right in .or what can of worms would I be opening up? Just a thought at this stage. Thanks

A 292 will not bolt right in.

Different motor mounts
Different clutch-housing bolt pattern.
Longer block than 216/235/261 (even longer with water-pump/fan).

Not a direct bolt in but would be well worth the swap if you want to make a great driver out of your truck. Will be a project, needing motor mount kit and a change out of the rest of your old drive train. 292 bolts up to modern automatics and standard tranys. Best of luck

Interesting looks like I need to think on it . Thanks for the info.

You have a 1/2 ton that is not going to haul
much so the added work does not make it worth
the effort. And, it will be a lot of work.

Want some more top end 3.55 gears maybe available
for your year and model truck. Jeffrey

If someone gave me a nice 292, I would take it.
I would then turn right around and sell it and use that money towards buying a small block V8.
There is a kit offered by CPP which makes dropping a 350 in these old trucks a breeze.
There is absolutely no wow factor looking at a 292 in the engine bay of a 1950 truck IMHO, and they are gas hogs.

Lots of good opinions here. My 216 is running good and strong for what it is. I tend to keep it under 3000 rpm for the most part. Usually about 55 mph up to about 65 max. At 65 tack reads about 2800 roughly. old school split manifold dual straight piped. Not too loud till about 55 mph at which point I believe I should be wearing ear plugs lol. This usually keeps me under about 55. Not much traffic around here so it's not a big deal. So I may keep looking for the right engine for a direct fit for when the 216 gives up. Any opinions on a 261 ?

261's are great engines- - - -just a little hard to find and pricey when you do. The hot setup is the "Cadillac stroker" buildup that brings the displacement up close to 300 cubic inches. It's an expensive modification, using 292 connecting rods and Cadillac V8 pistons, and requiring some custom crankshaft grinding.

http://www.angelfire.com/nv/conv/stovebolt.html

Jerry

You have more choices for 261s on Canada than we do down south.

The Canadian Pontiac used a 261 with hydraulic lifters.

The only considerations/adaptations you might need would be to "relocate" the water pump and use your older clutch housing/assembly.

A 261, and changin the ring/pinion gears to 3.55 would give you a real nice cruiser.

Speaking of the 261 . What are the differences between a 261 from say a grain truck or from a Pontiac car. Hydraulic lifters ? I here years ago the 261 was what everyone wanted for an upgrade. And then hot rod from there. The Pontiac I here was only Canadian eh.

USA/Canadian truck 261 - mechanical lifters
Canadian Pontiac 261 - hydraulic lifters

The 261 was only available on trucks in the USA.