howdy , I am interested in the 292 inline 6 cyl. are they hard to find? how available are parts, what transmissions to they bolt up to? how hard would it be to put in a '53 3100? or a '72 short wheel base?
The 292 was an engine option for 1972, so it should be a simple bolt in. The 1953 is a different story. Try searching for threads here for fellow 'Bolter's write ups.
They're not the most plentiful engines but they're still out there. Some of the parts are interchangeable with other sixes of the same series; 196, 230, 250. If you find one in a truck be sure to get the engine stands (mounts) with it plus any accessory items like power steering pumps, AC brkts, etc. if it has them. The passenger side engine stand and some of the accessory items do not interchange and are the most difficult parts to find for this engine. FWIW I just put one in a 68 GMC and I was lucky enough to fine everything I needed except AC brkts. I'll have to get some aftermarket ones off EBAY when the time comes. I'll probably use a 250 in my next truck because they're much more common and don't require any special parts. A good source for info is the inliners.org website.
'64 swb stepside (gone) '57 1 ton '53 phone truck '59 swb '46 1 1/2 ton '68 swb gmc
You can find them in running condition on ebay or other places for about $500 or less. I have 4 of them in the shop and never paid more than that. The 250's can be picked up for less but the 292 is a torque monster. Thats what I'm putting in my 53 3100. The bellhousing is the same as the 350 small block.
Just talked to Gaerte Racing Engines, they are building my blown 292. The billet crank and rods from Crower should be in next week. I got my serpentine harmonic balancer from James Larrow last week. I have my serpentine A/C Sanden 508 compressor and serpentine alternator from Powermaster. Also have the contour billet high torque starter from Summit. As soon as I get my Flowkooler water pump gets here I will take the stuff down to them and get some pictures of the progress. I'm getting the 4-71 blower system from James Larrow (jj inlines). Mike Kirby is doing some work on it now and should have it soon.
holy smokes!!!! wow that is awesome !! thanks for posting. it will be interesting to see what the dyno results are ... power/torque... when you get it finished.
how does one identify a 292 from the other in line sixes? what thread or page should I look on? my guess is that the length from the top of the block to the bottom of the block is longer, as I am assuming the way all the torque is achieved is by having a long stroke... am I on the right track?
The pushrod cover on a 292 is noticeably taller than the 194/230/250 engines, but the quick way to recognize a 292 is that the motor mounts are offset about 3 inches side to side. The harmonic balancer is much larger on most 292's, and it will have 3 pulley grooves on some models. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
There is a great book on building this generation of Chevy inlines. " Chevrolet Inline Six-Cylinder power manual", everything you'd ever need to know and then some. Author Leo Santucci
In my research I have found my 292 has newer style motor mounts, I have the old style towers that fit to the chassis, and am wondering if the mounts on my 230 will work?
I have a 55 second gen!,, work in progress 1963 long bed step side driver Just a guy who digs old trucks!
