The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop 292 Six in 1955.2 1/2T

Hello all,

I searched a bit on this topic, but did not find what I needed. Hopefully someone can steer me in the right direction.

The truck is a 1955 2nd series 1/2T Napco 4x4. I current have a small block 400 chevy V8 in it, but about 6 months ago it blew a head gasket. Inspection found that the thin wall between cylinders 4 and 6 are eroded at the deck, meaning a complete tear down and decking to repair. For a long time I've actually been wanting to pull the V8 and install a Gen 3 inline 6, so a fortunate opportunity? LOL!

I found and bought a 292 six core engine, which is at the shop right now for the machine work to rebuild. My question is this: Does anyone sell a motor mount kit to install one of these Gen 3 six engines using the same "post and biscuit" type mounts as used on the front of the V8? I indeed bought one of the tubular V8 cross member mounts, but the problem is the 4x4 differential. Not enough clearance between the tubular mount and the center carrier section of the front axle.

If push comes to shove, I'll try to fab up something to use the same post/biscuit mounts as the V8, but was hoping someone already solved this problem and has a mount kit available.

thanks!

JW

Those ‘chicken leg’ mounts can have the posts lengthened to fit. Crossmember can be configured to match geometry!

Ed

JW,

Your post and topic may be better asked and answered in the HiPo Shop

Thanks for the reply Ed, but not sure what you mean. Length means up/down, yes? The problem as I see it are bolt holes in the block to put some sort of "L" brackets on the side of the block that line up with the posts or "chicken legs", LOL! The stock inline 6 mounts are almost in the middle of the block, way back there. And the 292 have offset mounts on the block as well. I'm thinking it's going to come down to putting my creative hat on and fire up the MIG.

cheers,
JW

Finding a suitable mounting point forward of the original mount bosses will be the main challenge. You're probably on your own on this one- - - -make some brackets to bolt to the block on the original mount points, and then make a square tubing bracket to use the flathead Ford rubber biscuit mounting pads like the oldtime Hurst straddle mount once used.
jerry

May want to contact Langdon's Stovebolt engine co. ph 586 739 9601 or Tom Lowe at 319 476-2172.

The tubular cross-member V8 mount and I-6 to V8 mount adapters I have did come from Tom. And they would probably work just fine if it wasn't for that darned front axle center section. As they say, there is no adventure without adversity, so looks like I get to figure this one out on my own. If and when I ever get my engine back from the machine shop (another sad tale), I'll share what I come up with.

Also will give Langdon a call, but does not seem like much on his web site for what I'm trying to do. But a call can't hurt.

thanks,
John

How far forward (or back) would the tubular crossmember need to move to clear the axle housing? You'll probably need to modify the mounting setup to account for the 4WD front axle.
Jerry

I think I might have found the solution:

https://welderseries.ecwid.com/Engine-Mount-Kit-Gen-3-Chevy-Inline-6-292-p487098267

If not the complete answer, at least some cool parts to get a start on it.

-JW

I cut the mounts off the frame of the 1972 c20 pick up I got the first 292 out of. A little cut and fabrication to fit, then welded in place. It was much easier to do with the front end off. 292's were in a lot of chevy trucks up until 1989, the last year for that motor. They also put them in tow motors and boats. Some boats had 2 of those motors. Also a lot of box delivery vans. I was lucky enough to find an 89 GM crate long block 8 years ago. Thats what is in mine now. Hope this helps.

I've got one of the Onan/Cummins turbo Diesel inline sizes that UPS used interchangeably with 292 Chevy and Ford 300 engines in their delivery vans. It's rated at 120 HP at 3600 RPM, and I've had one on the dyno that confirms those numbers. UPS retrofitted their trucks to a different Diesel when Onan couldn't supply enough engines to meet their maintenance needs, and sold the little engines in running condition at scrap iron prices. Mt friend bought 10 of them, and gave me one for storing them at my farm for a while before he flipped them for a pretty good profit. The engine has a bell housing that accepts a GM SM 420 transmission, or any other with the same bolt pattern. It's also got a 12" diameter clutch.
Jerry