The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Questions about 292

Hello,

The attached photos are of a 292 engine in a 1964 school bus with four on the floor. I'm looking into the feasibility of having it rebuilt and installing into my 1965 C10 that originally came with a 230. Here are the necessary modifications that I know of:

1) The passenger side motor mount would have to be moved to the forward position
2) A new larger radiator would be required and it would have to be moved to the forward position
3) The 292 shown has a double belt system, so single pully harmonic balancer, fan and alternator would be needed
4) I have been told that it will bolt right up to my bell housing/transmission. The original 230 was column-shifter three speed
5) I would replace the oil bath air filter with standard air filter.
6) Valve cover as shown is for the oil bath filter, so I would replace the valve cover or weld up the hole in the driver's side.

I would appreciate any comments regarding whether or not I'm on the right track or if this is even worth doing.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

It is a fairly straight forward swap as the 292 was available in a pickup as well. Bellhousing is the same, no need to change the
rocker cover as a replacement air filter will need the breather connection as well. A larger radiator would be a good upgrade.
I don't see any reason for changing the pulleys and balancer, possibly the fan. Yes the mount is in a different location on the 292.
You may be able to use the mount stand from the bus.
Fred

You would probably want to loose the governor as well.

The hole in the valve cover is for the PCV system, isn't it? Don't think it's a wise move to weld it closed.

Can't you just replace the wire mesh with a paper filter ? Or is it permanently attached to the cleaner assembly? Even if it is, the wire mesh is easy to clean and continue using. It will work just fine.

#1 Yes. #2 The radiator does not have to be moved but a larger one will be needed if yours has the original equipped one.
#3Keep the double pulleys. You may want to add power strg. or a/c at some time.
#4 Yes, use the 292 flywheel & a smaller clutch if one will fit that flywheel.
#5 If you are referring to a dry paper type ,yes.
#6 There are rubber plugs you can put in that hole or you can use the 230 valve cover. You will need to use a vented cap if you do not vent to the air cleaner. You must have a vent besides the pcv valve.

George

Thanks for the replies, very helpful. I'm leaning toward going with it.

Regarding the double pullys on the alternator - I guess a school bus needed a very heavy-duty high output alternator?

A couple more thoughts. You will need to modify the exhaust pipe were it hooks to the manifold. That engine has the large 2 1/2" opening. If you use the manifolds off the 230 you will still need to extend the pipe.
I would remove the governor under the carb.

George

Thanks George. I would use the 292 manifolds, so I will have to have a new exhaust pipe, so it will be a larger diameter exhaust pipe than with a 230?

I'd plan on replacing the entire exhaust system with the larger pipe size and a muffler capable of flowing the extra volume of gas the 292 will produce. If you want a quiet exhaust, the muffler for a mid-1970s Cadillac has 2 1/2" inlet and outlet pipes and it can handle up to a 500 cubic inch engine without excessive noise or back pressure.
Jerry

I dunno, did not know about the exhaust issue. I appreciate George bringing it up. Sure would be easier and cheaper to go with an original 230. You don't happen to have one of those lying around do you Hotrod?

I've got a 230 and a couple of 250s, all of which would need rebuilding. Do you have the 292 on hand? Let's take this to a PM discussion, maybe work up a trade?
Jerry

Ok standby for PM.