The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop $275 for a 292...???

That's what the guy at the salvage yard says. Finally found a decent one. In a big [censored] '67 or '68 model c60 dump truck. These inlines powered some HUGE machines!

That price seems mighty steep, but note that

1. The engine is still in the truck and the hood is solid (which means no rain has gotten to the engine.

2. There were no signs of any major leakage; only grease and dirt.

3. The engine is complete. Salvage yard owner won't sell otherwise. Yep, I really tried!

4. Owner says it runs good. I'll take a battery and see next weekend.

I have no doubts that this is a very good, buildable engine. But it still seems that this is a little high. Considering the aforementioned, what do you guys think? If I buy it I'll get it next weekend. Thanks!

Sounds a little high in price, but then what isn't these days! What sort of mileage is on it. Maybe he's figuring price because its a low mileage engine that won't need over hauled. You'll be able to tell condition better when you hear it running.

Sounds like a deal, buy it now. Remember,I paid $400+ for a good running 292.The ones for less money were junk . The price will be forgotten the minute you lay your hands on it.

Hey Tony. Aren't you looking for another 292?

You and Phat would absolutely LOVE this salvage yard. Fully of HUGE ole' Chevy's. I saw a 261 in a 62 c60 dump truck. Looked great.

He has SM420s and SM465s laying everywhere. Gets about 200 a pop each. Plenty of 261s too.

The 292 you paid $400 for; what did you get it out of? And did it need a rebuild?

I'm looking at a $250 292 right now; has HEI and flywweel, no bell housing or clutch. I trust the man who has it and he says he ran it for about 30 min., no smoke or bad noises. It is out of a wrecked 79 dump truck. I know that I will have to fab new mounts inorder to put it in my l953 one ton panel but WILL IT FIT? CAN I M9OVE THE RADIATOR FORWARD WITHOUT MESSING UP THE HOOD? My truck is my work truck; are the 292s ok on gas milage compared too a 26l? Thanks, Don

Ftyler,The 292 is from a 67 pick up supposedly.I pulled the pan,its clean inside, The bearings have been replaced,the journels look ok.Looking into the bores from underneath,you can see where the hone cleaned the cylinders.The piston skirts have been knurled to take up clearance.Not real excited about knurling old pistons but at least the last guy made some attempt to close up the gaps.The guy said the engine has 6000 miles since the "rebuild".The spark plug tips were a nice color, no sign of oil usuage.This engine will be fine for a truck driven a 4 thousand miles a year.Yes I'm looking for another 292.Panel truck, the 292 is the same length as the old 216 more or less.You will have to fab up some front mounts and then support the tranny mount on a crossmember at the rear.Your radiator should clear .The 292 has more power than a 261 and probably the same gas mileage and weighs 100 lbs less.

Thanks Tony. I hope you will answer one more question. I havent seen the flywheel for this engine yet; will my 26l clutch and housing bolt to the 292 flywheel and fit in the 292 bellhousing?

This 292 thing really has me confused.
For that reason I'm not sure where to start.
You said you had a head and the $75 block in the engine pile was guaranteed as a good core. This latest engine is complete, so for two more bucks it's as good as you're going to find for a rebuild. Will this guy guarantee it against cracks? Why do you want to start it if you're going to rebuild it? What will you do if it doesn't start? Reject it. It has old oil, old gas, the gaskets are dryed up, the fuel pump has rotted and mice have been chewing the plug wires. And if there is a chance there is water in the pan, thats the first thing the oil pump will pick up. If you really want to start it, take it home and invest in some fresh oil.
The guy said it was a running engine but he didn't offer to start it either.
Be sure and get the flywheel with it. Mine has three dowel pins on the crank, but I was told that some only have one. Your 230 should have one pin.
Did I read that your '66 has a 3spd? If you should want to go to a sm465, you'll need the bellhousing to match from a '68 or newer.

[ 01-14-2002: Message edited by: Richard ]

Panel truck, the 292 uses the same clutch housing as a Chevy V-8. The later 292 cranks went to 3 dowel pins and larger 1/2 inch flywheel bolts according to the books.The engine I have has a single dowel pin and 7/16 inch bolts.The 216-261 flywheel has a has a smaller center hole and the bolt holes are are on a closer pattern, than the later 6's which appear to be the same as a V8.

Richard,

I decided against the $75 "core". Decided it wasn't even worth the trouble. I thought my subsequent posts clearly dictated that. :confused:

I've even got my eye on yet another prospective 292. This one's fully rebuilt (top to bottom). Shipping price is right too. But I'm a careful spender on big ticket items. VERY careful.

As far as trannies, if I do forego a 292 then my choices will be one of three. The saginaw 4 speed or the Th400 or 700R4 automatics. The SM465 conversion for my vehicle is too much work.

-ftyler

More or less same topic. :confused: I'm getting a 292 as a spare with a truck that I'm also getting, (more on that later), anyway what can I do to make it run even better? I really don't want to lessen the mileage. Old owner said that a better intake and larger carb would greatly enhance performance. He said motor has essentially same intake and carb as a 215? Motor is a spare for a 1966 1/2 ton. By the way it comes with tri-power intake.