The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 250,292, or 350?

My 70 has a tired 250, still runs well but smokes. Looking for used engines, I have found a 250, runs good,$100; a 292 that may need gone thru,$150; or a running 350 for $250. I will need a RH mount to run the 292, the 350 will require new exhaust. Opinions? Ideas? Brian

My first question is always how do you want to use the truck? Decide that first, and make the other decisions from there.

It all hinges on your mechanical abilities, desires, and pocketbook. The easiest and cheapest is the 250. Dollarwise the second choice is the 350, but it's not an easy drop-in.

Its just an old work truck, but someday may be more. I plan to add disc brakes, maybe paint, power steering. Does the 292 have many unique parts? This one has the flywheel but I am wondering about bellhousing, starter,exhaust, etc. I am leaning toward the 292, as everyone has a 350. Brian

The only difference is the passenger side motor mount tower, and you all ready have the flywheel. The 292 Tower bolts further forward. I like the bottom end torque, different style of driving.
Larry
68 C20 327/465 daily driver
63 C20 292/420 Camper truck
65 C10 ? /powerglide Custom Cab AC,PB,PS,$flashe
70 C10 250/3spd org/Gauge dash,Wood bed, 4Sale$1300

I vote for the 350. V8s have that quiet smooth
power.

The power steering might be easier on the 350 but I think more important is that if you're going to add more power driven accessories you might want more power.

292s aren't that rare, but more important to me is that the 292 may need to be rebuilt.
Nothing will be cheaper to rebuild than a 350. I'd bet the total cost of swapping a $250 350 in, compared to the cost of rebuilding the $150 292 might be significant.

OldSub, I bet ya, you could buy TWO "Quiet" exhaust systems for what it would cost to rebuild the 292. I think he should buy both. It would be good for his addiction. my 2 cents worth. ;-)
Larry
68 C20 327/465 daily driver 4:56 och!
63 C20 292/420 Camper truck Detroit Locker 4:10 posi
65 C10 ? /powerglide Custom Cab AC,PB,PS,4xflasher
70 C10 250/3spd org/Gauge dash,Wood bed, 4Sale$1300

There's no replacement for displacement. Go with the 350. Parts are cheap and plentiful. I have one in my '64 and love it. If I were to change my engine combo, I'ld still go SBC but go newer with fuel injection.
There's my opinion,
Scott

Thanks guys, guess I will go w/the 350, its close to home, I trust the guy, & its the only one I can hear run. Hope my exhaust guy buddy is still working, some places are outrageous nowdays on exhaust prices. Brian

Full price at Midas for an exhaust system will be less than rebuilding that 292. If you have a buddy that can do the exhaust for you cheap there is no reason not to go with the 350.

I've been trying to decide what drive-train to install into my '52 3600. I'm planning to stay with the straight axle and add power steering and disc brakes. It seems that the 6 cylinder will allow the most room for the steering shaft etc. But I have just found an '89 TransAm GTA 350 MPFI engine and 700R4 trans complete with the computer for $500.00. I'm really tempted. Since I want to build a working dually truck that engine/tranny should have enough "grunt". Would anybody like to speculate on fuel economy with that setup and 3.73 gears?

My guess would be mid to high teens, unless you let me drive it. I've got an awful heavy foot.