The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Engine swap 292 to 305

I would like to swap motors in my 1966 C-10, my transmission is 3 on the tree. I would like to keep the original transmision, has anybody done this and is this a good idea or bad? Would I have to change the gears in the rearend also ?
Thanks

It's an easy swap as the v-8 was available in that truck. It will fit right up to the bell housing & trans. If you still have the early model 292 the flywheel should fit too. The later models had larger flywheel bolts on the 292.

You will lose a little low-end torque, and probably gain a bit of RPM on the top end. That's good for highway cruising, not so great if you plan to use it like a truck instead of a Cowboy Cadillac.
Jerry

is something wrong with the 292? even if you are into cubic inches, that's a lot of work for just 8 more. by the time you do the exaust and everything will it be worth it? some think the 305's not the best small block choice but who knows. i think the 292's are a little easier to tune up, faster valve adjustment, dist is easier to reach, handier to change plugs, one head gasket. one manifold gasket, and more room inside engine compartment.

I agree it's hardly worth it unless you go to a 350.

A direct swap leaves you with the V8 about a foot behind the radiator. Then you have to deal with a shroud or electric fan.

A bigger question than why you would want such a small V8, is why you would want to keep the 3spd?
A 350 or bigger with a 5spd or 4spd Auto would be a little more money, a little more work, but a far greater result.

Switching my '67s 3spd for a truck 4spd still left me with a 3spd + granny, but it was a much better truck.
Replacing the original 4.56 rear gears with 3.54 was a night/day change. It was the biggest single improvement I have made on the truck, short of the AC.
Headers were a slight improvement. Intake and 4bbl was a slight improvement. 3.54 gears put it out on the highway in the fast lane.

Are you talking 305 Chev or GMC? A swap to a 305 V6 would be a step in the wrong direction in my opinion.

The 292 has to completely rebuilt and the 305 (V8) is free from my brother.

nothing wrong with the 305 and in these days of 2.50 gas 305 makes perfect since and pretty much any of the pretty parts you can put on a 350 will fit the 305 just fine plus you have thicker walls remember mouse motor have always been loved for just that reason

i hear ya, sometimes you just gotta run what you got. don't junk the 292 someone will want it. you may even want it back after having the 305 for a while. just kidding, good luck on the swap. hr