Quote:
Originally Posted by old51sedan
Looking to convert the 250 in my 69 SB to a 292. I understand that 1963 was the first year for this engine, did they change much over the years? Have access to a 1963 model and am a little Leary being the first year. What did I need to switch from the 250 to the 292? Do I need to change both frame brackets or just the right one? My truck has the 3 speed automatic, all of that should bolt to the 292, correct? I have a fan shroud on my 250, does the 292 sit at the same level so that I can still use that? I also would like to run a set of headers with duals, any problems there? Is there anything else I should know before I get started? Any information is greatly appreciated.  |
I have a '68 C/10 Stepside with original 292. No V8-style plastic fan shroud, just the black steel "Finger Guard". I have Clifford headers and run an SM465 4-Speed. No clutch linkage issues.
The passengers' side motor mount is different on the C10 -20 -30. On the K/10-20 -30, you need a special diagonal crossmember. [Very rare].
I believe the 292's Flexplate and/or Flywheel is the same as the SBCs.
The '63 Model Year L6 292 has a 6-lobed counterweight crank made of forged steel. The ['63-'66] Crank Drive End has 6 holes bored 7/16''-20 and one dowel pin, like the 230/250s. '67 and later 292 cranks have six 1/2''-20 bolts and 3 dowel pins.
'67 and later cranks have 12 counterweight lobes and are considered better balanced. If you have a gifted, performance-oriented machinist, the Six lobe crank can be 'feathered' or shaved to minimize resistance and improve balance. But that's a racers' trick, probably not much help on the street.
Also some of the early 292s had an oil pan sump that's not as far back as the later 292s.
Some 292s from C/40 and bigger trucks had a wider inside diameter exhaust manifold. It has 3 studs unlike the 250/292 C/10 exhaust manifolds with 2 studs.
On the showroom floor, the new-for-'63 292s had Alpine Green paint. While 230/250s were Blue Flame Six blue. In 1967 all Chevy engines got the [formerly SBC] Chevy Engine Orange. A period correct '69 truck would have an orange engine. A period correct '63 engine would be Alpine Green. Your choice.
All 292s take a bigger, 3-groove Harmonic Balancer: GM p/n 10141202. The 230/250 HB is not recommended on the bigger L6.
If you don't have a copy yet, I recommend the "Chevy InLine Six-Cylinder Power Manual" by Leo Santucci.
Good Luck.