66 292 to 350 swap questions

[Bushman66]

1. What side to put the dipstick on? The Gen 1 350 Chevrolet crate motor has the option for either side.

2. Will I need to shorten my Z-bar for my clutch? Keeping the factory 4 speed for now, I have a new (OEM-style) clutch kit to install while I'm in there.

3. I plan to use the 69260 Hedman street headers. Any issues with these?

https://www.summitracing.com/int/par...del/c10-pickup

My plan is to hang some cheap turbo mufflers on the headers for initial startup/cam break in of crate motor. I'll also use the points distributor for now, when I replace the factory wiring, I'll upgrade to HEI.

4. Any other tips/gotchas, things to check before first firing? I've done engine swaps in the past, but this time, I'll have a brand new engine that needs to fire immediately so can't afford to miss anything, miswire something, etc.

Thanks!

[Captainfab]

1) you can put it on which ever side you prefer. Pre 1980 small blocks had the dip stick on the drivers side.

2)No. You will just need the ball stud to screw into the block. Just be sure that the engine you get has the threaded boss you will need. You will also want to install the small block in the correct rear location so that everything lines up. See the current thread by ChevyMike as a reference.

3)No. Those are the headers that are made specifically for the '55-'72 trucks. The collector is angled down a little so when you install your pipes and mufflers, you will need a slight bend at the beginning.

4)Fill the engine with the recommended break in oil. Make sure you prime the oil pump. Make sure the battery is fully charged. Have a portable fan handy, or two, to aid in cooling if necessary. Have the timing set as close as possible to begin with and have your timing light ready. Make sure you have enough fuel and fill the bowls of the carb.

[Brentwe]

My opinion only.
1. Don't know that it matters, mine is on the passenger side.
2. dont know
3. Don't have the numbers off mine but, hedman headers for 66 350 are long and lower than the frame. I installed headers for a 67-72 3500, fit shorter and are level with the bottom of the frame rails.
4. Change your distributer to a reliable HEI, takes very little wiring modifications.

[Bushman66]

Great information fellas, thanks! The motor does have the provision for the ball stud on the block.

Brent...do you recall the brand of headers you used?

[The Rocknrod]

Does the 292 have a cross member for the trans? And will it interfere? I think it might, hopefully someone will chime in.
Also many people are using the Hedman Street Headers 69230 as well.

[Brentwe]

Originally Posted by Bushman66

Great information fellas, thanks! The motor does have the provision for the ball stud on the block.

Brent...do you recall the brand of headers you used?

Hedman 69230.

[Bushman66]

Excellent, I'll check out the 69230 as well, my main concern is the clearance of the Z-Bar clutch linkage. I'm keeping the granny 4 speed until I snag my friend's M20 Muncie out of his 63 Corvette.

No crossmember for the 292.

[PGSigns]

Isn't the passenger side perch different on the 292 than 250 and V8?
Jimmy

[Bushman66]

Originally Posted by PGSigns

Isn't the passenger side perch different on the 292 than 250 and V8?
Jimmy

Yes, I have the correct perch to swap in.

[Captainfab]

I do not think the 69230 headers will work with the bellhousing crossmember in place.

[The Rocknrod]

Originally Posted by Bushman66

...No crossmember for the 292.

You have a 6 cylinder and no cross-member?

[Brentwe]

66 short box stepside 4x4, 350 with TH350 and NP203.
Header collector is almost even with rear of the oil pan and slightly above the bottom of the oil pan.
Pics to follow.

[Bushman66]

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

You have a 6 cylinder and no cross-member?

I was wrong, the bell housing is connected to the frame with 2 mounts, one on each side, so looks like I'll need to stick with the 69260 headers or Rams Horns. I have the Rams that angle back (off of a 71 C10), but they are small, and I'd prefer the Corvette style (straight down 2.5" collector). Anyone running these with the factory manual clutch linkage?

[Brentwe]

Sounds like you havd a plan 👍.

[Captainfab]

Either of those will work with a manual trans without any modification to the clutch linkage

Originally Posted by Bushman66

I was wrong, the bell housing is connected to the frame with 2 mounts, one on each side, so looks like I'll need to stick with the 69260 headers or Rams Horns. I have the Rams that angle back (off of a 71 C10), but they are small, and I'd prefer the Corvette style (straight down 2.5" collector). Anyone running these with the factory manual clutch linkage?

[Short 3/4]

Originally Posted by Bushman66

Yes, I have the correct perch to swap in.

Not sure if you have a 2 or 4 wd, but either way there is probably someone on this forum looking for that old 292 perch, so please don't toss it.
Good luck with your project

[Bushman66]

Originally Posted by Short 3/4

Not sure if you have a 2 or 4 wd, but either way there is probably someone on this forum looking for that old 292 perch, so please don't toss it.
Good luck with your project

No plans to toss it, I'll be putting all the 292 stuff up for sale.

And thanks CaptainFab for your (always) excellent tech advice.