350 to 292
 

How hard would it be to swap from a factory 350 to a 292 straight six ???

I assume I would need engine mounts, exhaust, and fuel line modifications. I'm guessing the six would bolt right up to an SM465.

Only reason I ask is that the 350 in the 1976 C-20 needs rebuilt or replaced, and I've always wanted a 292. It seems like there are a lot of folks "upgrading" old pickups from sixes to whatever modern V-8 and there might be a decent running engine just sitting around along with some of the parts, etc.

Re: 350 to 292
 

Z bar/bell crank amd mounting points for clutch linkage may be different, not 100% sure though

Re: 350 to 292
 

What Jocko mention. I think mounts are the same, but just moved on cross-member. Hard part, least around here, is finding a 292, especially a running one with the accessory brackets.

Re: 350 to 292
 

Yeah, it wouldn't really be worth it unless I found a nearly give-away running 292. People either love them, or ... want to yank them out and put in a supercharged 496 :lol: For example, to judge by this forum, folks are throwing away SM465 transmissions left and right.

Anyway, the only "accessory brackets" I would need are for power steering and of course the alternator.

The old pickup is just a 2wd but still I hate to see it just sitting :(

Re: 350 to 292
 

Nothing wrong with a 6 in a PU. Lots of PUs did and still do lots of useful service with sixes as the power plant. It doesn't need a 500hp motor to do good work.

Might need a different drive shaft/front yoke if the replacement transmission is a different length or spline count.

Re: 350 to 292
 

Yeah, I had a 65 C-10 short stepside with a 230 and SM420. It never lacked for power. I've got a friend in CO with a 65 or 66 K-20 with a 292. Serious envy ;)

Not planning to replace the transmission at all. I was just using the example that everyone seems to hate the SM465 and are swapping them out, and wondered if the same thing was happening with the 292 six engine?

Re: 350 to 292
 

Unless you want a 6 or keep a truck original, it is WAY cheaper and easier to do a V8. I think that is main reason folks do the V8. I am about to get my 250 back from the builder and beginning to wonder if I should have done the 350 thing now.

Re: 350 to 292
 

Okay, well - it needs (probably) a $2k crate engine plus labor, plus a few other things like a new windshield and tires.

I suppose the cheapest/easiest thing would be to find a used running 350 that somebody is swapping out for something fancier.