Converting to a 292

[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.

[Grumpy old man]

You'll need the Right side engine mount they are hard to find (I have an extra) , if your wanting to use headers that's just reconnecting the exhaust , fuel line , not sure on fan shroud most didn't have one ,Trans should bolt up ,not really too much to change .

[TJ's Chevy]

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.

All 292's were basically the same from 63-84 for mounting points. If the guy your getting this engine from has the motor mounts and perches I would grab them. 292's have identical bell housing bolt patterns as SBC's so that tranny should fit fine. Headers are no issue, you'll just have to get new exhaust, but keep in mind they won't do much except change the sound and make the engine run leaner if you keep that single barrel on there. 292's also used larger radiators.

[old51sedan]

I have not bought an engine as of yet, the 63-292 was taken from a 2-ton truck, rebuilt and put into a combine which has since been scraped, but he saved the 292. Therefore I doubt if he has any of the mounts. Are the intake and exhaust manifolds along with the carb the same on the 292 as the 250's? If so I could run the original exhaust for a while. Also the PS from my 250 should also bolt up to the 292 with no problem right? I just bought this truck out of California and it has a 3 core radiator along with the fan shroud, so I'm thinking that should handle the 292 also. What color were the 292's painted from the factory?

[TJ's Chevy]

Originally Posted by old51sedan

I have not bought an engine as of yet, the 63-292 was taken from a 2-ton truck, rebuilt and put into a combine which has since been scraped, but he saved the 292. Therefore I doubt if he has any of the mounts. Are the intake and exhaust manifolds along with the carb the same on the 292 as the 250's? If so I could run the original exhaust for a while. Also the PS from my 250 should also bolt up to the 292 with no problem right? I just bought this truck out of California and it has a 3 core radiator along with the fan shroud, so I'm thinking that should handle the 292 also. What color were the 292's painted from the factory?

The 250 uses a smaller intake, but the exhaust manifolds are the same. There was a larger truck manifold available for the 292. If the P/s brackets have not been modded they should bolt up, but that I am not positive on. 292's were green, and a close if not exact color for it would be Alpine Green. Duplicolor makes it.

[old51sedan]

Were all of the 292's painted green? If ordered in 69/70 in a pickup they would also be green? I take it that if the intake on the 292 is larger than the one on the 250, that the Carb should also be larger, would that be correct? I have been looking through the pictures of the 66 your building. Looks great, love the 4 barrel carb with the headers. Thanks for the information.

[TJ's Chevy]

Originally Posted by old51sedan

Were all of the 292's painted green? If ordered in 69/70 in a pickup they would also be green? I take it that if the intake on the 292 is larger than the one on the 250, that the Carb should also be larger, would that be correct? I have been looking through the pictures of the 66 your building. Looks great, love the 4 barrel carb with the headers. Thanks for the information.

I believe in 67 they went with chevy orange. Just about every dang engine was that color. lol You have to find a good 60's chevy historian to tell you that. I'm not up to date on all the color changes. haha

[lolife99]

I'm pretty sure the 292 use a different set of P/S mounts.
I never found a set for my '69 with a 292.
I bought a set off the board that were "suppose" to be 292 P/S brackets.
They ended up being from a 250.

My 292 had a fan shroud,...

[Shaky]

292s changed the flywheel bolt size in the late sixties if I remember correctly. Good to remember if you go looking for spare parts.

[old51sedan]

Now that brings up a good question. Is the crank the same in the 250 & 292? We are sure the transmission will fit, but how about the harmonic balancer, flywheel, and etc. Just trying not to have to many surprises when I get into this project, Gm did some funny things.

[TJ's Chevy]

Originally Posted by old51sedan

Now that brings up a good question. Is the crank the same in the 250 & 292? We are sure the transmission will fit, but how about the harmonic balancer, flywheel, and etc. Just trying not to have to many surprises when I get into this project, Gm did some funny things.

The crank from a 250 will Not work in a 292. The 230, 250, 292 all had the same bores but different strokes. The 292's being the longest. The 292 uses a larger harmonic balancer and I believe a different flywheel.

[Shaky]

Originally Posted by old51sedan

Now that brings up a good question. Is the crank the same in the 250 & 292? We are sure the transmission will fit, but how about the harmonic balancer, flywheel, and etc. Just trying not to have to many surprises when I get into this project, Gm did some funny things.

As stated above, the 292 has a much longer stroke, which results in a deeper block, and the larger side covers. The balancer is much different.

The 194, 215 Pontiac, 230, and 250 are very similar except bore and stroke. The 292 shares some common parts and architecture, but is quite a bit different too.

[old51sedan]

Originally Posted by Shaky

As stated above, the 292 has a much longer stroke, which results in a deeper block, and the larger side covers. The balancer is much different.

The 194, 215 Pontiac, 230, and 250 are very similar except bore and stroke. The 292 shares some common parts and architecture, but is quite a bit different too.

I really appreciate the replies, both engines I have looked at have came from standard shift trucks. Sounds like I would need to find an automatic flywheel because the one from my 250 would not work, correct? That may be a little tricky to find you think?

[TJ's Chevy]

The one from the 250 may work, you could always bolt it on to see. I will ask my fellow inliner's and see what they think.

['68OrangeSunshine]

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.

[TJ's Chevy]

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

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 Loe Santucci.
Good Luck.

If I am not mistaken, the 230 and 250 used a single or double groove pulley and the 292 came with a double. The triple groove pulley was used in the larger rigs for driving the air compressor. Due to torsional vibration the 292 used a larger double groove balancer as to that of the 230 and 250.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by TJ's Chevy

If I am not mistaken, the 230 and 250 used a single or double groove pulley and the 292 came with a double. The triple groove pulley was used in the larger rigs for driving the air compressor. Due to torsional vibration the 292 used a larger double groove balancer as to that of the 230 and 250.

OK. If you say so. I never messed with the smaller displacement L6s. I've used both the 3- and 2-groove HBs on my 292s. I only really need 1 groove for the alternator. My point was the 292 needs a bigger HB. Santucci mentions the 3-groove by part number.

[Spartan]

Take a look at aussiespeed. Neat stuff.
Don't know much about these L6's yet but I think a 250 can be made to scream. My Cherokee 6 has taken serious abuse beatings which is why I'm starting to like the 6 more. Evidently ford 300 s and jaguars can be made to kill small locks too. Either way Leo santucci did some cool stuff.
Have fun whatever you do.
Posted via Mobile Device

[TJ's Chevy]

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

OK. If you say so. I never messed with the smaller displacement L6s. I've used both the 3- and 2-groove HBs on my 292s. I only really need 1 groove for the alternator. My point was the 292 needs a bigger HB. Santucci mentions the 3-groove by part number.

Yep! I see which one your talking about. Not saying your wrong by any means...just mentioning what I have seen. Here is a picture of the stock balancer both my 292's came with.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/r...make/chevrolet

And here is the behemoth. Never have seen these in 1/2 to 1 ton rigs. Maybe they were a special order?

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/p...make/chevrolet

[Shaky]

Originally Posted by TJ's Chevy

And here is the behemoth. Never have seen these in 1/2 to 1 ton rigs. Maybe they were a special order?

I currently have the behemoth on my 292. My original balancer spun the outer ring and that was all my local parts store could conjure up. Seems to work fine. Might be carrying a little extra rotating weight that I don't need.

[old51sedan]

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

OK. If you say so. I never messed with the smaller displacement L6s. I've used both the 3- and 2-groove HBs on my 292s. I only really need 1 groove for the alternator. My point was the 292 needs a bigger HB. Santucci mentions the 3-groove by part number.

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

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.

I really appreciate all the information you folks are providing me. As for the fan shroud, I just bought this truck out of CA. It was built there, stayed there all it's life, came with the original black plates. It has a 3 core radiator and the fan shroud, I thought maybe it came that way because of the heat out there. I met a guy yesterday with a 69 LWB C-10. He bought it in 1983 from the original owner to use and drive back and forth to work. It came from the factory with the 292 and the 4 speed with granny gear. About 15 years ago he restored it and switched it over to an automatic. He said he took the trans, column, and everything he needed from a 1980,s van with a V8 in it. The flywheel, tranny and everything bolted right up to the 292 with no problem. So it sounds like there's hope for me. I just found a 69-292 that was rebuilt about 8 years ago but never fired, he wants 1500.00 for it. Does that sound reasonable for a 292?
Thanks again guys, appreciate all the help. onn

[storm9c1]

The 292 definitely has a different flexplate than all other L6s and SBC. As mentioned, it needs 3 dowels and larger bolts.

The good news is, depending on what trans you have, you should be able to get a parts-store replacement flexplate. Companies like Pioneer and ATP still make them. Just search for a flexplate for any 70s era truck with the 292.

Then again, what trans do you have? They were mostly mated up to a TH400, and are usually drilled for a 6-bolt converter. Will also work with a 3-bolt converter. But might need a custom drill for something else.

[Shaky]

Originally Posted by storm9c1

The good news is, depending on what trans you have, you should be able to get a parts-store replacement flexplate. Companies like Pioneer and ATP still make them. Just search for a flexplate for any 70s era truck with the 292.

If the bolts were enlarged in '66 and more dowel pins added, wouldn't the '70s flex plate have a problem bolting up to his '63 292?

[Shaky]

I think my '67 C20 came from the factory with a fan shroud. At least it looks stock to me. Here's a pic of the engine compartment. The shroud is out now and I can take pictures of it if you need 'em.

Buying a rebuilt engine is a dicey proposition. Who knows what was really done to it and what parts were used? Unless it's someone I know well, I'd rather get a tired engine and have it rebuilt myself. That may cost more than $1500.00 though.

[TJ's Chevy]

To rebuild a 292 stock is pretty cheap. You can still get crate 292's as well. I think they are under 2K. I've seen 292 rebuild kits for under $500. Cool thing is Summit Racing has everything you need to rebuild a 292.