1968 292 engine

[gregg72340]

Here is a question I need some help with its probably an easy answer but I cant find it. What are the horsepower and torque sprecs on a 68 292 engine. Second question its a 3 speed what is the maximum weight I could feasibly tow with this engine set up is 5000 lbs possible? This is just more of a curiosity question than anything since Im deciding on what direction I am going with for my engine

And before anyone says it I realize there is no replacement for displacement, but this motor runs really well and only has 93,000 on it so for a straight six thats barely broken in LOL

Thanks in advance

[chevy_mike]

Don't have an answer about the numbers but those 292's are torque monsters!!! They will tow your house with enough traction. I could see 5000 lbs being okay but ONLY if you make sure everything else is up to snuff. Suspension and especially brakes. I don't think I would tow that much with drums all around. I know many did it for years but with speeds (at least in CA), I would sure not want to try to haul that weight down from freeway speeds, with drums brakes.

[gregg72340]

Originally Posted by chevy_mike

Don't have an answer about the numbers but those 292's are torque monsters!!! They will tow your house with enough traction. I could see 5000 lbs being okay but ONLY if you make sure everything else is up to snuff. Suspension and especially brakes. I don't think I would tow that much with drums all around. I know many did it for years but with speeds (at least in CA), I would sure not want to try to haul that weight down from freeway speeds, with drums brakes.

Im figuring new suspension all around, trailer brake and disc brake swap over. This motor just runs so good I almost dont have the heart to tear it out and put a small block in it, my plan is to pull my showcar with it and trailer and car combo comes in a little over 5,000 lbs so hopefully this will work

[RichardJ]

What rear gears does your 1/2 ton have?
I towed and hauled many things with my '67 , 292 when it had a 3 spd, but it is a 3/4 ton and had 4.56 rear gears.
The biggest concern will be the clutch when starting out or backing that load up with any kind of grade. Taller rear gears than that will mean you have to be really extra carefull.
When I put the SM465 in it, the granny low and lower reverse took the load off the clutch and my mind.
I have 3.54 gears in it now and the SM465 gearing still make handling loads a snap.

[gregg72340]

Originally Posted by RichardJ

What rear gears does your 1/2 ton have?
I towed and hauled many things with my '67 , 292 when it had a 3 spd, but it is a 3/4 ton and had 4.56 rear gears.
The biggest concern will be the clutch when starting out or backing that load up with any kind of grade. Taller rear gears than that will mean you have to be really extra carefull.
When I put the SM465 in it, the granny low and lower reverse took the load off the clutch and my mind.
I have 3.54 gears in it now and the SM465 gearing still make handling loads a snap.

Im thinking the SM465 is a definite for this truck if I keep this motor, as far as gears go I still havent gotten that far into it, from what i can tell the little bit of driving I have done with it it should have a pretty good gear for towing in it (The spid is GOne) because in third gear at about 50 miles an hour it is screaming, but that could be a tired clutch as well, so Im hoping its a good gear for now LOL

[burb71]

Originally Posted by gregg72340

Here is a question I need some help with its probably an easy answer but I cant find it. What are the horsepower and torque sprecs on a 68 292 engine. Second question its a 3 speed what is the maximum weight I could feasibly tow with this engine set up is 5000 lbs possible? This is just more of a curiosity question than anything since Im deciding on what direction I am going with for my engine

And before anyone says it I realize there is no replacement for displacement, but this motor runs really well and only has 93,000 on it so for a straight six thats barely broken in LOL

Thanks in advance

According to the 1968 Chevrolet Truck sales brochure...

292 had 8.0 to 1 compression ratio
gross hp was 170
net hp was 153
gross torque 275
net torque 255

[chevy_mike]

Sounds like you are on the right track.

[292farmer]

i got a 292 and the sm465, and i was hauling a load of paving stones and bricks, and towing a small trailer with fire wood. it hauled it great couldnt tell it was loaded, id say the stones were about 1000-1200lbs and the trailer maybe 1500lbs(oak and pine+trailer weight). i wouldn't think twice about pulling 4500-5000lbs