350 to 292

[1976gmc20]

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.

[jocko]

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

[Palf70Step]

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.

[1976gmc20]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

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.

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 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

[Dead Parrot]

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.

[1976gmc20]

Originally Posted by Dead Parrot

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.

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?

[Palf70Step]

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.

[1976gmc20]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

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.

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.