Farm Truck Retrobuild

[Oberon67]

Originally Posted by kipps

I agree with the reply; buy a complete 292, and get it ready to drop in.

I've never driven a 250 or a 292, but I've put in quite a few miles behind a Ford 300. That Ford i6 is a blast to drive in a lightweight truck! It's not a powerhouse, but the torque curve pairs perfectly with a four-speed manual and 2.73 gears. I assume the GM i6's would be similar.

I learned to drive in an Econoline work van with that 300 CI inline six, three on the column, and no back windows. I agree, it was a very useful motor, and I wouldn't mind replicating that in a Chevy 292 at all.

Sourcing the motor and executing a rebuild (I'm not going to drop a junkyard motor in my truck without at least going through it first) will be a bit of a project. So, questions: Do I want a late 292 or an early one? Do I want the stock single-barrel carb, or an aftermarket 2-barrel with an intake adapter? My main concern is driveability. I'm looking for smooth torque delivery all along the rev range.