Confusion Identifying I6 Engine

[big_rig]

Hello all, this is my first post so go easy on me.

I am fixing up my 1964 C10 that currently has an old tired 292 in it. I have decided to keep the straight 6 and found another one to rebuild so I can still drive the truck while I'm working on it. The motor I bought was a "rebuilt" 292 that I picked up for $200. This is where I'm confused. The casting number on the block is 3788378 which should be a 292 from 62-74 I believe. The head is 3824435, which, according to the chart at inliners.org is off of a 194. The pushrod covers are only 4" tall, not 6" like a 292 should be. The motor mounts are straight across from each other. Can anyone help make sense of this? Was there ever a low deck 292? For a daily driver running an offy intake, headman headers, and an edelbrock 1405 4bbl, which would be a better motor? I look forward to learning more from you guys as I get into this project.
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[chevy_man5]

From what I know, the 230/250 is what you are describing.

The 292 has the taller pushrod covers, and offset motor mounts.

Where is the fuel pump? The 230/250 it is towards the front of the engine, and the 292 it is near the middle.

That is just information I gleaned from others on here, someone may have more specific info for you.

Welcome to the forum!!

[chevy_man5]

Here is a short thread about it.

I'm sure there are more, this is just the one I clicked on first.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=348585

[big_rig]

The fuel pump is in front of the motor mount which is near the center which seems to me it would be a 230 or 250. The block is very clean and in great shape with the casting number 3788378, which is a 292 casting, very clear and easy to read.
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[big_rig]

Ive been through literally hundreds of those threads describing engine ID. I read that one you just posted. Good inf with the coolant bypass hose only on the 292, didn't know that. I suppose my actual question is there such a thing as a low deck 292 or is there a possibility the casting number is simply wrong?
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[chevy_man5]

Cant help you there. Sorry! Hopefully someone can step in and help you.

[maxwoof]

I am pretty sure that the 250 and 292 bores are the same, the difference in the stroke (longer) is what makes the 292. I don't see how there could be a "short" 292. Maybe the database you are comparing your #'s to is off?

[gimmy 64]

you have a 250. which there is nothing wrong with that unless you were sold a 292. numbers don't mean anything compared to fisical . no tall side covers no differant motor mounts you have a 250.

[padresag]

you will have change the passenger side motor mount perch, one from a 230,250 or sbc will work. flywheel and clutch are all the same
ron

[vin63]

Originally Posted by big_rig

...is there such a thing as a low deck 292?...
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No, the 292 is really distintive compared to the 194-250 blocks. In the old days, we would use a 194 head on a 230 up to the 292s to increase the compression.

Here's a good passenger side shot of a 292...this is the 292 we used for my buddy's Chevy II conversion. The blue covers are for the openings for the distributor and fuel pump.
http://63chevyii.com/photos/gallerie...215/index.html

[big_rig]

I appreciate the input. I'm sure it is a 230 or 250. I'll hopefully get the head and pan off this weekend and have a closer look. I still don't get why the casting number is for a 292. I've checked at least 12 different resources and confirmed it. Oh well, I'm still gonna clean it up, give it a once over and see if it's worth a build. From what I hear the 250 is a good little power plant as well.
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[Heater63]

Casting numbers on the I6 of that generation don't mean much....don't worry about the casting numbers. You have a 230 or 250, not a 292

the 230/250 is a great engine, will rev a little more than the very long stroke 292, and still has a lot of torque.

There is a ton of info on this site, as well as Inliners.org. If you want to hot rod it a little, get Santucci's book. You are correct in Offy intake+small 4bbl+headers. Also use HEI and a mild cam upgrade. For more HP add lumps to the intake ports and flat top pistons.

good luck, enjoying the 6, build it well and it will last another 40 years.

[1963c-10]

From the GM Archives....230 on the left (250 will look the same), 292 on the right. Notice the diffreence on the push rod covers, fuel pump, and water bypass hose.