VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc info on 292 -6 cyl.

can any one give me some info on the 292 -6 cyl where used .what years mine is a nos from early 80.s thanks tom koziolmason @aol.com

The 292 engine was part of the 7 main bearing engine 6 cylinder engine family introduced in 1962. The Chevy II was the first to recieve the engine and it was the 194 cubic inch version. In 1963 the full sized cars and small trucks used it in a 230 cubic inch size. The larger trucks (2 ton) had the 292 cubic inch version, and it was optional in the smaller trucks. Continued on into the early '80's. In its original form it produced slightly more horse power and torque then the truck 283 and at a lower RPM. It was taller than its smaller brothers due to its long 4 1/4" stroke. Its weighs less due to its thin wall casting.That family of engines is also slightly longer than a 235. From my memory the 1963's tended to throw rods but after the first year the proved to be a good engine. Was designed more for low RPM power. I believe that there is some "speed equipment" available for it. Also due to its more modern design a TH350 transmission will bolt up to it with no problem (or a modern 4 speed).

Is the 250 c.i. in-line six part of this 'family' also? Just curious....

Bill.

Tom
I have seen 1 of your 292 engines in a C30 here in Aus. By outside appearance it is the same design as the 6 cyl engines used from 1964 through to 1985 but they vary from 138ci upto 202ci.
Tony

Yes,
The 194, 230, 250, 292 are all seven main bearing straight six engines and part of the same family.

This series of engines may at first appear to be much like the 216,235,261 designs pre-1963..But there is a surprise when the valve cover/s are pulled.... not the same old rockers and shafts! Many "improvements" have been made.

The Pontiac Tempest also used a 215 cubic inch version of this engine. Then Pontiac used a 230 and 250 C.I. version converted to an overhead camshaft.
The 250 C.I. had a fully balanced crank shaft and was a general improvement over the original 194/230. It was first installed in 1966 cars and light trucks. The 1962-1970 Chevy II/Nova and some small vans had the cut off 4 cyl. version with 153 C.I....That engine was modified and became the 2.5 Iron Duke engine used in Monzas etc. and then in the X cars and B cars up until about 1995. They sold millions of them.
The 292 is a bit taller and the extra tall push rod cover is easily visable. I never thought that they looked anything like a 235 with the scalaped valve cover and forward mounted distributor and oil filter. They did share some parts with a small block V8. The only part they shared with a 235 was the thermostatic heat riser spring and the timing cover oil seal.

Were the 230,250,292 valve covers the same? I have a couple of NOS valve covers without part numbers and was wondering if they were the same for all three engines.

Thanks,
DD