Big Hands wants to feedback on the following;


Is there worth in a 312 ? Would it be a better motor than a 292 to rebuild, considering both blocks in similar condition? Or should I just sell both and go 302? I still wrestle with this every day.


Thanks for your ideas

Steve


__________________
'55 f100
292 v8 3 on the tree
just beginning resto

I just moved it into a seperate note to keep the threads clean.-RMF

 

Thanks Fergy,

I'd like to look at it from cost vs horsepower vs durability.

Thanks

Steve

 

Big Hands

That equation should NEVER be considered when dealing with old trucks.
It will eventually drive you crazy, or crazier considering what your doing it the first place.

Long ago expierence with both the 292/312 showed they could take alot (I was 16, Boy that was fun)

The Mini-Block has alot of potential (Ok, who took over my Keyboard), of course when you build it up its easier to blow up.

Comes down to whatever floats your boat!

 

I'd stay away from the 312 unless its an already built runner.
Several problems; cracked webs due to the larger journal crank (Block is same as 292, just machined for the 312), rear main seal, thin walls may not take another bore, parts are a lot more expensive than a 292.
There is a new rear seal on the market but some are having problems getting them to fit.

If it is a T Bird coded 312, the restorers will pay big bucks.

OTOH the 292 has the internal parts at lower prices. You can also bore a 272 to a 292.

What is a 302?

 

Read somewhere You could just bore the 292 to 312. Use the 312 parts and you wouldn't have any of the 312 problems. There have been guys that have punched the 292 to 368.

 

Thanks guys, the 312 is t bird coded is now sold and will pay for rebuildof the soon to be mighty, gnawing-the-earth small block. The 292 will be disposed of at a local swap meet for something of value. Have been leaning that way anyway but just needed a nudge.

The 302 will turn and AOD and maybe the 292 will return a 9 inch rear end.

Thanks for the dispassionate clear headed advice

Steve

 

Steve
At the risk of cheezing some really passionate Fordsters around here, I would opt for the 292. Classic truck? What's wrong with a classic engine? Many of the rodder ilk would cringe at the thought of another sbc going in an old pickup, and many have... Most FTE'ers would cringe and shake violently. While I am first to jump on the Niolon "girly" bandwagon (it amuses me) I begin to see the 302 as ubiquitous as the hated gm 350. This is not to say that I wouldnt keep the little 5.0 from wife's old Lincoln. I am not arguing the efficacy of the 302 ... I am saying that it now has about the same tedium factor as the 350. It's a "that's nice" kind of engine... and it is. Absolutely worthy of every modern engineering kudo that it deserves. My dusty old 292 with the bad blue paint job is hardly an example of "classic" excitement, but it is on its way to better things. Just another thing to think about. Best. Himmelberg

 

If you really want to be nostalgic and old-timey, have the 292 sleeved down to a 272. Or better yet, trade the 292 for a 272. Now THAT'S a classic engine.

 

Hands

I vote for the Y-block unless you really like to fab. I would disagree with anyone that tells you it is cheaper to change engine families. That's NEVER how it turns out for me.


Edited later....

OOPS, guess I need to read the thread more thoroughly before I post. Changed my mind Steve, I'd probably just sell that old Y-block and stuff in a 302.

 

HMMMM.... sounds like someones having just a little too much fun this weekend.

 

Peter

Sometimes I get a little giddy after a couple days of blowin Wisconsin up. Followed by the perfect convoy. 500 mile ride, nothing broke enroute, riding in the rear with my Maintenance team eatin Cheetos and grinning. There was another maintenance unit assigned to ride behind us, in case we needed an assist since my equipment is so darn big. I loaned them one my wreckers so they could tow themselves home. Wish it always went like this.

Thanks for asking

53 Ford

 

WEll I guess I'm right back to where I started. The 302 represents newer technology and the availability of parts. The 292 represents the past and the classic truck, besides I like the starter sound. I like the torque of the 292 but am not crazy about the wrap around exhaust crossover pipe.


Ahhh decisions, decisions, decisions


BTW will the 312 exhaust manifolds fit the 292?


Steve

 

Ahhh decisions, decisions, decisions

And in the end it will be STEVE'S decision. There is no correct answer. Pick a course and don't look back.

The 302 will certainly be easier to find aftermarket parts for if that's your desire. It will also be easier to mate to a modern transmission.

Your truck is already set up for a Y-block. You could be back on the road in days if you want to. With a 302, you might be on the road fairly quick, but you will be fabbing and tweaking stuff for a long time. When switching to a new drivetrain, issues such as floorboard clearances, driveshafts, crossmembers, throttle linkage, hose locations and a million other things will rear their head. If you are committed to working the details out correctly, then go for it if you wish. I hate to see a different engine installed and everything is just jury rigged forever. That happens too frequently. We have all seen it.

 

As usual, Mr. fenders..the voice of reason. On the note of jury rigging and tweaking....I'd rather be driving.



Now for those 292 parts

Steve

 

So Steve... lose the crossover... headers about 200 bucks... or standby for the guy on ebay who wants 3-400 bucks for his "rams horns"... and yes the 312's fit. Adapting to a "modern" tranny is around $450. Pop for 3 deuces, a little trim and the engine bay looks like you wanted it to in 1962 and sounds that way too. There is no substitute for the feeling of "cool" that comes with sights and sounds of the past. If you dont want to fool with points and dwell... get a Pertronix, if you don't want to adjust valves... well, you have to adjust valves, sorry. If you follow the notion of making a "hobby" out of your truck, then what 'fenders says will suit you and guys like Kai (18 years, right, Kai?). If you want to "cruise" on weekends, you might want to be driving next week... or you might just want to carry dirt for your wife's garden. Somewhere in there is the rebuilt "classic" with all of the modern conveniences... comfort and reliability. We each embrace a different idea of how our trucks fit into our lives. You can't really make too many mistakes that you can't undo... see Mr. Niolon for IFS advice. I know that I am restating many other's words and ideas... but I think you are on the right track. best. Himmelberg