292 overhaul costs
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From: North Idaho
292 overhaul costs
I just bought a 55 F-100 with a transplanted 292, 312 heads, and a 4 barrel manifold.
Initially I figured to run the beast as is until cash flowed freely into my wallet but then I pulled a compression check and found that it has a bad exhaust valve, that plan died.
So, now I am looking for a bit of advice,,,,re-build the 292 or start looking for a decent 302?
Is the 292 about the same cost to go through as a 302? and are parts still plentiful for the Y blocks? What is the weight differance between the 292 and 302?
Gary
Initially I figured to run the beast as is until cash flowed freely into my wallet but then I pulled a compression check and found that it has a bad exhaust valve, that plan died.
So, now I am looking for a bit of advice,,,,re-build the 292 or start looking for a decent 302?
Is the 292 about the same cost to go through as a 302? and are parts still plentiful for the Y blocks? What is the weight differance between the 292 and 302?
Gary
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Southern Oregon
The weight difference is about 150 lbs positive for the Y. The Y's 3.3 in. stroke makes it much torquier than the 302 at low to mid rpms. Overall the Y is an engine that is more fun than the 302, especially in an effie. Effies with SBFs are ho hum, and with SBCs are worse.
You can probably find a good used 302 for $200. Maybe if looking hard enough find a rebuilt for $1200 or under. As for the Y, $2000 to $7000, depending upon what you want. Classic cars and trucks deserve classic engines, and owners who appreciate their history, in my HO.
My '62 Mercury has a 221 V-8 which was produced only one year (it's main claim to fame was the power plant used in the AC Cobra). Everyone says change it to a 302. Why? Maybe a little less expensive, but how many dudes have a 221, or even know what it is?
A rebuild can be eased into a step at a time. Have the heads rebuilt, if all goes well, start collecting parts for the shortblock while enjoying the truck.
You can probably find a good used 302 for $200. Maybe if looking hard enough find a rebuilt for $1200 or under. As for the Y, $2000 to $7000, depending upon what you want. Classic cars and trucks deserve classic engines, and owners who appreciate their history, in my HO.
My '62 Mercury has a 221 V-8 which was produced only one year (it's main claim to fame was the power plant used in the AC Cobra). Everyone says change it to a 302. Why? Maybe a little less expensive, but how many dudes have a 221, or even know what it is?
A rebuild can be eased into a step at a time. Have the heads rebuilt, if all goes well, start collecting parts for the shortblock while enjoying the truck.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
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If you can't do the swap yourself, forget the 302. It won't be cheaper. If you can do it, then it is something to consider. If you do a 302, make sure you use a mid 80s or newer roller cam, fuel injected 302. Otherwise, you'll be down on power, which makes it less fun and you'll be down on economy which makes it, well, less economical. Even if you don't have to pay someone, swapping takes a good bit of time. Why use that time to get something less?
In my opinion, if you're going to swap, be serious, make it count, think stroker, 390 or 460. Make it something you will notice. A 302 really isn't it.
Is it actually running poorly because of the bad exhaust valve? If not, carry on as originally planned. If it is, rebuild the heads or find another running Y for the time being. If you have the money for a 302 swap, then you probably have the money for one of the above options.
If you have a local u-pull-it type of yard, watch it. I found an actual 312 at one near me that probably would have run. The motor turned over and was nice and clean in the crankcase. It probably ran recently. When I went back the next week to get it, it had been crushed!
A 292 will cost more to rebuild. Parts are plentiful.
In my opinion, if you're going to swap, be serious, make it count, think stroker, 390 or 460. Make it something you will notice. A 302 really isn't it.
Is it actually running poorly because of the bad exhaust valve? If not, carry on as originally planned. If it is, rebuild the heads or find another running Y for the time being. If you have the money for a 302 swap, then you probably have the money for one of the above options.
If you have a local u-pull-it type of yard, watch it. I found an actual 312 at one near me that probably would have run. The motor turned over and was nice and clean in the crankcase. It probably ran recently. When I went back the next week to get it, it had been crushed!
A 292 will cost more to rebuild. Parts are plentiful.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Redondo Beach, CA
Check EGGE Machine EGGE Machine Company - Parts and Services for Nostalgic Motors They specialize in vintage engine rebuild kits. By my quick scan it looks like the cost of parts for rebuilding a 292 and 302 are pretty similar. Plus machine work of course.
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From: North Idaho
Thanks for the input and information on my Y block vs a 302 swap.
I know myself well enough to know that if I pull the heads for a valve job I will go through the entire engine which I dont really want to do but I have no idea where this motor came from or how it was hammered before I got it so if I crack it open I feel complelled to make it fresh again.
But in my quest for information I found a local rodder who loves the Y block and happens to have a sweet, low mileage 302 and tranny sitting in his shop that he really doesnt want, so we are working on a swap right now which I think will make us both happy campers.
As far as the engine installation is concerned, that is a simple deal, I have done several like this, all it takes is a bit of math and a good welder.
I know myself well enough to know that if I pull the heads for a valve job I will go through the entire engine which I dont really want to do but I have no idea where this motor came from or how it was hammered before I got it so if I crack it open I feel complelled to make it fresh again.
But in my quest for information I found a local rodder who loves the Y block and happens to have a sweet, low mileage 302 and tranny sitting in his shop that he really doesnt want, so we are working on a swap right now which I think will make us both happy campers.
As far as the engine installation is concerned, that is a simple deal, I have done several like this, all it takes is a bit of math and a good welder.
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