Hello to all. I was wondering what you guys know about the Ford 292 engine. I have gone thru the messages but cannot seem to find what I am looking for. Is it better to install a newer Ford engine in a 1954 Ford F-100 or should I try to get some seious power out of a rebuilt 292? I have both options available but do not know enough about the older model engines to know if there are places to get parts for it to make it a much faster more powerful engine. What do you guys think?
Ed

 

I admit to being a little bias towards the Y-block But you can beaf up the 292. Parts are a little harder to find and may cost a little more than say a 302 or 351. but for me its worth it to stay with the Y-Block. You just have to want it enough to go thru the trouble and expense I guess.

Spend a little time here and these guys will definetly give you the input you need to decide. I was going to pull my 292 for a 302 till I started reading here. Now I'm rebuilding a Y-block.

 

You can get some seious power out of a Y block and still be reliable. You can build up any engine. The way I see it your truck is allready set up for the Y block so it is all bolt in, less work. And they sound cool to. It is your truck do what makes you happy good luck. Check out some of these places.
www.y-blocksforever.com
www.ford-y-block.com

 

Thanks Guys. I will be back once the title is in my name. Ed

 

Ok new question. I have a 239 Yblock in my truck I have read many articles telling me to go with a 292 versus the 312 due to some problems with the 312 and parts. I want to buy a motor and a transmission (auto) to rebuild myself over time. I have heard that the C4 is the best one to use with this motor and I was wanting to know if that is the case or the Fordomatic or what transmission should do the trick. I want the ability to do overdrive if possible. Ed

 

The 292 had a much longer and larger production run than the 312 so parts availability is better (cheaper).

Due to wrong published specs many 312's had the mains caps cranked down way to much which can result in cracked webs. Some say the 312 crank is prone to breaking also but I suspect that is more in a racing situation.

The best of both worlds is a 292 block with a 312 crank turned to fit.

If it runs use it, whatever size.

 

what can you get for the 292. I was going to get a Edelbrock inertake manifold and a 4bbl Edelbock carb. Then i heard that it wouldnt make much difference. Is this true? what else could you get to have more hp?

 

Well for starters Edelbrock doesnt make a 4bbl intake for the Y.
If you want to shell out $350 you can get the Blue Thunder which is a modern computer designed hi performer.

Or you can get a 57 or later stock cast iron intake for around $50.

Anybody who says a good 4bbl setup wont make much difference has their head where the sun dont shine. Of course the basic engine has to be in good condition and tune.

A modern ignition and wires along with a hot coil really wakes up a Y also.

 

What 292/312 block is the best. What head is the best and what should I look for in t a stock 292/312 to select it over other motors. Ed

 

go to www.ford-y-block.com this will answer most of your questions.he sells a kit for the c4 as well.the reasonpeople like the c4 is it,s light and needs less power to run.there is nothing wrong with a good ford-o matic however.the main thing people don,t like is it takes of in second unless you put it in low.someone is now making an adapter for the aod.you can find it on y/blocksforever.com.

 

What do you want to know about the over drives? Yes they made them, and they work well. I have one in my 56 panel truck.

 

bigwin. I have a 272 ECG 1955 engine in my truck. I am pretty sure it did not come with my truck originally. In fact I was able to pull the exhaust manifold off today and it was the easiest unbolt of an exhaust manifold that I have ever seen in my life. The engine has new orange paint on it and the transmission looks good too. My delimna is do I keep the engine and supe it up or do I go to a 351 which will cost me thousands less and give me good mileage and more power. I know someone just dropped this motor in recently before I bought the truck and it is in really good condition hence it purrs when it is running and idles very well. In fact it spun the back wheels when I was pulling it into the garage for the rebuild. It has the ECG-D heads which are not the most desireable. I have already contacted the local rebuild guy and he will not take it as a core for a 312 or a 292. I am so frustrated since I want to do this one time and not have to worry about it for years to come. I want a truck that will put 300 hp to the rear tire but I do not want to break the bank doing it. Oh and above all it will have to have auto so my wife can drive it on occasion. Ed

 

BTW that is one fine truck you are driving. I see you have kept it stock. What do you think of the original front steering and brakes? Ed

 

One last question. Since all y-blocks are the same,(except the 239) what is to keep me from making my 272 a 312 with all 312 components during a rebuild. Ed

 

First off let me say that there is nothing wrong with the 272. My 56 big window has a .060 over bored 272 with the 57 cast iron 4 barrel and ram horn manifolds and it runs EXCELLENT!

If you read the other post I have running I too am also rebuilding a 292 that is bored to a 301. I have bought a performance cam and lifter set, small chamber heads with large valves, and an aluminum dual quad intake and a set of vintage headers. When all is said and done I will have about $1800.00 in this rebuild and think its going to run circles around any small block.

To answer your question your 272 can become a 312, but I wouldnt do it. 312 cranks are expensive. I would buy a set of .060" 292 pistons and have the 272 bored .120" this would give you a 301 cu.in.

After reading your post again, I feel you are looking for someone to tell you to pull the y block and "cootie-bob" a different choice engine in your truck. If your looking for a cost effective way for performance and auto trans you should have bought a truck with those modifications already done or go ahead and yank the boat anchor and start cutting.

One last thing, You stated it runs really well. So why do anything to it in the first place?