Stock '63 292 Help!
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
Stock '63 292 Help!
Thanks to another thread in this forum I've decided to keep my stock '63 F250 292 and rebuild it rather than opting for 351w, 390, etc.
I'd like to get the most out of the engine without turning it into some behemoth that is a never ending money pit, so I need some much appreciated advice. I basically just want a reliable engine that has decent power and looks cool.
1. Manifold/Carbs - How far should I go without wasting my money? Right now it's a 2 barrel and I'd like to upgrade, but would going to something like a 3 x 2 Edel. 573 be worth it? Would just going to a 4 barrel be more prudent? Or maybe a 2 x 4?
2. Cam/Crank - Should I even bother with these?
3. Headers - I've seen Sandersons...would it be worth changing to dual exhaust from the crossover pipe?
4. T98 4 spd manual - Would it be fine to leave this alone? Could it handle some modest changes from stock?
5. Rear end - 4.56, definitely built for the low end. Any ideas?
Hope to hear from you guys....
I'd like to get the most out of the engine without turning it into some behemoth that is a never ending money pit, so I need some much appreciated advice. I basically just want a reliable engine that has decent power and looks cool.
1. Manifold/Carbs - How far should I go without wasting my money? Right now it's a 2 barrel and I'd like to upgrade, but would going to something like a 3 x 2 Edel. 573 be worth it? Would just going to a 4 barrel be more prudent? Or maybe a 2 x 4?
2. Cam/Crank - Should I even bother with these?
3. Headers - I've seen Sandersons...would it be worth changing to dual exhaust from the crossover pipe?
4. T98 4 spd manual - Would it be fine to leave this alone? Could it handle some modest changes from stock?
5. Rear end - 4.56, definitely built for the low end. Any ideas?
Hope to hear from you guys....
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,119
Likes: 2
From: Southern New Hampshire
Stock '63 292 Help!
A 4bbl, mild cam, headers and a good electronic ignition for starters.
If you feel lucky then go to a .080 overbore (largest size pistons available) ECZ-C or ECZ-G (or similar spec) heads with a 30-50 thou cut, then zero deck the block. The 573 intake is great for looks but doesnt work any better than a 600-700 cfm 4 bbl. Yeah, I went for the looks myself.
If the F250 wont be worked to the limit then go with a 9" rear and select a ratio you can live with. This will change your wheel pattern tho so also consider what you will be doing up front.
If thats not an option the Dana 60 rear has several better ratio choices.
You can also go with one of the RUG series 3spd + OD trannies. The T98 will never win any fast shifting awards!
If you feel lucky then go to a .080 overbore (largest size pistons available) ECZ-C or ECZ-G (or similar spec) heads with a 30-50 thou cut, then zero deck the block. The 573 intake is great for looks but doesnt work any better than a 600-700 cfm 4 bbl. Yeah, I went for the looks myself.
If the F250 wont be worked to the limit then go with a 9" rear and select a ratio you can live with. This will change your wheel pattern tho so also consider what you will be doing up front.
If thats not an option the Dana 60 rear has several better ratio choices.
You can also go with one of the RUG series 3spd + OD trannies. The T98 will never win any fast shifting awards!
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
Stock '63 292 Help!
Sorry for the ignorance, but what do you mean by the 9" rear end changing my wheel pattern?
Would I necessarily need to change the transmission? In other words, if I modified the engine and changed the rear end, would leaving the transmission a T98 negate what I've done with the engine and rear end?
Thanks a ton for your earlier reply!
Would I necessarily need to change the transmission? In other words, if I modified the engine and changed the rear end, would leaving the transmission a T98 negate what I've done with the engine and rear end?
Thanks a ton for your earlier reply!
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,070
Likes: 2
From: Boise, Idaho
Stock '63 292 Help!
As usual, Carl is right on the money.
There's a stock 4bb intake manifold that will fit the Holley carb. Use the ECG rockers. ECZ-C heads sell for less than the ECZ-G and they're nearly as good. Pertronix or Pertronix II ignition.
I don't think that the iron dual exhaust manifolds will clear the steering box so you might want the Red's Headers.
John Mummert sells cams. Call him.
There's a stock 4bb intake manifold that will fit the Holley carb. Use the ECG rockers. ECZ-C heads sell for less than the ECZ-G and they're nearly as good. Pertronix or Pertronix II ignition.
I don't think that the iron dual exhaust manifolds will clear the steering box so you might want the Red's Headers.
John Mummert sells cams. Call him.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,119
Likes: 2
From: Southern New Hampshire
Stock '63 292 Help!
Thanks Paul
The 9" rear was used by Ford from 1957-85 and the F100/150 trucks used a 5 bolt on 5.5" pattern. Since the 250 is an 8 lug setup using the Dana rear it might not be what you want.
Dana 60 rears are often available in 3.7 and 4.10 ratios in bone yards but are a royal pain to swap and setup. Often easier to swap drum to drum.
The T98 doesnt require changing with any rear end. The only variable is driveshaft length and rear U joint.
I believe you have the 2 piece driveshaft so it shouldnt be a problem to find a longer or shorter rear if necessary.
BTW, 2nd thru 4th ratios in the T98 is the same as a regular 3 pd.
The 9" rear was used by Ford from 1957-85 and the F100/150 trucks used a 5 bolt on 5.5" pattern. Since the 250 is an 8 lug setup using the Dana rear it might not be what you want.
Dana 60 rears are often available in 3.7 and 4.10 ratios in bone yards but are a royal pain to swap and setup. Often easier to swap drum to drum.
The T98 doesnt require changing with any rear end. The only variable is driveshaft length and rear U joint.
I believe you have the 2 piece driveshaft so it shouldnt be a problem to find a longer or shorter rear if necessary.
BTW, 2nd thru 4th ratios in the T98 is the same as a regular 3 pd.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 692
Likes: 0
Stock '63 292 Help!
Originally posted by pcmenten
As usual, Carl is right on the money.
I don't think that the iron dual exhaust manifolds will clear the steering box so you might want the Red's Headers.
John Mummert sells cams. Call him.
As usual, Carl is right on the money.
I don't think that the iron dual exhaust manifolds will clear the steering box so you might want the Red's Headers.
John Mummert sells cams. Call him.
clutch cross shaft, the dual exhaust manifolds
exit dead center of it, I switched my '63 to a
cable set-up that I rigged together, works well,
and got the stock duals too...
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
Stock '63 292 Help!
So NEITHER of the dual exhaust headers, Red's or Sanderson's, work with a '63???
Last edited by rebman; Aug 27, 2003 at 06:21 PM.
Trending Topics
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 910
Likes: 4
From: Maryland
Stock '63 292 Help!
I think he said manifolds. You still have a chance with hedders I have seen a 63 F350 with a 292 with hedders. But dont take my word for it. I have a 57 f250 and I did the 9" rear with 5 lug front drums and backing plates. With a 272 4 bbl carb duell exhaust and a t98 transmisson. It does shift slow but i am not racing eather it is very tough. Simple setup and works well drive it a few hundred miles a week. It has decent power sounds cool and looks cool.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
Stock '63 292 Help!
I looked under the hood of my truck and I don't see any reason why the pipe wouldn't clear the steering box. In fact, there almost seems to be about the same amount of space on either side of the truck. I think I just got confused between Paul's and canzus' posts. 
Re: T98. I'm not in it for racing, either. Just for cruising. So shifting speed doesn't really matter to me.
I think I'll probably end up adding the 3 X 2 or 2 X 4, Red's 4 in 1 headers, and electronic ignition, leave the T98 alone, and change the ratio in my Dana 60 from 4.56 to 3.54 or 3.73.
Re: T98. I'm not in it for racing, either. Just for cruising. So shifting speed doesn't really matter to me.
I think I'll probably end up adding the 3 X 2 or 2 X 4, Red's 4 in 1 headers, and electronic ignition, leave the T98 alone, and change the ratio in my Dana 60 from 4.56 to 3.54 or 3.73.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,119
Likes: 2
From: Southern New Hampshire
Stock '63 292 Help!
Sounds like a plan.
My complaint about the T98 is the long throw and the non syncro 1st/reverse. I use my F350 a lot and spend a lot of time manuvering into difficult spots. Im seriously considering a CruiseO/FMX modified auto tranny.
My complaint about the T98 is the long throw and the non syncro 1st/reverse. I use my F350 a lot and spend a lot of time manuvering into difficult spots. Im seriously considering a CruiseO/FMX modified auto tranny.