Thread: 292 Six: keep it or swap it?

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Hey all. New to the forum, but I just bought a 66' Chevy 1 Ton flatbed W/ the 292 inline six. I plan on using this for a home work truck, haul toys on the weekends, and as a restoration project(was started by previous owner).
I know this truck is no hot-rod, and I don't want it to be, but I would like it to be able to go down the highway without feling like a Vespa on a constant uphill struggle. So my main question is should I build the six, or ditch it for a small block? Biggest thing is economy, with being able to pull somethin and not be pulled over for bein the slowest thing on the road right up next to it. I've been told by many that I'd get better power and economy W/ a small-block, but I was thinking that the truck would eventually be worth more w/ the origianal engine. So, I did some research and found There is actually some after market support for this engine, if you look, and that I could probably get a mild cam, intake and headers for what it would cost me to put a rebuilt 350 in there(the six has just barely been broken in from recent rebuild). I'm leaning towards the six, but since I really dunno s**t about these older trucks I figured I'd find out what you guys think. Thanks ahead of time for any and all input!

Oh, one last thing, which would you guys recomend as far as the intake manifold goes for the 292, the three 1BBL carb manifold, or the single 4BBLmanifold?(both made by Offenhauser; the three 1bbl would look cool, but I'm guessing is a big pain in the ass to tune..)

Yes the three pack would look nice,,,but the single carb is definately more dependable,,,,and the 292 was no slouch in it's day,,,i'd say,,build it,,and have some gas mileage to go, maybee change out the gearing,,go for something more in line with highway travell.
Some high energy ignition would help out some as well.
Welcome to the site

go for the 6 there a good motor that pulls like a mule and can get good milage. ck out clifford performance. all they deal with are 6cyls.

The inline 6's are good engines, I have a 194 cid in my Nova II.
But if you decide you want to get rid of the six, let me know...
I'm down in Tucson. I had an offenhauser intake that I recently sold on Ebay, it was set up for a single carb...2 or 4 bbl.


Steve