[Crakums_GT]

This was my summer to get my pickup running but then I ended up getting deployed. I have a friend getting some of the basics done in my absence but first I need to figure some things out so any help will be MUCH appreciated. I am looking to find a master rebuild kit for my 292 I6. I just don't know what I should go with as far as the piston size since I would like power out of this engine but am not looking for any record breaking straight track power. Another thing I'm looking for is what type of transmission to buy. I'm going to be installing a 10 bolt rear end and the 292 I6 and would like to keep the column shifter. Any ideas on a good transmission and if I can do a swap to a 4 spd while keeping the column shift? Thanks in advance for any replies.

-Greg

[MARTINSR]

Being you are building your truck the right way you need to go to http://www.stovebolt.com forums and hang around there a while. It sounds like a VERY cool build. As far as the stock column shifter with a 4 speed I don't know how you could pull that off. But you can bolt any Chevy V8 up until the eighties as far as I know the 292 has the same bolt pattern bell housing as all the V8s thru the sixties and seventies.

Brian

[Crakums_GT]

Thank you for the compliment on my build. From the start I've been looking to keep it stock "looking" while updating the drive train a bit. Everybody has been telling me to drop in a v8 or chop the top or do this and that from the get go but I am sticking to my plan. I already love the way the truck looks. I just want to make it a little more powerful because it is no longer a farm truck. Plus since this is my first build I don't want to get too crazy with it. I am waiting on approval for stovebolt.com forums. Thank you for the advice. Take care.

-Greg

[52fatness]

Hey Greg thanks for your service! Build that truck the way you want it and don't worry too much about others opinions you enjoy it.

[techinspector1]

First, thank you very much for serving. Proud of you!!

Secondly, same answer here as I posted on another 6-banger thread....

"I've owned several Chevy pickups with the 292/4-spd in them and always thoroughly enjoyed driving them.

Stay modest on the cam, this is not a high-winding motor that you want to buzz to the moon. It also is a low static compression ratio motor, so will not run well with too much cam. Usually, the first cam offered for the motor in the manufacturer's list of cams is the one you want for a street-driven truck. If you're looking for a lumpy idle, then tear the motor down completely and build it with more static compression ratio (piston change) so that it will match up with a stronger camshaft. 2 or 3 one-bbl carbs along with long-tube, tuned header(s) will wake it up.

In my opinion, six cylinder motors sound sucky with an automatic transmission.

To really enjoy the truck, true the flywheel, install a Centerforce diaphragm clutch and completely rebuild the clutch linkage with all-new pieces oiled well. If using a column-shift linkage with a 3-spd trans, also remove all linkage pieces and rebuild with new, well oiled components. When everything works like brand new, you will want to drive the truck more."

[Crakums_GT]

Thank you very much for that information. I am about to purchase a master rebuild kit and was going to go with pistons that are .30 over. I have printed out this post for my mechanic. I am also looking to install the lump port upgrade. Thanks again.

-Greg