[CHEVILLAC]

Truthfully, I'm not really into building engines. I like building custom cars and trucks with oomph behind them. I know how engines work, so I can fix them and put them together, I just don't know much about the technical stuff that makes the power and torque. I need some straight forward advice on what parts to buy and what machining to do to get around 300hp and 400lb/ft of torque out of my 292 inline six. The tricky part is that I'm on a budget BUT I'm not going to go the CHEAP route, more like the least expensive without sacrificing reliability. Can it be done with an intake/carb combo, cam and headers, or will it take alot more than that? This engine is going into my 51 Chevy Hardtop with a saginaw 4speed and 79 Camaro 2.56 Posi.

[Highball]

I work on those all the time. Strong blocks, good cooling of the block and generous oiling too. My suggestion is to consider three things.
1. Improve the intake and exhaust flows by adding exhaust headers and a multiple carburetor setup using a heated manifold. I think the Cast Iron headers give the best overall long term service and they can be purchased from a number of reputable vendors.
2. Think about an improved ignition/spark system and use a reputable HEI system. Include 8.5 mm HEI specialty wires too.
Cams cane be costly so think about using a High Lift Rocker Arm assembly. I suggest 1.62 lift and I would talk to a vendor who does fantastic work at reasonable prices in Anderson, CA. Their website address is:
www.rockerarms.com.
3. Use the "Lump Port" system for the intake and exhaust ports of your head advertised on the www.inliners.org site by a shop which advertises on that site.
You won't be top contender but that thing should run smooth and do so at a reasonable prices.
Normbc9

[Valkyrie5.7]

I'm not very well versed on the 292 in particular, but I can't imagine it'd be easy to get any 300-ish cubic inch engine to make that much torque with 300hp without some form of forced induction.

Like Carl Sagan said though, "but I could be wrong"

[Highball]

I stop at Self racing in Durant, OK every year when I take my alcohol car on a Drag Strip tour. Here is his newest project engine. It is a Chevy 4200 six highly modified and cranking out over 500 HP on an engine Dyno on Racing Gas.
Normbc9