The high-torque 292 debuted for the 1963 model year as the heavyweight of Chevrolet’s new “Turbo-Thrift” straight-six family. Built to pull stumps, climb grades, and outlast the odometer, this long-stroke inline-six gave Chevy trucks big-block grunt in a package that still fit under the hood.
It was never about revs—it was about torque, and plenty of it.
Key Milestones
| Year | Milestone & Notes |
|---|---|
| 1963 | First release in ¾- and 1-ton Chevrolet & GMC trucks |
| 1966 | Beefier flywheel bolts (½″); gains popularity in buses and medium-duty trucks |
| 1975–78 | Standard engine in G20/G30 Chevy & GMC vans |
| 1980 | U.S. production moves to Ramos Arizpe, Mexico |
| 1987–89 | Final appearances in R/V-series trucks & Step-Vans |
| 1989 | North American production ends |
What Sets the 292 Apart?
- Taller Deck Height: 1.75″ taller than the 194/230/250 blocks
- Passenger-Side Mount Boss: Raised and forward—unique to the 292
- Large Rod Journals: 2.100″—same as a small-block V8
- Heavy Damper: 11 lbs to help tame that long crank
- Long Stroke: 4.125″—gives it diesel-like torque
Factory Specs (Stock Trim)
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 292 cu in (4.8L) |
| Bore × Stroke | 3.875″ × 4.125″ (98.4 mm × 104.8 mm) |
| Rod Length | 6.760″ (center-to-center, forged steel) |
| Compression Ratio (1963) | 8.0:1 |
| Gross Output (1963 rating) | 165 hp @ 3,800 rpm / 280 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
| Net Output (1973–78 est.) | 120 hp @ 3,600 rpm / 215 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm |
| Redline (Gov. Set) | ~4,400 rpm |
| Weight (Dry Long Block) | ~457 lbs |
| Fully Dressed (Iron Intake, Alt, Starter) | ~560 lbs |
Weights based on verified enthusiast scale readings.
Why It Matters
Torque King: Peak twist shows up just off idle—ideal for heavy hauls, crawl gears, and low-rpm grunt.
Parts Compatibility: Shares many internals (lifters, pushrods, gaskets) with the Chevy small-block V8.
Hot Rod Friendly: A popular base for turbo builds and land-speed racers, thanks to its long stroke and solid bottom end.
Still Loved Today: Rock crawlers, school bus rebuilders, and resto-modders keep the 292 alive in garages across the U.S.
Quick Reference Build Tips
- Heads & Valves – Stock cast-iron head flows ~140 cfm. Mild port work and 1.94/1.60 valves really wake it up.
- Cam Choice – You can now upgrade to Straub Technologies' new GTA hydraulic and solid roller camshaft profiles. Designed for improved torque, street manners, and vacuum retention.
- Intake Upgrades – Clifford, Offenhauser, and Aussiespeed still offer 4-barrel or triple-Weber manifolds for this beast.
- Bottom-End Strength – The stock forged crank is a bruiser. Add ARP rod bolts and a proper balance job if you plan to spin it past 5,000 rpm.
- Swap Notes – The 292’s passenger-side motor mount is higher and farther forward than on 194–250 blocks. Use the correct frame perch or adapter if swapping into a short-deck chassis.
Final Verdict
The GM 292 is still the undisputed torque champ of Chevy’s classic inline-six family. Built tough, easy to modify, and blessed with a fanbase that refuses to let it die, this engine is more than just a workhorse—it’s a cult icon.
Whether you’re building a trail rig, turbo sleeper, or vintage hauler, the 292 delivers classic muscle with a twist of torque-first charm.