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By Iron Clad - 15 Years Ago

Well, I'm new to this forum and have a couple of questions about my truck with the 292 engine.

My truck is a 1964 F250 and is in good shape and completely stock. The engine runs well however I don't know for sure if it has ever been rebuilt. My question has to do with engine modifications to gain HP and torque so that I may pull my camp trailer better which weighs around 3,200 lbs dry.

1.) Which modifications can I make now to up the HP and torque without a total rebuild? Dual exhaust? Electronic ignition?

2.) When I do decide to rebuild which modifications would you all recommend? I'm looking for at least 350 ft/lbs torque and around 300 HP. Can this be done with a 292 Y block? I'm looking to spend around $4000 TO $5000 for the engine rebuild, (less if I can but I know it isn't cheap.).

I'm serious about fixing up this truck. So far I have replaced the clutch, rebuilt the front suspension and steering, new brakes all around, new wheel bearings, new carpet, anti rattle kit for the doors, new stereo and speakers, new seat, rebuilt the entire heating system, added a new bump steer kit to the front axle, and have purchased a new one wire alternator to replace the generator (which I haven't bolted on yet). I still have work to do but it's getting better all the time! BigGrin

By Ted - 15 Years Ago

Welcome to the site.

Dual exhaust and electronic ignition conversion definitely. Put a camshaft upgrade on the list also. But for the big gains in HP numbers, it takes cylinder head and intake manifold work. The 1964 heads on your truck are small valved as well as having large combustion chambers and as such, are lack luster in performance capability and do not lend themselves well to modifications to get their power levels up. A pair of G or 113 heads is a start but if going for an honest 300 horsepower and still trying to maintain bottom end torque and good drivability characteristics, then the new Mummert aluminum heads and matching dual plane intake with a modern four barrel carburetor and camshaft upgrade will accomplish all of this with a very good chance that fuel economy will also be much better than what you are getting now.

By 59flatbedford - 15 Years Ago

so just out of curiosity what would be reasonable limit using iron heads (g or 113s) and an aluminum intake in torque and hp? Aluminum heads would be sweet but that pretty much eats up a lot of the op budget and is way over mine.

By RB - 15 Years Ago

If you can wait for the next issue of YBM, I detail a build of a stock bore and stroke 292 that made 323 hp and and 303 ft lb of torque 9:1 no extoic parts very streetable

By 59flatbedford - 15 Years Ago

wow that pretty impressive. im guessing there was some porting work done. can ya at least give us a little bit of a teaser.

By Iron Clad - 15 Years Ago

Thanks Ted for the information and the welcome.

So, for the short term before I completely rebuild the engine, how much HP and torque would I gain by replacing the intake and adding a four barrel carb along with duel exhaust and electronic ignition? I'm looking for what I can get this summer and then going thru the engine this winter.

The truck has 4.56 gears and is a 4 speed manual. It can pull the trailer now which weighs 3200lbs but very slow up hills at high RPM. I would like to help it out a bit.

Thanks again. Smile

By charliemccraney - 15 Years Ago

I'd guess 10 - 20 ftlbs with all that. It should be something you'll feel.

Another thing you can do which is almost free is to fine tune your ignition timing.

By Iron Clad - 15 Years Ago

Thanks Charlie. I believe that my engine, stock has somewhere around 265 to 270 ft/lbs. torque. So with the bolt on modifications I should be just a little under 300 ft/lbs. then. That coupled with the 4.56 gears should pull the 3,200 lb. trailer a little better I should think. I'll keep researching and see what else I can do for now. I cannot wait to completely rebuild the engine the way I want to, it's going to be great!

By mctim64 - 15 Years Ago

I would love to add to this but Ted pretty well covers it. As Charlie said you would be suprised what the right mods to the dizzy will make, correct timing is a must. Can't wait to see what Royce has for us. Wink

Welcome to the site! I know you will enjoy it here.

By Iron Clad - 15 Years Ago

Thanks Tim.

I had a Ford truck like yours once except that it was a '59. I miss that truck. However my focus is on the 1964 now which has become my favorite out of the 5 trucks that I own. I'm not sure why, perhaps it's the heavy duty aspect. My '64 sits higher than most 3/4 tons that I have seen of this year or body style. It has 13 leaf springs in the rear coupled with air shocks. I put an all steel GEM Top canopy on the back which must weigh 500lbs. (it took 4 people to lift it) and the rear didn't go down even 1/2". The canopy is going to come off soon though. It drives like a tank with the straight axle and manual steering but I don't mind. It has been treated well and I have all of the receipts for everything that has been done from the previous owner who was a university professor.

My Truck:

http://ironclad.shutterfly.com/51

By mctim64 - 15 Years Ago

Very nice truck. Smile

By Iron Clad - 15 Years Ago

Thanks again Tim.

Did you restore your truck. Looks good with the red and white and all the chrome.

By mctim64 - 15 Years Ago

It's actually 20 year old paint. Wink

I did redo the interior about four years ago, but I just fix things as they come up. New paint may be in order sometime but it drives nice and still gets looks so why bother. Tongue