junkyardjeff (3/31/2013)
..... Are the later blocks any better then the early 292s.While my preference for a 292 block that is used for a performance build would center upon a C2AE block casting, I still don’t have a problem with the earlier blocks for builds. If using the earlier blocks, I do change out the grade six main cap bolts for grade eight bolts. The ’61 and newer blocks did incorporate additional webbing in the main area which is a plus in the ‘high HP’ builds.
Regardless of the cylinder block being used, it’s still recommended to sonic check the blocks for cylinder wall thickness before doing any actual boring. Core shift can be very severe in some of the blocks regardless of the year of manufacture. If going for an extreme amount of bore on the first cut, then sonic checking can potentially point you towards offset boring to help center up the cylinder wall thickness where core shift is a problem.