Dilema:  I had my 272 rebuilt 3 years ago.  I didn't know much about head combinations, exhaust, etc all I knew was I wanted a Y-block for my truck.  I ended up going with a 272 .030 over, 61 small valve heads, stock exhaust, 2 barrel, stock cam.  Result has been negative.  No power on hills.  Disappointing.

I am toying with 2 solutions:

1# Keep the 272 in the truck and add G-heads with high ratio rockers, Sanderson headers, Mummert intake with 4 barrel, stock steel shim head gasket (deck was not shaved, now has a thicker composite gasket).  Approximate cost 1500.00

#2. Abandon the 272, rebuild 292, G-heads, sanderson headers, Mummert intake, 4 barrel.  Cost around $3000.

Question:  Would it be worth the $1500 to upgrade the 272 or just forget it and rebuild the 292?  I have spent $2500 so far on the 272 and don't know if it is worth another $1500 for the returns I will get.  Appreciate your help.

The first thing I would do is tune it the best I can.



Modern 4 bolt 2 barrel or older 3 bolt 2 barrel? Matching distributor? A 4 bolt 2 barrel needs the '57 and up distributor. Tuning the advance curve can help a lot.



An increase in compression will not hurt. Cutting the deck and G heads should provide a substantial increase in compression and still allow the use of regular fuel. Even if it turns out you have to go up a grade, I bet that the increase in efficiency will more than make up for it. Roller rockers and any of the new aluminum intakes aren't necessary purchases and may actually make the problem worse.


Lawrenceville, GA

It is a 4 bolt 2 barrel with a vacumn/centrifugal distributor.  I have tweaked it as much as I can for advance.  I am just wondering if the additional money in the engine would be worth the gains?

If you look at your list,the common denominator is replacing the heads,rockers,carb,intake,headers.

If the 272 is fresh I personally would go that route.All of those parts can be used again if you decide to move up to the 292.

I also suggest that you rid yourself of that vaccum only distributor and get the 57 centrifical advance unit.

That alone would wake the engine up.

Oldmics

With a stock cammed 272, no I don't think it is worth the money for the intake. I don't think roller rockers will hurt you as far as performance goes but the benefit will be minimal for the cost. Oh, I just realized I read what wasn't there. High ratio rockers aren't as expensive as rollers and may be worthwhile, assuming you don't already have them.



However, since both of your options include G heads, go ahead and have them done and swap them onto the 272. They should enhance your torque. If it improves the situation enough, then there's no need to spend additional money. If it doesn't, then continue with the 292. I would also consider a hotter cam if you choose to redo the 292, or even if you choose to rework the 272.



You also said you have stock exhaust. Upgrade to duals. That will help, too.

So here's the order I would go, rework the G heads, see what that does. If not enough, upgrade the exhaust. If it's still not enough, build the 292 and everything you've done up to now will bolt right on. This way you reduce the risk of spending far more than you intended to achieve your goal.


Lawrenceville, GA

Those are great ideas!! I will probably start with the G-heads.  Should I look into exhaust port matching or just leave it stock?  I would have to send it out or try some hand porting.

I wouldn't worry much about porting at this time, especially if you have to send it out.


Lawrenceville, GA

You never mention what transmission or rear end ratio you are using. The wrong gear in the rear end can hurt you bad, especially when you talking torque going up hills. Also are you pulling anything or just driving along?

PS- I don't think anyone on the site will think going to the original steel head gasket is a good idea.

Ol'ford nutCentral Iowa

56 Vic w/292 & 4 spd.

Another suggestion. First add true dual exhaust to your truck, not hedders. At this point stock dual exhaust is PLENTY. Keep the heads for now and add a 4BBL intake and small 4BBL carb with vacuum secondaries. Before replacing the heads consider what RPM your truck operates in under normal conditions. If you never see 4500 PLUS RPM your heads are ok. Consider milling the heads as much as possible. Higher compression is the best bang for the buck.  What is the compression reading of your engine? Do you have a standard transmissin and what rear gear ratio? Are you doing the work yourself or paying to have it done?

The 272 should perform very well with the upgrades mentioned, I would really consider upgrading the stock cam to at least a 224 @ .050 with a running duration of 270 to work with the other upgrades and give you a better seat of the pants feel. Once finished I believe you will be glad you did.

-Gary Burnette-