For all you pro's- Because I have a really funky speedometer in my Panel, I installed a tach so as not to abuse my big horse. Using GPS and the tach, I can run down the road at 50-53mph while tach'ing 26-2700rpm. The Chevy plate with the engine data indicates I will develop 173hp with my 292 six at 3600 rpm; I have no intention of doing so. I am curious however, what the "redline" is for the 292. It would seem that I'm being kind to my engine by keeping it between 2500-2800 rpm max, but I really would like to know where it's best to run it. Any thoughts? And anyplace to find the 292 performance specs online? Thanks, Roger
I ma a big fan of the 230-250-292 inline six engines, as well as the Ford inlines of that age. The 292 isn't an engine built for the high speeds. Sixes, as stock, are best run in the range you are operating it in. Generally, in tractor applications where inline sixes are used, the engines are governed to 2,500 rpm, which I feel is ideal for these engines. You develop most of your torque down low on the sixes, from idle to 1,700-1,800 rpm, where it drops off sharply. These types of engines are not known for enormous power, but the higer your rpms, the higher your power. Personally, I rarely run my 230 Chevy and my 300 Ford over 2,500. I really like running them around 1,500-2,000, shifting at low engine speeds for economy, and the old sixes like to be pulled a little.
