I'm
very much a Chevy man too. I have a 292 with some mild street mods and it's awesome and strong in my '66 stepside truck.
But I have to admit in a side by side comparison the Ford I6 would probably be best. There are just too many advantages.
1. The engine was available as a stock option in trucks through 1996.
2. It has a true 12 port head from the factory. The 292 has a 9 port head, with only 3 intake ports. And those intake ports have a head bolt boss smack dab in the middle. Removing it for maximum airflow while maintaining engine stability is hardly trivial.
3. Fuel injection is readily available cheap for the Ford 300. It is available for the 292, but far from inexpensive.
4. Hop up parts are more plentiful and cheaper for the Ford.
5. The Ford blocks are easier to find.
6. The Ford has a larger factory bore (4" vs 3.875 for the 292) and shorter stroke, yet yields 8 more CI than the Chevy.
7. Since the engine was made through the mid 90s power steering and air conditioning components are readily available and inexpensive. Try finding a factory power steering or A/C bracket for a 292 engine. :rolleyes: Trust me. It ain't easy. I've tried.
There is a 12 port head available for the 292 but it's
FAR from inexpensive - available from Sissell's Automotive in Covina, CA. And I don't know how long it's been manufactured so I can't speak pro or con for it's long term durability. And, of course, the custom 12 port head will require a
custom 12 port intake, etc.
With me listing all this you might wonder why I don't have a Ford vehicle with a 300 I-6. I guess I just prefer Chevrolet. Across the board it seems that old Chevy vehicles hold their value better and are just more stylist (matter of personal opinion). But I certainly won't rule out picking up a Ford vehicle (probably an old F100) at some point in the future and, yes, the 300 I6 will be the engine of choice.
-magic mike-
