The Engine - 292 V8 Small/Big Block

VIN Code: C
292 cid (4.78 litre)
Maximum hp: 200 @ 4400 rpm
Maximum torque: 285 ft-lb @ 2200 rpm
Minimum compression pressure at cranking speed (lbs): 160
8.8:1 Compression Ratio
3.750 x 3.297 Bore/Stroke
2-bbl Ford carburetor
Fuel: Regular
Carburetor fuel level: 0.910 inches below machined surface
Float setting, dry: 0.450 inches from top surface to top of float
Fast idle cam adjustment: 0.008 - 0.016 inch clearance between cam and adjust screw
Firing order: 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2
Distributor rotation (viewed from above): Counter-clockwise
Cylinder numbering (front-to-rear, viewed from front) Left: 1-2-3-4 Right: 5-6-7-8
18mm Champion spark plugs, 0.035 gap
Cam Angle (degrees): 26 - 28.5
Breaker Contact Gap (inches): 0.014 - 0.016
Breaker Point Arm Spring tension (ounces): 17-20
Centrifugal Spark Advance (degrees): 0 @ 400 rpm
Centrifugal Spark Advance (degrees): 0 - 1 @ 450 rpm
Centrifugal Spark Advance (degrees): 1 - 2 @ 500 rpm
Centrifugal Spark Advance (degrees): 4 - 5 @ 750 rpm
Centrifugal Spark Advance (degrees): 14 - 15.5 @ 2000 rpm
Vacuum Spark Advance @ 1000 rpm (degrees): 0 - 3 (6.5 inches of vacuum)
Vacuum Spark Advance @ 1000 rpm (degrees): 5 - 8 (10 inches of vacuum)
Vacuum Spark Advance @ 1000 rpm (degrees): 9.5 - 12.5 (15 inches of vacuum)
Ignition Timing with standard transmission: 3 deg BTDC
Ignition Timing with automatic transmission: 6 deg BTDC
Idle speed in Neutral with standard transmission (rpm): 475 - 500
Idle speed in Neutral with automatic transmission (rpm): 450
Generator maximum controlled output (Std): 30 amp, 15 volt @ 2525 generator rpm
Generator maximum controlled output (Air Cond): 40 amp, 12 volt @ 2670 generator rpm
Generator brush tension (ounces): 36 - 40
Gernerator rotation (viewed from drive end): Clockwise
Regulator cut-out relay - Close: 12.4 - 13.2 @ 1200 generator rpm
Regulator cut-out relay - Open (Std): 6 - 9 amps reverse current
Regulator cut-out relay - Open (Air Cond): 2 - 6 amps reverse current
Current Regulator - Standard (amps): 28 - 32
Current Regulator - Air Cond (amps): 33 - 37
Voltage Regulator (volts): 14.6 - 15.4 with 5 amp load at 75 degF ambient
Starter motor free running speed: 4500 rpm (85 amps, 12.0 volts)
Starter motor lock torque: 15.5 min ft-lbs (550 amps, 5.0 volts)
Battery cable length - battery to ground (inches): 16.50
Battery cable length - battery to switch (inches): 12.00
Oil Pressure (lbs): 45 - 50
Valve Stem clearance - Intake (inches): 0.019
Valve Stem clearance - Exhaust (inches): 0.019
Valve Timing: Intake valves open at 12 degrees before top dead center
Cooling system capacity - 8-cylinder (qt): 19 (20 if equipped with heater)
Thermostat opening temperature (deg F): 157 - 162 with alcohol-type antifreeze
Thermostat opening temperature (deg F): 177 - 182 with permanent antifreeze)
Average miles per gallon: 13.7

The 1955 FORD 4.8 L - 1964 FORD 292 ENGINE -- BIG/SMALL BLOCK engine configuration includes a Y-block engine. It is in fact a fully-loaded, sizable 4.8L capacity-rich V8. This is a powerhouse automobile piston engine from Ford Motor Company.

According to online sources its history can be traced back quite some time. It was introduced back in 1954 to replace the Ford L-Head engine and was replaced by the Ford FE engine (on larger cars) and the Ford Windsor engine (on smaller cars) in 1962. It was popular and lasted until 1964 in Ford trucks.

It is worthy to note that Lincoln also introduced its own Y-block in 1952. This particular engine iteration lasted until the 1958 introduction of the MEL. Back to the 55-64 Ford 292 engine.

The 292 (4.8 L) Ford engine is versatile and robust and was also introduced in 1955. It was used in the Ford Thunderbird, and some high-end Ford and Mercury cars. This engine was also used in Ford trucks, namely the F-100, through 1963. It is still popular in the aftermarket and engine parts arena.

Other interesting facts regarding this Ford powerplant that is the 292 4.8L engine:

* Ford Australia released this v8 motor as its only option in the 4 door sedan CUSTOMLINE 1955-59 (based on the crown victoria }and its utility based on the same styling as the customline and called a [MAINLINE}

* Part of the Ford Y-block engine configuration family.

* First introduced in the T-bird and Montclair

* All used four barrel carb in 1955, but horsepower varied, but average around 200 depending with manual or automatic transmissions.

* Bore and stroke: 3.75x3.30 in.

* Following years were produce less horsepower, until its' demise in 1964