How much horsepower does a Chevy 292 have?
The Chevy 292 does not have a single horsepower figure. The 292 cubic inch family included several engine variants, each with its own power output depending on year, configuration, and the measurement standard used at the time. In general, the V8 version sits in roughly 200–270 horsepower, while the 292 inline-six typically ranges from about 120–180 horsepower, depending on configuration.
To understand what that means, it's important to note that "Chevy 292" can refer to at least two different engines: a 292 cubic inch V8 used in certain Chevys in the late 1950s and early 1960s, and a 292 cubic inch inline-six used in trucks of the same era. Each variant's horsepower was shaped by compression, carburetion, exhaust, and cam design, as well as how horsepower was rated by the factory.
Chevy 292 Variants
The term covers two main engines from Chevrolet's mid‑century lineup. Each variant has its own horsepower footprint and historical context.
Chevy 292 CID V8
Overview and typical power profile for this V8 variant.
Factors that commonly affected horsepower included compression ratio, carburetion, exhaust configuration, and cam timing. In practice, outputs generally fell in the 200–270 hp range, with higher numbers reserved for later or higher‑output packages.
- Typically around 200–230 hp in standard configurations of the era.
- Higher-output or performance-oriented versions push toward the upper end (roughly 260–270 hp) when equipped with advanced intake/exhaust, higher compression, or performance cams.
- Horsepower can vary by year, vehicle application (car vs. truck), and how the horsepower was measured (SAE gross vs. SAE net).
Because factory ratings changed over time and across trim levels, checking the exact year and build sheet is essential to pin down a precise figure.
Chevy 292 CID Inline-Six
Overview and typical power profile for this inline-six variant.
Similar to the V8, horsepower for the inline-six depended on carburetion, compression, and exhaust, as well as the rating standard used by the era. Broadly, inline-six outputs commonly range from about 120–180 hp, with mid-century trucks often in the lower portion of that band.
- Common range: roughly 120–180 hp depending on year and equipment.
- Many mid-century truck variants sit around 140–160 hp in standard form.
- Higher-output sixes with improved intake/exhaust can approach 170–180 hp.
As with the V8, exact numbers require checking the specific engine code, year, and option sheet for your vehicle.
How to Determine the Exact Horsepower for Your 292
To nail down the precise horsepower for your engine, start with its identifiers and compare against Chevrolet catalogs and trusted reference databases.
- Inspect the engine block and intake for casting numbers and the year code to identify the variant (V8 vs inline-six) and production year.
- Check the vehicle’s Build Sheet or Window Sticker (or dealer documentation) for the power rating listed for your trim and drivetrain.
- Consult factory manuals, service bulletins, or reputable online databases that map casting codes to year and configuration.
- Note the rating standard used: SAE gross ratings (older engines) typically show higher numbers than SAE net ratings used later; this can account for 10–30+ horsepower differences.
With precise codes in hand, you can confirm the exact horsepower figure for your specific Chevy 292 engine.
Summary
The Chevy 292 does not carry a single horsepower figure. The V8 variant generally falls into roughly 200–270 horsepower, while the inline-six typically sits around 120–180 horsepower, with exact numbers varying by year, configuration, and the rating standard used. To know the precise horsepower for a given vehicle, identify the engine variant and year, then consult official Chevy documentation or trusted enthusiast references. The bottom line: the 292 is a displacement, not a fixed horsepower rating.
