I just bought a 1964 F100 with a 292/AT.

Im very disappointed with the performance of the engine. It runs well but has no power. I floored it yesterday, the tranny dropped a gear, the rpm increased, but the truck didn't go any faster.

It has the oil bath air cleaner and the original crossover exhaust manifolds that run through a 1 3/4 single exhaust with a big round muffler that is about 3 feet long. I think it has a 57-ish rear end with 3.10 gearing. The rear end does not look original to the truck and the tag on the pumpkin says 3 1 0, I know that is that is not correct for a 64 F100.

My questions:

Is this a LOM setup?

At idle what should the oil pressure be? there is a cheap mechanical gauge installed, at idle it reads almost zero, about 20psi at cruising. I have no idea how accurate the gauge is.

Is it worth freshening up the 292 and installing headers and a dual exhaust?

Im not looking to go fast in a heavy truck shaped like a brick, but I would like to be able to chirp the tires if I want to.

 

"It runs well but has no power"

Doesn't sound like it's running well then. Is it timed correctly? Very common issue with Y blocks.

Another thing to look at is the carburetor linkage.

#1 mistake when a replacement carb is installed, failure to ensure the butterflies open all the way when floored. I managed to replicate these and other issues with my 64. As I mentioned in the other thread, there's something else going on here that needs to be remedied before condemning the 292. Put a vacuum gauge on the manifold and see how much you're pulling.

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It does run well.

Smooth idle, no knocks, no oil smell, no vibration.

I will check the timing and vacuum reading this afternoon.

Im going to the muff shop and getting the can whacked off it now.

I will put a single turbo on until I decide what to do with it.

 

Well - guess it might hinge on what the definition of "runs well" is. Your observations indicate it certainly could run a whole lot better - "truck has difficulty reaching 55 mph", etc. The alternative is something else going on, unrelated to engine or engine tuning.

Not trying to argue, my truck was a real dog until a few issues were remedied chiefly ignition timing and distributor issues, and proper carburetor setup and tuning. The difference was night and day.

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I agree that it's not running at it's best. I don't know if it should be tire scalding (never driven a fresh, stock '64 292) but it should accelerate fairly well.

The 3.10 gearing can definitely be affecting it.

It should not have a LOM distributor but after 50 years, it could have anything.

The oil pressure is really low. Try a different gauge first. If there is no change, you might drop the pan and make sure the pick up is not clogged and perhaps rebuild or replace the pump. If there is still no change, then it is time for a complete rebuild.

It is worth freshening up and dual exhaust is probably the single best upgrade you can make. Another good one is a 4 barrel carb and intake and tuning the ignition advance curve.

 

If it needs a refresh I will probably go with a 5.0 and a C4.

I would rather keep the 292 and add either ramhorns or headers.

Im fine with the 2V, I didn't see a lot of choices for a 4V manifold.

The shop didn't have time to do my muffler today, so it looks like tomorrow morning.