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The problem with my built 392 turned out to be an incorrectly assembled lifter.
Michelle found the problem.
As Memorial Day approached, I decided I might try to get the truck put back together with the new engine, so I could use it for the summer, and use it to move the "junk" from the shop at my mom's place to the shop at my place, once the shop was done.
As such, the engine swap needed to happen before moving the shop.I re-assembled the engine easily enough, and things checked out OK.
I also acquired a T-35 5spd direct with 7.x:1 low gear from Todd out of a Loadstar. One hitch - 74/75 trucks mount the tranny by the tailhousing, unlike every Loadstar and earlier series Light Truck.
Joy.
So.. I made one. I used some pictures and measurements from Mark Korsten's original 5spd equipped '74 pickup.
Tailhousing Mount Fabbing Pictures
Mark's figures must've been off, or the 2wd long-box T'ette is a little differen than his single-cab long-box 4x4.
In any case, I wound up with the transmission sitting too high, hitting the trans tunnel and the driveshaft hitting the floor.
I had to shorten things as much as I could, then cut the tranny bushing down.. but it fit.
The shifter was modified by grinding 3/4 of the way through it to heat it up and make a notch, then bending it over, and welding it back up.
The 392 was installed, along with the headers.
It all fit pretty well, and I even eventually managed to weld up all of the exhaust leaks, and replaced the mufflers (one blown) with two new Thrush Turbos.
The new engine makes impressive power.
The Taurus fan also finally keeps it cool most of the time.
I do have some vapor lock issues to resolve still.
I run 12BTDC at idle, on 85octane, and it only pinged once. Engine at 230 climbing a pass at 15,000lbs with my foot to the floor.. never did ping.
Cool.
6-9mpg average to RMIHR with Tigger on the trailer - tall, heavy, and a lot of wind resistance.