am i correct in assuming the 292 has the same bolt pattern as all other chevy engines and can accept anything like an sm420 or th350?

Yes

you are correct, GM inline 6 cylinders did use the same bolt pattern as the standard small block & big block V8. only difference is the transmission cross member...

some other usefull info:
typically same motor mount also, but there were 2 different motor mount set ups.

1. 292 motor mounts are off set from eachother as the distributor on a 292 is towards the front of the engine. (same as V8 mount but with a extension to join to the v8 mount to the block)
2. 235 & 250's had motor mounts directly across from eachother (also same as V8 mount but with a extension to join to the v8 mount to the block)

the motor mount info above will allow you to identify which inline 6 cylinder you have and also that you can drop a v8 into your truck with minimal effort by just redrilling a couple of holes to remount the passenger motor mount on the 292 "across from eachother" and by taking apart the factory motor mounts in order to use the V8 mounting brackets on your new motor... no buying aftermarket motor mounts!

excellent.
thank you.

you are correct, GM inline 6 cylinders did use the same bolt pattern as the standard small block & big block V8.



well, the 250 and 292 do. The 230 probably does also, but I've never worked on one. the older stovebolt motors do not have the same bell pattern.

So not to change the subject but are you doing any kind of cool build to the 292?????

nothing is set in stone yet. the 40 already has the 292 in it with a stock 3speed+tcase. the owner (my friend who I am helping with the rig) is considering going with an auto trans.