304 Finish-Up...

[poppatello]

Short history;

I named the thread "Finish-Up" because the motor was rebuilt by the POx2. The boy I got it from got it with a 72 Javelin that had a 6 cylinder in it from the factory that he purchased (so the AMC 304 isn't originally from the Javelin). The boy then pulled the AMC 304 to install a 401 into the Javelin. The motor has about 35,000 on it and from the pictures on another thread seems to be the truth.

(I don't know what the build specs are. I was told it was rebuilt to 72 stock specs. I find that hard to believe to be put in a Javelin but guess I have no choice in the matter.)

http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f2/well-getting-304-a-14349/index2.html

Anyhow, the boy told me that he pulled most of the motor external items for his 401. Things like the distributor, timing cover with water pump, oil pump, thermostat housing, flywheel and etc. You will see in the picture how I got it. (now I realize that the fly wheel and such won't work on the 401 but just telling you all what I was told)

PLEASE NOTE THIS WILL BE A SLOW BUILD SO BARE WITH ME!!!


​

So this is what I started with.





Other then the harmonic balancer this is what I got. I was however able to get a nice score complements of Jimbos76cj.

I got a timing cover, distributor hold down, York A/C compressor brackets, power steering brackets, thermostat housing, oil pump housing and oil filter adapter, two different type of belt pulleys, and oil pump gear.

The goods shipped US mail. Thanks for a knowledgeable and fast shipment Jim



Here is everything I got less the coil.

 

[poppatello]

I started looking over the items the other night. It's been super hot here and my shop isn't A/C (one reason the build may take a while since no cold front in the next few weeks).

This is the inside of the timing cover. Pretty dirty. It also has a small chip in it around the seal but I am not sure if it will be an issue.





I cleaned it for about 10 minutes in my parts washer. Much better but I want it cleaner.



I was thinking of sand blasting it. Any thoughts on that? I have number 8 glass bead which gives a soft smooth finish with out scoring the metal.

There is also a seal still on it where the big hole is. Don't laugh as I'm not sure what it does yet as this is my first ever motor repair other then plugs and valve cover gaskets. Can I pull the seal and replace it and if so would a new one come with a gasket kit?

I was also planning on sand blasting the oil filter adapter as well. The process we use to sand blast is clean in the parts washer. Air or blow dry then sand blast. Then clean it again in the parts washer. After that we clean it with cool water to get all the cleaner off of the metal and air or blow dry. Last step is paint if necessary.

I'm thinking this should be fine to blast all my parts but just want to make sure before I do.

I also cleaned the thermostat housing and plan to blast that as well.

 

[poppatello]

I need to figure out what type of distributor I want to install. This is one area I want the most reliable product I can get. I'm not too keen on distributors so I will have to rely on what you folks tell me. I'm not one to use something because everyone else is. I want whats best for the motor and performance.

So any advice in that area would be greatly appreciated.

My plan also will be to sand blast and paint my intake. I will use the stock intake and motor-craft 2150 carb. I'm going to look into a snorkel kit as well but not sure if I will go that route.

I also plan to install black cast valve covers. I really don't like the OEM ones.

Motor color is still up in the air @ the moment. I'm thinking AMC blue for the block. Everything else I'm thinking grey or cast aluminum color paint.

I'm also thinking of going with an electric fan set up. I've been checking out a few threads on that detail as well.

 

[gert]

The big hole in the timing chain cover is for your harmonic balancer, as for ignition I went with HEI. I have an entire stock motor craft electronic ignition/ stock that I removed from mine it's mostly brand new stuff been sitting on the shelf, I would say HEI or the factory electronic ignition would be the best 2 to go with, as for sandblasting be very carefully to get absolutely every glass bead out of your parts before you assemble them, your motor won't last long with glass beads in the oil pump

 

[JR74CJ5]

I need to figure out what type of distributor I want to install. This is one area I want the most reliable product I can get. I'm not too keen on distributors so I will have to rely on what you folks tell me. I'm not one to use something because everyone else is. I want whats best for the motor and performance.

So any advice in that area would be greatly appreciated.

Whatever you go with, please install a new matched set of distributor and cam gears You'll probably thank me later I like these from MSD. The cheapo Omix ADA ones are ...

MSD Ignition 8005 - MSD Iron Distributor Gears - Overview - SummitRacing.com for the Distributor
and
MSD Ignition 8007 - MSD Iron Camshaft Mounted Distributor Gears - Overview - SummitRacing.com for the cam.

And you'll obviously want to install the cam one before you put the front of the engine back together

As for which type of distributor, it's really up to you. There's a good write up on the Team rush ignition upgrade that BusaDave9 did not too long back, and I believe he is very happy with it. I am fairly happy with my HEI / Streetfire ignition box set up... I say fairly because contrary to popular belief the HEI is not just 1 wire (at least not my set up lol )

There's a lot of controversy out there on the distributor choices. Do some reading and check and see what you like... No doubt you can save some bucks going the team rush way... Or just factory style with slight upgrades (such as pertronix electronic pick up etc.)

My plan also will be to sand blast and paint my intake. I will use the stock intake and motor-craft 2150 carb. I'm going to look into a snorkel kit as well but not sure if I will go that route.

I also plan to install black cast valve covers. I really don't like the OEM ones.

Motor color is still up in the air @ the moment. I'm thinking AMC blue for the block. Everything else I'm thinking grey or cast aluminum color paint.

I'm also thinking of going with an electric fan set up. I've been checking out a few threads on that detail as well.

Electric fan is a sweet deal. I've marked a few threads myself for my when I'm ready. If you want the links for a few, let me know.

As far as the snorkel, let me know! :drool: I seen a few DIY mods, but nothing Kit wise...



~ JR

 

[poppatello]

Thanks guys. Now remember I am swapping OUT a 4 banger so I won't be able to use much from that. So when I talk about distributors and stuff I need to treat it as not there.

As for the sand blasting oil parts such as the timing cover or oil filter adapter I will just scrub with cleaner instead of blasting. I don't want to chance missing something and it getting into the motor.

I'm now talking to a fella about a nice T-18 out of a Ford. Guess this is the route I'm going to take to mate it to my AMC 304 .

I'm going to need to figure out a new name for the thread as I will also be doing a tranny swap and anything else needed to make the AMC 304 purr...

 

[Jimbos76cj]

Im glad the parts made it to you with no problem. I can send you the coil if you need it. I was having issues fitting all the parts into the boxes and the coil was killing me. As far as blasting it goes, you can blast anything but dont blast the mounting surfaces. If you have a parts cleaner make sure you clean the parts really good when done. Since you have no ignition parts yet I would stick with a HEI type of set up. They are easy to wire and provide decent performance.

 

[leftoflefty]

I just picked up a AMC 304 from a guy who was swapping for a 350 Chevy in his CJ7 . I'll be following this as it is my first engine rebuild as well. I look forward to seeing what you will do to yours.