Most people would tell you to go with a 360 instead of a
AMC 304 , it makes more power and all the parts are interchangable, but you have more in the end for the same money. The 360 has bigger heads that flow better then the
AMC 304 .
There are lots of aftermarket parts available for
AMC 304 up to 401, as the blocks are all of the same dimensions. You can make good power out of a
AMC 304 , Bolt on a 4-barrel intake, a good cam and you'll be making good power and better torque, you don't really need headers as the stock manifolds flow pretty good for torque, as you wont be spinnig this thing at 6500.
There is a book out there called BJ builds an AMC, which is highly recommended for rebuilding amc motors, he shows you the "little tricks" you speak of. One of the concerns of a amc motor is the oiling system and his book tells you how to add oil bypass lines and block off this port and enlarge that port, Although he says that oil system modifications aren't neccessary for mild use engines, as oppossed to high RPM race blocks.
I have a 360 in my jeep, I have an edelbrock aluminum intake, 4-barrel, edelbrock cam, and it goes pretty good.
If I was you I'd just add a 4-barrel intake, cam and springs and you should make some decent power and torque. Like I said you will make more power out of a 360 but your trading engines. Your best bet would be to look for a 360 and build it, They are readily available and are almost identical BUT you get the heads with bigger valves.
Blair
Edit>> If your going from the
AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l you will need a new frame to motor mount, Im pretty sure it is the passenger side.
