304 rebuild camshaft question

[leftoflefty]

Hey guys. I just picked up a AMC 304 to rebuild for my CJ. It's bored .030 over stock. It needs new pistons and a new camshaft. I've picked out the pistons I'm going to get but can't figure out what to do for the camshaft. I don't need anything fancy. I don't do much wheeling (couple times a year). I just like to drive her around town on my days off. I guess I would like some good low end torque and idle sound. I plan on running in-frame headers with a custom dual exhaust out the back. Toying with the idea of a 4barrel carb.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[jasonmark1993]

In my opinion any AMC 304 , even with a semi healthy cam, has plenty of low end for a jeep since they are so light.

What compression ratio are you going to run? Stock heads?

COMP Cams 10-201-4 - COMP Cams High Energy Camshafts - Overview - SummitRacing.com

This is a pretty mild cam

COMP Cams 10-215-5 - COMP Cams Xtreme Energy Camshafts - Overview - SummitRacing.com

Probably dont want more than this one. Valves and ports arent that big on the stock heads so overdoing it wont help.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CCA-10-202-4/

This should be right in the middle and should make a happy little AMC 304 with good low end and a mild rumble at idle.

 

[pc79cj5]

you could try the edelbrock performer it comes with lifters for around $179

 

[leftoflefty]

I'm not trying to get anything crazy. I'm not even sure what the stock compression ratio is.

The pistons I'm looking at are these

Sealed Power Z1079NP30 - Sealed Power Cast Pistons - Overview - SummitRacing.com

 

[jasonmark1993]

Totally up to you but since you are in there Id toss a set of flat top pistons in there to bump the comp ratio a little. Ive seen a couple posts of people using 290 pistons; I dont think anybody makes a flattop for the AMC 304 ? Might cost an extra 160 bucks but this will be the most cost effective power increase.

There are a few shops that are AMC specific. American Parts Depot is the main one I hear about.

Stock comp. ratio is like 8.25 I think the factory HP rating is AMC 150 . I think with some flat tops, a mild cam, and a four barrel you could easily make 225 hp with great torque.

 

[leftoflefty]

Thanks for the info. I'll do a little more research and see what I can find.