Engine New 304 Engine Build - Looking for Recommendations

[jonr3]

I'm getting ready to build a new AMC 304 for my CJ7 . I'm planning on a fairly mild build - nothing too radical - just looking for some good throttle response and dependability.

Unfortunately, I haven't built an AMC motor in about 20 years (401s & 360s), so I'm guessing that the brands and parts that were THE BEST twenty years ago, may not be the best today.

I'm looking for the best BRAND and PART recommendations for:
- Pistons - aluminum, probably around 9.5:1 comp
- Piston Rings
- Roller Rockers
- Lifters and Push Rods
- Camshaft - nice lope, strong pull
- Intake Manifold and Carburetor
- Intake Manifold Gasket
- Head Gaskets
- Gasket Set
- Bearings - cam, crank, rod
- Timing Chain

Any comments / questions / recommendations will be appreciated - thanks!

 

[CJ]

I'm getting ready to build a new AMC 304 for my CJ7 . I'm planning on a fairly mild build - nothing too radical - just looking for some good throttle response and dependability.

Unfortunately, I haven't built an AMC motor in about 20 years (401s & 360s), so I'm guessing that the brands and parts that were THE BEST twenty years ago, may not be the best today.

I'm looking for the best BRAND and PART recommendations for:
- Pistons - aluminum, probably around 9.5:1 comp
- Piston Rings
- Roller Rockers
- Lifters and Push Rods
- Camshaft - nice lope, strong pull
- Intake Manifold and Carburetor
- Intake Manifold Gasket
- Head Gaskets
- Gasket Set
- Bearings - cam, crank, rod
- Timing Chain

Any comments / questions / recommendations will be appreciated - thanks!

Depends on budget

THE BEST (IMO):
I'm looking for the best BRAND and PART recommendations for:
- Pistons - aluminum, probably around 9.5:1 comp - ((forged) Keith Black, Seal Power or Manly)
- Piston Rings - (Seal Power, Haystings (over size then ring grind))
- Roller Rockers - Depends on the heads, are they screw in studs or non adjustable pivots?
- Lifters and Push Rods - I used Lunati in my race 401
- Camshaft - nice lope, strong pull - I used Lunati in my race 401 (a Comp cams kit?)
- Intake Manifold and Carburetor - Best mid range Edelbrock Performer - race Victor JR, Carb 4150 if your a good tuner, 4160 if not or EFI if possible
- Intake Manifold Gasket - Fel-Pro vally pan
- Head Gaskets - Fel-Pro permatorque
- Gasket Set - Fel-Pro
- Bearings - cam, crank, rod - Clevite 77
- Timing Chain - any double true roller










If you want a good non best, about any good full rebuild kit will get you to a better than stock condition.

 

[Armyvet25]

or EFI if possible

pfffffft, phooey, yuck, Edelbroken all the way

 

[CJ]

pfffffft, phooey, yuck, Edelbroken all the way

LOL

 

[TSB8C]

The Edlebrock Proflow 4 is an excellent multiport EFI system (not TBI). For the AMC engine, it's their part # 350-35650 for the kit. That's what I'm running (different part #) on a 420 HP SBC in my CJ7 . Self-learning, easy tuning via tablet or phone and free app, and controls fuel and spark both (unlike many TBI add-ons that do fuel only). If wanting to stick with a carb, their Performer Power Package # 350-2131PK is a good choice, not the best in the world, but a good value for the money IMO. Performer Intake Manifold # 350-2131, Performer 600cfm Carburetor # 350-1406, and Performer-Plus Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft & Lifters set # 350-2132. Keep in mind, there's no EGR support on this package. So depending on where you are and street requirements, could be an issue. But a package of matched components. Use intake gasket # 350-7213 and throttle cable adaptor # 350-8034 (which I also needed on the EFI setup I use).

 

[jonr3]

Depends on budget

THE BEST (IMO):
I'm looking for the best BRAND and PART recommendations for:
- Pistons - aluminum, probably around 9.5:1 comp - ((forged) Keith Black, Seal Power or Manly) I'm definitely going aluminum at 9.5:1
- Piston Rings - (Seal Power, Haystings (over size then ring grind))
- Roller Rockers - Depends on the heads, are they screw in studs or non adjustable pivots? Mine has the bridged pivots
- Lifters and Push Rods - I used Lunati in my race 401
- Camshaft - nice lope, strong pull - I used Lunati in my race 401 (a Comp cams kit?)
- Intake Manifold and Carburetor - Best mid range Edelbrock Performer - race Victor JR, Carb 4150 if your a good tuner, 4160 if not or EFI if possible I had the Torker on my last 401 but will probably go with the Performer on this one.
- Intake Manifold Gasket - Fel-Pro vally pan
- Head Gaskets - Fel-Pro permatorque
- Gasket Set - Fel-Pro
- Bearings - cam, crank, rod - Clevite 77
- Timing Chain - any double true roller

A lot of what you have listed is what I used on my last rebuilds many years ago, so I guess not a lot has changed. Thanks for the recommendations!

 

[jonr3]

The Edlebrock Proflow 4 is an excellent multiport EFI system (not TBI). For the AMC engine, it's their part # 350-35650 for the kit. That's what I'm running (different part #) on a 420 HP SBC in my CJ7 . Self-learning, easy tuning via tablet or phone and free app, and controls fuel and spark both (unlike many TBI add-ons that do fuel only). If wanting to stick with a carb, their Performer Power Package # 350-2131PK is a good choice, not the best in the world, but a good value for the money IMO. Performer Intake Manifold # 350-2131, Performer 600cfm Carburetor # 350-1406, and Performer-Plus Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft & Lifters set # 350-2132. Keep in mind, there's no EGR support on this package. So depending on where you are and street requirements, could be an issue. But a package of matched components. Use intake gasket # 350-7213 and throttle cable adaptor # 350-8034 (which I also needed on the EFI setup I use).

I had the Holley EFI on my old 401 and loved it, but I'm going to go carbureted on this build. Thanks for the recommendations, and luckily I live in NC (formerly from CA) and I have vintage plates so there are no inspections or emissions I need to worry about.

 

[Dakardad]

I guess it depends on how You use your Jeep but I just did my AMC 304 and I came out with what I wanted for what I do. My drivetrain is: AMC 304 ,435, Dana 300 , model 20, Dana 30 , on 33s, 4.10s.
What I do largely is overlanding with a 406 1/4 military trailer. Sometimes Moab, Rubicon, Fordyce etc.etc…..
My engine build was hyperutectic pistons (sealed power i think) stock rings, stock rods with ARP bolts. Overkill I know. Clevite 77s, Mild Edelbrock cam n liftter set. Stock Heads with new valves and guides. Headman long tube headers, Low rise air gap Intake with 1” spacer with 2bbl Sniper EFI..
Overall, i am very pleased with the result. Plenty of the kind of power I wanted with excellent torque..
Other people will choose differently, that’s ok. But, through the years my observation is that unless your a mud dagger etc…..milder builds are way better in the real world. Cheaper to build, maintain and you break less. My 2cts.

 

[CJ]

A lot of what you have listed is what I used on my last rebuilds many years ago, so I guess not a lot has changed. Thanks for the recommendations!

There are many pedistal roller rockers for non adjustable pedestal mount. Pro-form, comp cams etc...

 

[CJ]

Did you ever make a decision on your rebuild? Curious minds want to know...

 

[jonr3]

Did you ever make a decision on your rebuild? Curious minds want to know...

Still working on it. The machine shop finished the machining except that the block needs to be bored .040 over. I found that piston options are very Limited for 304s - not so much for 360s and 401s. I just ordered some Sealed Power cast pistons with moly rings. However, I am probably picking up a 360 this weekend, so the AMC 304 may be put on the back burner for a while.

 

[CJ]

Still working on it. The machine shop finished the machining except that the block needs to be bored .040 over. I found that piston options are very Limited for 304s - not so much for 360s and 401s. I just ordered some Sealed Power cast pistons with moly rings. However, I am probably picking up a 360 this weekend, so the AMC 304 may be put on the back burner for a while.

Understood, the 360 is much more powerful and rebuildable.

 

[Turbogus]

I once read of running an ancillary copper oil feed pipe from a drilled port from the rear of the motor down to the front for additional oiling of the distributor gear.

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[CJ]

That is a gallery oil deflection. Its good for high HP and high RPMs. My race 401 has it done. For a stock or even semi stock AMC V8 it is completely unnecessary.