Swapping '79 304 for '74 304

[thistle3585]

I am replacing my blown AMC 304 in my '79 for one that came out of a '74. Obviously, they had two different emissions setups, carbs and a few other things different. I was going to use just about everything off the '79 AMC 304 on the '74, but I wondered which is the better carb to use. This is a daily driver around town and my choice is the '74 Holley or '79 MC210? I guess once I make that decision then I will start to look at the emissions setups, vacuum lines etc. based on the carb I choose. Also, the exhaust header on the '79 comes together right off the engine and into a single pipe whereas the '74 header is four separate pipes that go in to a collector located below the engine. Is one better than the other?

 

[JR74CJ5]

sounds like you have the basic plan all together already.

As for which is better carb / exhaust, I'd say mock the exhaust up and see which you like better / fits your current exhaust set up. (I'm assuming still the stuff off the original 79 AMC 304 )

The carb, I'd try them both out and see for yourself which you prefer on it. The smog stuff should be usable on either of them, perhaps the plugs in different spots...

now if you havent already gotten a hold of the 7's AMC 304 (or paid for it) I'd say try to find a 72 AMC 304 . They were rated higher horsepower...


~ Jr

 

[thistle3585]

now if you havent already gotten a hold of the 7's AMC 304 (or paid for it) I'd say try to find a 72 AMC 304 . They were rated higher horsepower...


~ Jr

Actually, it is a '72. Tag 505H13. May 13, 1972. The first one I looked at was a '74. I got this from a group of guys that were building crawlers and were putting 350's in to them. They had parts laying all over the place. I got the engine, T-18 , 2 bell housings and a Dana 20 for $400. Here are before and after photos.

 

[JR74CJ5]

wow thats a steal man!


~ Jr

 

[Hedgehog]

exactly how many sins does a new coat of paint cover up? Did you do any additional work on the engine while cleaning it up? No matter what it sure is pretty.

 

[thistle3585]

I completely stripped everything off the engine, sealed it up, used a soda blaster to strip it to bare metal then painted it with a rattle can that was the original AMC engine blue. The PO had rebuilt the top end before I got it. The compression was at 140 across the cylinders, so I didn't do anything internally other than repalce the front and rear main seals just because its easy to do with the engine out. I have also stripped and painted the starter, pulleys, fan blade and power steering pump. The alternator is being gone over and cleaned by an electronics company. The bell housing will be stripped next week and the Transmission and Transfer Case have been blasted and are going to the Transmission shop tomorrow just for them to go through and check it. I think they're fine but I figured I'd have a pro check them out since they were pulled. The soda blaster is my new favorite toy. BTW, I forgot to mention that I got a new clutch kit in the deal too, so I will be putting that on soon after. While I have the engine out, I will be stripping the front end and firewall. Although I'm not doing a "frame off" restoration, I am blasting and repainting the frame and underside of the tub. Hopefully, I can have it ready for fall driving.