Jeep 304 Rebuild Tips

aldog63

I am about to pull and go through my 78 CJ 304. It has noisy lifters as if low oil pressure. Previous owner said the cam went flat once and was replaced, and it runs flat now like it is flat again. The motor and Jeep only has 30K on them, I want to make sure I cover ALL the important steps of going through the 304 so I do not have oiling problems. I am going to add a Howell fuel injection set up as well (my budget doesn't cover an Edelbrock...yet).

I have built many motors, but want to make sure I cover all the 304 specials things. Oiling? Pistons? Compression? :-| The Jeep will see low RPM up to 4500-5000 RPM, nothing fancy needed, just rock solid reliable and no pooch as it is pulling 33's and 4:11's on the 3-speed.

Thanks,
Alan

jeepsr4ever

Alan ... Do a quick scan of the engines section here. I think there was a good thread on building and camming a 304 :t: Welcome aboard :wink:

Dusty

http://www.bulltear.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3436&highlight=304+cam+build

I know there is another thread out there too.

Hey MC werent there some higher compression pistons or a way to swap in 290 pistons or something like that that off the shelf to bump things up.

Then after that i have to agree the Edelbrock package is a pretty good fit for the 304.

I got a MC nickle plated timing cover :? Bling... actually my oil pressure at 1500-5500 rpm is 60 psi at idle 700 rpm hot with 10 30 oil right now till i bump up to 15/40 it is between 15-20 psi

aldog63

Wow, thanks guys. I like many of the threads jeepsr4ever suggested and wanted to keep the 304 just because thats what they made'm with. I am really enjoying the responses and information I am getting, and the edelbrock power package sounds right up my "first step" alley, thanks Dusty. I do know the factory piston head combo yields an 8.5:1 ratio. If I change pistons to get that extra bump in compression is it worth it? Or will the factory cast pistons hold up for the long haul? I appreaciate everyone's hep though...trying to clear my way through the AMC motor fog. Alan