304 engine rebuild

Ok, a 74 CJ 5 with a 304 v8. Hasn't ran since 1993. I am assuming it will need a rebuild, and I want to do a good one-time-only job. But, it seems like everybody says, go to a bigger engine, don't bother with a 304. I think a 304 will do everything I want. So where can I get tech and rebuild kit info online? I have already done a search in these forums, but got no matches for the 304. I know that all small blocks from one manufacturer (AMC, Ford, etc.) are 80-90% alike, but its that 10-20% that I'm concerned with. Oh, and if you can't tell from this, I have never rebuilt an engine before. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Welcome mcmurry

First off, don’t assume your engine needs a rebuild just because it hasn’t run in a while. Although it maybe a factor in the rebuild or not to rebuild it isn’t the determining one.
Do you have any maintenance history from the PO on this engine? Does the engine turn?

The first thing I would do is get that thing running and then you can evaluate your engine performance. Once the engine is running and tuned up you can then look for signs, does it burn excessive amounts of oil? Lack power? I would suggest doing a compression test or leak down test.

As you mentioned the 304 will do anything you want it too, in that case I wouldn’t up grade. Keep us posted on your progress.

 

The 304 is a good engine and you don't need a bigger motor to wheel with. The guys that told you that have fallen victim to the offroad mag syndrome. If the motor has not run for that many years but has been covered and kept out of the elements, within reason. You should in my opinion get it running 1st, then tune it up. Once it is running if it has decent oil pressure and runs without dying or death knocks that sound like rod bearings or such, drive it easily for several weeks (200-300 miles) to get the rings re-seated and the engine run in a little, then retune it and do a compression test, and check to see if it burns oil, if it checks out ok run it till it needs rebuilt and have fun.
The AMC engines were for the most part all similar. Engine kits are available, but I definately wouldn't jump to conclusions and don't let everybody con you in to upgrading this and that right off the bat before you get a chance to drive it and see for yourself. I know alot of guys that have sunk tons of money into there vehicles only to find the improvement comes with certain drawbacks or are very costly for only minor gains. My 2¢!

 

See if you can get it running first. Look at what you have then. If you need a rebuild, you will find plenty of help here

 

I have a 74 with a 304 and have never had want of more power. In fact at times I think it has a little too much. How about you decide for yourself. Not trying to be rude, but you have not even given that "little" 304 a chance. Dont fall prey to all those magazine articles that show trucks with big power, or the ads that say add 15hp with this wathchmawhoosit. These articles and ads are finely tuned techniques to get you separated from your hard earned cash. Investigate the engine to see if you can get it running. If you can get it running put some oil flush in it like seafoam or the like then change the oil. You might be very surprised at what that "little" 304 can do. If you cant get it running then consider a rebuild, but know that rebuilding a 304 can be expensive cause parts are sometimes a little hard to come by and priced a little higher because the 304 is not as plentiful as a chev or ford.

I am no mechanic but I have revived a few engines in my brief time on this planet. Here are a few things that worked for me:

1. before attempting to start the engine a) remove the oil pan and look in the bottom for bits of metal, coolant or, water. b) remove the distributor and look at the drive gear for busted teeth, c) flush the cooling system and check for oil or weirnesses like chunks of crap, d) change the fuel filter and remove the line on the intake side of the pump get a length of hose and use a gerry can of good clean fuel as a fuel tank until you can flush the fuel tank, e) check out the electrics cause there may be fuel leaks, i.e., look for broken wires and prevent them from grounding, f) get somepne to help you for several obvious reasons and some not so obvious - its a good bonding experience when you and a friend watch your new prize meltdown, g) keep a fire extinguisher nearby, h) get your wallet ready to do some spending cause once its running your tesiticles will secrete the Jeep hormone and your wallet muscle will immediately start and continue twitching until you are dead, and i) embrace the experience and have fun safely.

2. try to start it

2. if it starts, but it probably wont, let it warm up a little, then shut it down and drink beer. Now look for leaks.

If I am out of line here on my comments I am sure that someone will correct them. It was not my aim to be preachy here, but I think I may have. Forgive me.

You have fallen on what I consider an extremely good resource for information. Nickmill is a Jeep deity and there are many apostles and other minor deities here too.

BTW welcome from Calgary Alberta.

Karl

 

Nope, nobody is out of line, and I appreciate all who took the time to answer>

 

I agree with the get it running first then evaluate where you stand. I have a 304 in my '72 it is a little tired but all of the HP I need. I guess I would get it turning by hand first purge the fuel system and give it a go. Good luck

 

The 304 is a lot of motor for a little jeep. I had a 76 cj5 with a 304 - only performance mods were a hot coil and plugs, headers, single plane hi-rise intake(why the PO put this on I don't know, power range was like 3500-7000 rpm) and holley 4160 chrome carb. It would smoke 33s on dry pavement pretty easily. IMHO it was too much motor and I've been happy with my f head 59 putting around the farm. Get the motor running and see what you think.

 

I agree with a) all of the above. Find out what you have before making any changes. As you work on your new toy, you will be looking for more and more answers and this is the place to find the answers that will be helpful. Welcome to the board!!!