Is a 304 worth rebuilding?

["Nick P Alfano" <nick.alfano@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Todd,

The 304 is fine for a rebuild and can be built to have decent power for a 
street car.  You just have to pick the right components.  The reason the 
Edlebrock heads aren't listed for a 304 and 290 is because of the valves. 
They are too big for a standard bore 304.  If you go with a 343, your 
brackets will work but if you have an automatic trans, it will not unless 
you have the crank machined for a Torque Flight.  You would be better off 
with a 360 if that was the case. 

Nick Alfano


Message-ID: <001201c52cf0$8f5a2530$0200a8c0@gamer>
From: "Todd  Wallis" <cyclone@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: mail@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Is a 304 worth rebuilding?
Date: Sat, 19 Mar 2005 20:00:15 -0600

I pulled the trusty but tired 304 2bbl out of my 73 Javelin last weekend. 
I'm looking for more performance but nothing crazy.  I won't be running it 

at the drag strip and reliability is king in my book.  I am willing to 
spend 
a little money to get a little more out of it though.   I'll put some 
money 
in the heads maybe even splurge for aluminum heads on it and a 4 barrel 
intake of course.  I only plan on changing the pistons in the unlikely 
event 
that mine are not serviceable.   A friend has a 343 that he may be willing 

to part with.  He said it is in good shape but needs a rebuild.

1.  Is a 304 worth it?   I think I read that the Edelbrock heads are for 
the 
343ci and greater engines.  Sounds like it might preclude me from using 
them 
on the 304.

2.  Is it possible to get a reproduction emissions decal (on the passenger 

side of the cowl) and the alignment/tire balance sticker that was on the 
right side shock tower?

3.  Does anyone make the black plastic straps that hold the wiring harness 

to the inner fenders?  If not, are there any decent substitutes?

4.  My steering gear has a slow drip to it.  Is this common?  Can the unit 

be rebuilt or is it best just to replace it.  Obviously now is the time 
since the engine is out.


If I go with the 343, will all of my original brackets bolt right up?