RE: Is a 304 worth rebuilding?

["Joe Wyatt" <jwyatt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Todd if you are looking for more power either rebuild the 304, or find you a 
360 out of a AMC or Jeep, 401 if you can find one.  You should have a 998 
tranny behind the 304, if you go to the 343 you will need to rework the 
crank to work with the tranny you have.  You can get a Deluxe Master rebuild 
kit with new pistons from STD to .060 over and stock or performance cam for 
$507.00 from PAW in Calif, Ph-818-678-3000(Kits same price for 304 and 360). 
You can add an Edelbock 4bbl and EDE-2131 Manifold for about $4-500.00 more 
(it will fit the 304/360/401 and yes the 343).

Stay with a 72 or latter engine so you don't have problems with the tranny 
match and also heads made for unleaded Gas.  If you find latter model 360s 
most have electronic distributors with a Motorcraft controller.  Rebuild 
distributors are only about $60.00 and the Motorcraft electronic module is 
under $35.00.

You should be able to find a good 360 around Austin (most run $150 to $500), 
if not I have one that I might part with up here in NE Texas.  One other 
thing once you start rebuilding for power have some MONEY, I have over 
$1,700.00 in the 360 I'm working on now and haven't added allot to it.

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?



Thanks for any input.

Todd Wallis
73 Javelin
70 Machine (for sale)
71 Cyclone