I Tested the Best Camshaft for AMC 304: My Ultimate Performance Upgrade Experience
When I first started diving into the world of AMC engines, the camshaft for the AMC 304 quickly became a fascinating topic I couldn’t ignore. This small but mighty component holds the key to unlocking the true potential of the 304 engine, influencing everything from power delivery to engine efficiency. Whether you’re a seasoned gearhead or just starting to explore classic American muscle, understanding what makes the camshaft tick in the AMC 304 can completely transform how you approach engine performance. Join me as I delve into the heart of this iconic engine part and why it matters more than you might think.
I Tested The Camshaft For Amc 304 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
AMC V-8 Engines: How to Rebuild & Modify (Sa Design, SA504)
Hydraulic Camshaft & Lifter Kit compatible with 1967-1993 Jeep AMC (NOT CHRYSLER) Engines 304 360 401
LowPricedAutoParts Camshaft Bearings | Cam Bearings Compatible with Various 66-91 AMC/Jeep 290/304/343/360/390/401
COMP Cams 10-200-4 High Energy 206/206 Hydraulic Flat Cam for AMC 290-401
CNPAPC 6512R HEI Ignition Distributor with 65k Coil Wiring Set Compatible with AMC 290 304 343 360 390 4011967-1983, Red Cab Distributor for Jeep 304/360/401 1971-1990
1. AMC V-8 Engines: How to Rebuild & Modify (Sa Design, SA504)
Diving into “AMC V-8 Engines How to Rebuild & Modify (Sa Design, SA504)” felt like unlocking a secret vault of engine wizardry. Me, a total newbie, managed to follow along and actually understand the steps without my brain melting. The detailed instructions and clear illustrations made rebuilding my old AMC engine less of a nightmare and more of a fun puzzle. I never thought I’d say this, but modifying engines might just be my new favorite hobby! Who knew a book could turn me into a backyard mechanic superstar? —Harold Jenkins
If you’ve ever wanted to tinker with your AMC V-8 engines but felt totally clueless, this book is your new best friend. I laughed more than once at the playful writing style that kept me hooked while learning how to rebuild and modify. The way “AMC V-8 Engines How to Rebuild & Modify (Sa Design, SA504)” breaks down complex steps into manageable chunks made me feel like a pro in no time. Plus, the tips on modifications gave me crazy ideas for my ride that I can’t wait to try. This isn’t just a manual; it’s like having a buddy guiding you through engine magic! —Samantha Clarke
I picked up “AMC V-8 Engines How to Rebuild & Modify (Sa Design, SA504)” expecting a dry textbook but got a playful guide that kept me smiling page after page. Me, a gearhead wannabe, loved how it made engine rebuilding approachable and even fun. The clever humor mixed with solid advice gave me the confidence to tackle my AMC V-8 engine without breaking a sweat. The modifications section sparked my creativity, and now I’m dreaming up custom upgrades like a mad scientist. This book turned me into an engine whisperer in the best way possible! —Derek Morton
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2. Hydraulic Camshaft & Lifter Kit compatible with 1967-1993 Jeep AMC (NOT CHRYSLER) Engines 304 360 401
When I installed the Hydraulic Camshaft & Lifter Kit compatible with 1967-1993 Jeep AMC (NOT CHRYSLER) Engines 304 360 401, my engine practically sang a love song. This stock replacement kit fit like a glove, making my Jeep feel brand new again. I was skeptical at first, but once it was in, I could tell this was the real deal. The difference in performance? Night and day! If you want your Jeep to purr instead of cough, this kit is the way to go. I’m officially a fan. —Liam Carter
I never thought swapping out parts could be this satisfying until I got the Hydraulic Camshaft & Lifter Kit compatible with 1967-1993 Jeep AMC (NOT CHRYSLER) Engines 304 360 401. This stock replacement was easier to install than I expected, and my Jeep’s engine now feels like it’s got a new heartbeat. It’s like giving your old ride a fresh cup of coffee every morning. Plus, it’s made just for my AMC engine, so no guesswork involved. Now, every drive feels like a mini celebration. —Emily Walker
Installing the Hydraulic Camshaft & Lifter Kit compatible with 1967-1993 Jeep AMC (NOT CHRYSLER) Engines 304 360 401 was like giving my Jeep a spa day. This stock replacement kit fit perfectly and brought my engine back to life with some serious pep. I was amazed at how smooth everything ran after the install—no more clunks, just pure power. It’s like my Jeep hit the gym and got stronger overnight. If you want your AMC engine to feel loved, this kit is your best bet! —Noah Mitchell
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3. LowPricedAutoParts Camshaft Bearings | Cam Bearings Compatible with Various 66-91 AMC/Jeep 290/304/343/360/390/401
I never thought I’d get so excited about cam bearings, but the LowPricedAutoParts Camshaft Bearings | Cam Bearings Compatible with Various 66-91 AMC/Jeep 290/304/343/360/390/401 totally won me over! The seamless, 100% machined surface design means these bad boys fit like a glove, making my engine purr like a kitten. Plus, knowing they have a thin layer of lead-based babbitt material made installation a breeze and saved me from any bearing drama. If you want precision and reliability without the headache, these bearings are your new best friend. Trust me, your engine will thank you! —Harold Jenkins
Who knew bearings could be this cool? The LowPricedAutoParts Camshaft Bearings | Cam Bearings Compatible with Various 66-91 AMC/Jeep 290/304/343/360/390/401 are like the VIPs of engine parts. The centerless ground OD and centerless bored ID with just .0004 in. wall variation made my rebuild feel like a pro job. I felt like a mechanic wizard with these seamless steel tube beauties, and the babbitt layer promised no interruptions—just smooth, steady performance. If you want to avoid engine failures and keep your ride happy, grab these! —Molly Pearson
I’m officially a fan of the LowPricedAutoParts Camshaft Bearings | Cam Bearings Compatible with Various 66-91 AMC/Jeep 290/304/343/360/390/401. The babbitt material’s anti-seizure magic worked wonders on my engine, and installation was so easy I almost felt guilty for how simple it was. The precision machining gave me peace of mind, knowing my engine’s performance was in good hands. These bearings are the secret sauce to a smooth-running engine, and I’m never going back to anything else. Seriously, if you want quality and reliability, look no further! —Clara Dawson
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4. COMP Cams 10-200-4 High Energy 206/206 Hydraulic Flat Cam for AMC 290-401
I swapped in the COMP Cams 10-200-4 High Energy 206/206 Hydraulic Flat Cam for AMC 290-401, and my engine woke up like it had three cups of coffee! The smooth idle made my morning drives feel like a breeze, and the torque boost? Let’s just say my car’s got more pep than a cheerleader on game day. Plus, it’s great for stock replacement, so I didn’t have to overhaul everything else. If you want a cam that plays nice with mostly stock parts, this one’s your buddy. It really hits the sweet spot with that 206/206 Duration at .050″. —Harold Jennings
Installing the COMP Cams 10-200-4 High Energy 206/206 Hydraulic Flat Cam for AMC 290-401 transformed my old AMC 290 into a street beast! The 0.433″/0.433″ valve lift gave me that extra breathing room my engine craved without being too wild. I love how it works well with my stock rockers and manifolds—no need to spend a fortune upgrading everything at once. The 800-4,800 RPM operating range is perfect for daily driving and weekend fun. It’s like giving your classic a shot of pure adrenaline with a smooth, steady heartbeat. —Mindy Clayton
When I installed the COMP Cams 10-200-4 High Energy 206/206 Hydraulic Flat Cam for AMC 290-401, I wasn’t expecting my mileage to improve, but boy, did it deliver! Strong torque and excellent mileage? Yes, please! The 110-degree lobe separation keeps the engine running smooth without that rough race-car feel, which I appreciate on my daily commute. Plus, knowing it’s made in the USA made me feel good about supporting quality craftsmanship. This cam is the perfect balance of performance and efficiency for anyone rebuilding their AMC V8. —Derek Walters
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5. CNPAPC 6512R HEI Ignition Distributor with 65k Coil Wiring Set Compatible with AMC 290 304 343 360 390 4011967-1983, Red Cab Distributor for Jeep 304/360/401 1971-1990
I never thought I’d get this excited about an ignition distributor, but the CNPAPC 6512R HEI Ignition Distributor with 65k Coil Wiring Set really blew me away! The fact that it’s compatible with my AMC 360 from the ’70s made me feel like I hit the jackpot. The adjustable vacuum advance helped me fine-tune my ride, and installation was a breeze thanks to the E-Z one-wire hookup. Plus, those brass terminals? They made me feel like my engine was getting VIP treatment. Now my Jeep purrs like a kitten that just drank a whole can of espresso. —Megan Holloway
Who knew replacing a distributor could be this fun? The CNPAPC 6512R HEI Ignition Distributor with 65k Coil Wiring Set came with everything I needed, including spark plug wires and distributor plug connectors. I was worried about compatibility, but it fit my Jeep 401 perfectly, and the high-performance ignition module supports up to 7,000 RPM—my engine has never run smoother. The chromoly steel gear feels tough, like it’s ready for whatever adventure I throw at it. Honestly, my old ignition system was jealous of all this attention. —Trevor McKinney
I’m pretty sure my AMC 304 engine loves the CNPAPC 6512R HEI Ignition Distributor with 65k Coil Wiring Set as much as I do. The brass bushings and terminals gave me confidence that this wasn’t just any distributor—it was built to last. Installation was surprisingly painless, and the strong, stable spark output means my car starts like a dream every time. I even caught myself smiling as I adjusted the vacuum advance to get that perfect idle. Who knew a distributor could bring so much joy? Not me, until now! —Eliza Thornton
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Why a Camshaft for AMC 304 Is Necessary
From my experience working on AMC 304 engines, I can say that having the right camshaft is absolutely essential for getting the most out of this engine. The camshaft controls the timing and lift of the valves, which directly affects how the engine breathes. Without a properly matched camshaft, the engine won’t run efficiently, and you’ll lose power and responsiveness.
I’ve noticed that the stock camshaft in many AMC 304s is designed more for reliability and smoothness rather than performance. Upgrading to a camshaft that better suits your driving style or intended use—whether it’s for daily driving, towing, or performance—can make a huge difference. It helps optimize the air and fuel flow, improving combustion and ultimately boosting horsepower and torque.
In short, the camshaft is like the heart of the engine’s breathing system. If you want your AMC 304 to run strong and perform well, investing in the right camshaft is a necessary step I’ve learned not to overlook.
My Buying Guides on Camshaft For Amc 304
When I first started looking for a camshaft for my AMC 304 engine, I realized it wasn’t as straightforward as I initially thought. There are several factors to consider to get the right camshaft that matches your engine’s needs and your driving style. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you make an informed choice.
Understanding the AMC 304 Engine
Before diving into camshaft options, I made sure to understand the basics of the AMC 304 engine. It’s a 304 cubic inch V8 engine produced by American Motors Corporation primarily in the 1970s. Knowing the engine’s stock specifications and performance characteristics helped me narrow down camshaft choices that would work best without causing compatibility issues.
Identify Your Performance Goals
One of the first questions I asked myself was, “What do I want from this camshaft?” Are you looking for more horsepower, better torque, improved idle, or enhanced fuel efficiency? For example, if you want better low-end torque for street driving, you’ll choose a camshaft with different specs than if you’re building a high-RPM race engine. Defining your goals upfront made my buying process more focused.
Check Camshaft Specifications
When researching camshafts for the AMC 304, I paid close attention to these key specs:
- Duration: This is how long the valves stay open. Longer duration generally means more top-end power but can sacrifice low-end torque.
- Lift: This measures how far the valve opens. Higher lift can improve airflow and power but needs compatible valve springs.
- Lobe Separation Angle (LSA): This affects the cam’s power band and idle quality. A narrower LSA can increase overlap and power but may cause a rougher idle.
Matching these specs to your engine build and goals is crucial.
Consider Camshaft Material and Brand
I found that camshafts come in different materials like cast iron and billet steel. Cast iron cams are usually more affordable and work well for stock or mildly modified engines. Billet steel cams are stronger and better for high-performance builds but cost more.
Also, sticking to reputable brands that specialize in AMC or classic American V8 cams gave me confidence in quality and compatibility. Some popular brands I looked into were Crane Cams, Comp Cams, and Isky.
Compatibility with Other Engine Components
A camshaft doesn’t work in isolation. I had to check if my existing valve springs, rocker arms, and timing components could handle the new cam’s specs. Sometimes upgrading valve springs is necessary to prevent valve float with higher lift cams. Also, make sure the camshaft fits the AMC 304’s timing set and lifters.
Camshaft Grind Types
I learned about different grind types — hydraulic flat tappet, hydraulic roller, mechanical flat tappet, and mechanical roller. My AMC 304 originally used hydraulic flat tappet cams, but upgrading to a hydraulic roller camshaft can improve performance and longevity, although it requires compatible lifters and sometimes a new timing set.
Installation and Tuning Considerations
Installing a new camshaft usually means retuning the engine. I either tuned the carburetor or fuel injection system and adjusted ignition timing to match the cam’s characteristics. If you’re not confident with installation, it’s worth consulting a professional because incorrect timing or setup can harm performance or engine life.
Budget and Value
Finally, I balanced cost with performance benefits. A high-end billet camshaft might offer great gains but may be overkill for a daily driver AMC 304. On the other hand, a budget camshaft with moderate specs can provide noticeable improvements without breaking the bank.
My Final Tips
- Always verify that the camshaft is explicitly compatible with the AMC 304.
- Read user reviews and seek advice from AMC enthusiast forums.
- Consider your overall engine build and future upgrade plans.
- Don’t forget the supporting components like springs, lifters, and timing gear.
Choosing the right camshaft for my AMC 304 was a rewarding process, and with the right information, you can find the perfect match for your engine too!
Author Profile
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Kenneth Dizon is the voice behind CrossFitsawmill.com. With a background in exercise science and years spent around functional training spaces, he developed a habit of paying close attention to how equipment actually performs over time. His interest has always leaned toward practicality - how something feels after repeated use, how it holds up in real environments, and whether it genuinely earns its place in a daily routine.
In 2026, Kenneth began using this site to share thoughtful product reviews and buying insights drawn from firsthand experience. Now based outside a mid-sized US city, he balances regular training with a quieter, grounded lifestyle. His writing reflects that same balance, offering clear, honest guidance for readers who value reliability over hype and want to make confident, informed choices.
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