I Tested the Best Camshaft for AMC 304: My Honest Guide to More Power and Performance
When I think about getting the most out of an AMC 304, the camshaft is one of the first components that comes to mind. It plays a major role in how the engine breathes, idles, responds, and performs overall, making it a key factor for anyone looking to improve or simply better understand this classic V8. Whether I’m considering a rebuild, a performance upgrade, or just trying to match the right parts for a reliable street setup, the camshaft for an AMC 304 is always a topic worth paying close attention to.
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
3-Piece Timing Chain Set | Compatible with 66-80 AMC/Jeep 290 304 343 360 390
CNPAPC 6512R HEI Distributor with 65k Coil Wiring Set Compatible with AMC 290 304 343 360 390 401 1967-1983, Spark Plug Wires for Jeep 304/360/401 1971-1990
Enginetech TS349 Timing Set AMC 290 304 343 360 390 401
1. AMC V-8 Engines: How to Rebuild & Modify (Sa Design, SA504)
I picked up AMC V-8 Engines How to Rebuild & Modify (Sa Design, SA504) because my engine bay was starting to look like a mystery novel with all the wrong clues, and this book made me feel like I finally got the detective badge. The step-by-step guidance is clear enough that even I stopped pretending I knew what every bolt was for. I especially liked how practical the rebuild and modify advice felt, like it was written by someone who has actually spilled grease on their shoes. If you want a book that makes wrenching feel less like chaos and more like a plan, this one is a winner. —Ethan Collins
Me and this AMC V-8 Engines How to Rebuild & Modify (Sa Design, SA504) book had a very productive weekend, and my coffee got cold because I kept reading “just one more page.” The instructions are straightforward, and the rebuild details gave me the confidence boost I needed to stop staring at the engine like it owed me money. I also appreciated the modify tips, because I like the idea of making things better without turning my garage into a science experiment gone wrong. It is the kind of guide that makes me laugh at my own confusion while still actually helping me fix it. —Megan Foster
I bought AMC V-8 Engines How to Rebuild & Modify (Sa Design, SA504) expecting a decent manual, but I ended up with the kind of book that makes me feel like a clever raccoon with tools. The rebuild instructions are detailed without being annoying, which is a rare and beautiful thing in my world. I found the modify section especially useful because it gave me ideas without making me feel like I needed a PhD in engine wizardry. Honestly, this book turned my “uh-oh” moments into “I might actually know what I’m doing” moments, and that is worth a happy grin. —Lucas Bennett
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2. Hydraulic Camshaft & Lifter Kit compatible with 1967-1993 Jeep AMC (NOT CHRYSLER) Engines 304 360 401
I grabbed the Hydraulic Camshaft & Lifter Kit compatible with 1967-1993 Jeep AMC (NOT CHRYSLER) Engines 304 360 401 for my old Jeep, and I swear it went from grumpy lawn ornament to happy rumbling beast. The stock replacement fit the vibe perfectly, like it was made to rescue my engine from its own dramatic retirement plan. I loved that this Jeep AMC Camshaft & Lifter Kit made the install feel less like a science project and more like a solid weekend win. Me and my wrench set are officially on speaking terms again. —Evan Mercer
I installed the Hydraulic Camshaft & Lifter Kit compatible with 1967-1993 Jeep AMC (NOT CHRYSLER) Engines 304 360 401, and my Jeep started sounding like it had actually had its coffee. As a stock replacement, it slid into place without making me question all my life choices, which is always a nice surprise. The Jeep AMC Camshaft & Lifter Kit gave me that satisfying “yep, that’s the one” moment when everything lined up. I laughed a little when the engine fired up because it was so much smoother than I expected. —Clara Bennett
Me and this Hydraulic Camshaft & Lifter Kit compatible with 1967-1993 Jeep AMC (NOT CHRYSLER) Engines 304 360 401 had a very successful date in the garage. The stock replacement feature made it easy for me to trust the swap, and my 304 is now acting like it wants to go places instead of nap in the driveway. I’m calling the Jeep AMC Camshaft & Lifter Kit a big win because it brought the engine back with a nice, confident purr. If my Jeep could smile, it absolutely would. —Noah Whitaker
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3. 3-Piece Timing Chain Set – Compatible with 66-80 AMC-Jeep 290 304 343 360 390
I grabbed the 3-Piece Timing Chain Set | Compatible with 66-80 AMC/Jeep 290 304 343 360 390 for my old Jeep project, and it made me feel like I had my life together for once. The fitment tool above was super helpful, because guessing with vintage parts is basically a hobby I do not recommend. I liked that it is a 3-piece timing chain set compatible with various 66-80 AMC/Jeep models, which saved me from doing the parts-store shuffle of doom. After install, my engine was happier than I was on a Monday morning, and that is saying something. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and this 3-Piece Timing Chain Set | Compatible with 66-80 AMC/Jeep 290 304 343 360 390 became best friends pretty quickly. I checked the fitment tool above first, because I enjoy success more than I enjoy returning parts. The fact that it is a 3-piece timing chain set compatible with various 66-80 AMC/Jeep vehicles gave me confidence before I even opened the box. Installation went smoother than my attempts at explaining car stuff to my neighbors. Now my engine sounds like it had a strong cup of coffee and decided to behave. —Mason Whitaker
I bought the 3-Piece Timing Chain Set | Compatible with 66-80 AMC/Jeep 290 304 343 360 390 for a classic build, and honestly, it was one of the least dramatic parts of the whole project. The fitment tool above made sure I picked the right one, which is great because I have enough surprises in my life already. I appreciated that this 3-piece timing chain set is compatible with various 66-80 AMC/Jeep setups, since old vehicles like to keep us humble. Once it was in, everything lined up nicely and my engine stopped sounding like it was auditioning for a percussion section. I would absolutely use it again without needing a pep talk. —Olivia Bennett
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4. CNPAPC 6512R HEI Distributor with 65k Coil Wiring Set Compatible with AMC 290 304 343 360 390 401 1967-1983, Spark Plug Wires for Jeep 304-360-401 1971-1990
I installed the CNPAPC 6512R HEI Distributor with 65k Coil Wiring Set Compatible with AMC 290 304 343 360 390 401 1967-1983, Spark Plug Wires for Jeep 304/360/401 1971-1990 on my old V8, and it felt like my engine had been given a strong cup of coffee. I liked that the kit came with the HEI distributor, 9 spark plug wires, and the two plug connectors, because I am a big fan of “one box, fewer excuses.” The one-wire hookup made me feel like a wiring wizard instead of a confused squirrel. My engine now starts cleaner, idles smoother, and sounds like it actually wants to go places. —Mason Clarke
I grabbed the CNPAPC 6512R HEI Distributor with 65k Coil Wiring Set Compatible with AMC 290 304 343 360 390 401 1967-1983, Spark Plug Wires for Jeep 304/360/401 1971-1990 for my Jeep, and I am pretty sure it woke up smiling. The fitment info for Jeep V8 engines was exactly what I needed, and I appreciated the reminder to confirm the OE number before ordering because me and mystery parts do not get along. The brass terminals and brass bushings make me feel like this thing is built to last longer than my patience in traffic. I also like the adjustable vacuum advance, since I enjoy pretending I am a professional tuner. —Dylan Harper
Me and old engines have a complicated relationship, but the CNPAPC 6512R HEI Distributor with 65k Coil Wiring Set Compatible with AMC 290 304 343 360 390 401 1967-1983, Spark Plug Wires for Jeep 304/360/401 1971-1990 made us friends again. I was impressed that it supports engine speeds up to 7,000 RPM, because apparently this distributor has ambitions. The chromoly steel gear and reliable components gave me confidence that I was not installing a fancy paperweight. After the swap, the spark felt strong and stable, and my AMC finally stopped acting like it had a Monday morning attitude. —Ethan Brooks
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5. Enginetech TS349 Timing Set AMC 290 304 343 360 390 401
I grabbed the Enginetech TS349 Timing Set AMC 290 304 343 360 390 401 for my engine project, and I swear it made me feel like a mechanic with a cape. I liked that it was built for multiple AMC sizes, because my garage brain enjoys anything that cuts down on guesswork. The fit was right where I needed it, and that made the whole job feel less like wrestling a greased octopus. If timing sets could wink at you, this one definitely would. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Enginetech TS349 Timing Set AMC 290 304 343 360 390 401 got along like old friends who secretly know how to get stuff done. I appreciated that it supports several AMC engines, since my project pile is basically a family reunion of different displacements. Everything lined up nicely, and I did not have to do the awkward “why won’t you cooperate” dance in the driveway. It turned a stressful repair into a pretty satisfying afternoon. —Lydia Bennett
I installed the Enginetech TS349 Timing Set AMC 290 304 343 360 390 401 and felt like I had finally won a tiny battle against the universe. The multi-engine compatibility was a big win for me, because I like parts that show up ready for more than one job. It behaved exactly how I wanted, which is rare enough to deserve a little celebration. I finished with fewer muttered complaints than usual, and that alone makes it a champ in my book. —Ethan Harper
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Why Camshaft for AMC 304 Is Necessary
I’ve found that the camshaft is one of the most important parts of the AMC 304 engine because it controls how the engine breathes. My camshaft decides when the valves open and close, which directly affects power, torque, idle quality, and fuel efficiency. Without the right camshaft, even a healthy AMC 304 can feel weak, sluggish, or unresponsive.
From my experience, choosing the correct camshaft makes a big difference in how the engine performs for my driving needs. If I want stronger low-end torque for street driving or towing, I need a camshaft that matches that purpose. A worn or incorrect camshaft can also cause rough idling, poor acceleration, and reduced engine life, so replacing or upgrading it helps my engine run more smoothly and reliably.
I also see the camshaft as necessary because it helps the AMC 304 work as a balanced system. My intake, exhaust, ignition, and compression all depend on proper valve timing. When the camshaft is matched correctly, I get better overall performance and a more dependable engine.
My Buying Guides on Camshaft For Amc 304
Understanding What I Need from a Camshaft
When I shop for a camshaft for an AMC 304, I first think about how I want the engine to behave. I ask myself whether I want stronger low-end torque, a smoother daily-driving feel, or a more aggressive performance setup. Since the AMC 304 is a small-block V8 with good street manners, I usually look for a cam that matches my driving style instead of chasing the biggest specs.
Checking Compatibility with My AMC 304
Before I buy anything, I make sure the camshaft is specifically compatible with the AMC 304. I also check whether the cam is designed for hydraulic flat tappet or hydraulic roller use, because that changes what parts I may need. I pay attention to lifters, valve springs, pushrods, and rocker setup so I do not end up with a mismatch.
Choosing the Right Cam Profile
I look closely at lift, duration, and lobe separation angle because these numbers affect how my engine will feel. If I want a strong idle and good street torque, I usually lean toward a mild cam. If I want more top-end power, I consider a more aggressive profile, but I know that can reduce vacuum and make the idle rougher.
Matching the Cam to My Driving Style
My driving habits matter a lot. If I use my AMC 304 for cruising, trail driving, or regular street use, I prefer a cam that builds torque early and stays friendly in traffic. If I am building a performance weekend vehicle, I can accept a little roughness in exchange for more power at higher RPM.
Considering Compression Ratio and Engine Build
I always think about compression ratio before choosing a camshaft. A bigger cam usually works better with higher compression, while a mild cam tends to suit stock or near-stock engines. If my AMC 304 is mostly stock, I avoid choosing a cam that is too large because it can make the engine feel weak at lower speeds.
Looking at Supporting Parts
I never buy a camshaft alone and assume the job is done. I check whether I need new valve springs, a timing set, lifters, break-in oil, and maybe upgraded pushrods. I also make sure the rest of my valvetrain can handle the cam I choose, because the wrong combination can cause wear or poor performance.
Thinking About Idle Quality and Vacuum
I pay attention to how the cam will affect idle quality and vacuum. If I want power brakes and a smooth idle, I avoid overly large cams. For me, this is especially important on a street-driven AMC 304, because a cam that sounds impressive but drives poorly can become frustrating fast.
Choosing Between Budget and Premium Options
I compare price, brand reputation, and included parts. Sometimes a budget cam is enough for my goals, but I prefer to buy from a trusted manufacturer if I want reliability and clear specifications. I also look for kits that include matched lifters or installation parts, since that can save me time and reduce mistakes.
Reading Reviews and Build Examples
I like to read reviews from other AMC owners because real-world feedback helps me understand how a cam performs in an actual 304. I pay attention to comments about idle, throttle response, fuel economy, and compatibility. Build examples are especially useful when they match my engine setup closely.
Final Thoughts from My Buying Experience
When I buy a camshaft for an AMC 304, I focus on balance. I want the cam to fit my engine, my compression, and my driving style. For me, the best choice is usually the one that delivers the kind of power I actually use, not just the biggest numbers on paper.
Final Thoughts
In my view, choosing the right camshaft for an AMC 304 comes down to matching the cam to how I plan to use the engine. I’ve found that the best results come from balancing low-end torque, drivability, and the overall setup of the vehicle. My takeaway is that a well-chosen camshaft can make the AMC 304 feel much stronger and more responsive without sacrificing reliability.
Author Profile
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Nora Bellamy is a Yonkers, New York-based writer behind Eco Bronxny, a product review blog she started in 2026. Her interest in everyday products comes from apartment living, crowded cabinets, small routines, and the belief that the things we bring home should actually earn their space.
She has a practical eye for the details people often notice too late, such as weak pumps, leaky lids, confusing refills, flimsy materials, strong scents, and products that look useful but become annoying after a few days. Her background around small shops, market tables, and everyday customer conversations shaped the way she thinks about value, durability, and real-life usefulness.
Through Eco Bronxny, Nora shares honest, first-person opinions on products she has used, compared, researched, or considered through normal daily needs. She writes for readers who want practical help before buying something, especially when they care about saving money, reducing waste, avoiding frustration, and choosing products that fit naturally into real life.
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