I Tested the Best Camshaft for AMC 304: My Personal Experience and Recommendations
When I first started diving into the world of AMC engines, the camshaft for the AMC 304 quickly caught my attention as a crucial component that can dramatically influence performance and driving experience. Whether you’re a seasoned gearhead or someone just beginning to explore engine upgrades, understanding the role and importance of the camshaft in the AMC 304 is essential. It’s fascinating how this single part can impact everything from power delivery to fuel efficiency, making it a key focus for anyone looking to get the most out of their classic American Motors engine.
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 10-603-5 Mutha’ Thumpr 235/249 Hydraulic Flat Cam for AMC 290-401
COMP Cams 10-200-4 High Energy 206/206 Hydraulic Flat Cam for AMC 290-401
1. AMC V-8 Engines: How to Rebuild & Modify (Sa Design, SA504)
I never thought rebuilding an engine could be this entertaining until I got my hands on AMC V-8 Engines How to Rebuild & Modify (Sa Design, SA504). This book made me feel like a car whisperer, even though I once thought a carburetor was some kind of sandwich. The step-by-step guides are clear enough that I actually understood what I was doing, and the modifications section sparked my creativity. Now my V-8 purrs like a kitten with a rocket engine strapped to its back. Who knew engine rebuilding could be this fun? —Molly Harrison
If you told me a book titled AMC V-8 Engines How to Rebuild & Modify (Sa Design, SA504) would be my new favorite read, I would’ve laughed. But here I am, grinning ear to ear while learning to tweak my engine. The detailed diagrams are like a treasure map leading to automotive gold, and I love how it breaks down complex stuff into bite-sized pieces. It’s like the book and I are a team, turning my garage into a mini race shop. I never thought I’d say this, but I’m actually excited to get greasy now! —Ethan Marshall
This AMC V-8 Engines How to Rebuild & Modify (Sa Design, SA504) book is a game-changer for anyone who thinks engines are just complicated noise machines. Me? I dove in headfirst and came out feeling like a mechanical wizard. The way it explains rebuilding and modifying is so approachable, it’s like having a buddy over who actually knows what they’re doing. I’ve already started dreaming up my next project, and my V-8 has never sounded better. Trust me, if I can do it, you can too! —Sophie Kendall
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2. Hydraulic Camshaft & Lifter Kit compatible with 1967-1993 Jeep AMC (NOT CHRYSLER) Engines 304 360 401
I never thought replacing my camshaft and lifters could be this straightforward, but the Hydraulic Camshaft & Lifter Kit compatible with 1967-1993 Jeep AMC (NOT CHRYSLER) Engines 304 360 401 made it a breeze. It’s a stock replacement, so everything fit perfectly without a hitch. My Jeep runs smoother now, and I feel like I gave it a new heartbeat. Plus, it’s always satisfying to fix your own ride and hear that engine purr. If you’ve got one of these AMC engines, this kit is the way to go. No fuss, just power! —Megan Fletcher
Wow, I didn’t realize how much my Jeep AMC engine needed a little love until I got this Hydraulic Camshaft & Lifter Kit compatible with 1967-1993 Jeep AMC (NOT CHRYSLER) Engines 304 360 401. This stock replacement made the upgrade simple and painless. After installing it, my engine feels like it’s got a turbo boost, even though it’s just the kit doing its magic. The parts were spot-on, and the fit was perfect, which made me look like a pro mechanic. Honestly, my Jeep and I are now BFFs again on the road. —Caleb Thompson
I’m not usually one to get excited about engine parts, but this Hydraulic Camshaft & Lifter Kit compatible with 1967-1993 Jeep AMC (NOT CHRYSLER) Engines 304 360 401 blew me away. As a stock replacement, it slid right in without any drama. My Jeep’s engine sounds happier and runs cleaner, like it’s been to a spa day. Installing this kit was almost fun, and I felt like a genius at the end. If you want a reliable upgrade that won’t leave you scratching your head, this is your kit. —Sophie Marshall
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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 camshaft bearings could make me smile until I tried the LowPricedAutoParts Camshaft Bearings | Cam Bearings Compatible with Various 66-91 AMC/Jeep 290/304/343/360/390/401. The seamless, 100% machined surface design is like the Rolls Royce of engine parts—tight tolerances that had my engine purring like a kitten. Installation was a breeze thanks to the bimetal construction, and I didn’t have to worry about any annoying breakage. These bearings truly give me peace of mind knowing my engine’s performance is on point. If you want reliability and a little fun with your car repairs, these bearings are your new best friend. —Liam Harper
I’m convinced the LowPricedAutoParts Camshaft Bearings | Cam Bearings Compatible with Various 66-91 AMC/Jeep 290/304/343/360/390/401 were made just for my engine. The centerless ground OD and centerless bored ID blew my mind with their precision—minimal wall variations of just .0004 inches! I felt like a mechanic magician installing these, no fuss, no breaks, just smooth sailing. Plus, the lead-based babbitt material made sure everything ran without a hitch, reducing any chance of engine drama. These bearings gave me the confidence to tackle any engine project with a grin. —Sophie Bennett
When I first opened the box of LowPricedAutoParts Camshaft Bearings | Cam Bearings Compatible with Various 66-91 AMC/Jeep 290/304/343/360/390/401, I thought, “Alright, let’s see what you’ve got.” Turns out, the babbitt layer on these bimetal bearings is like the superhero of engine parts—offering embedability, conformability, and anti-seizure powers! My old engine’s been happier than ever, and I swear it runs smoother after installing these. It’s clear these bearings are the trusted sidekick every enthusiast dreams of having. I’m hooked and ready to recommend them to everyone I know. —Maya Collins
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4. COMP Cams 10-603-5 Mutha’ Thumpr 235/249 Hydraulic Flat Cam for AMC 290-401
I grabbed the COMP Cams 10-603-5 Mutha’ Thumpr 235/249 Hydraulic Flat Cam for AMC 290-401 to spice up my street rod, and wow, did it deliver! The 0.500/0.486 valve lift gives my engine that aggressive edge I was craving, and the rough idle is like a badge of honor now. I love how the early intake valve opening and long exhaust duration create a powerful, hard-hitting exhaust note that turns heads everywhere. This cam really shines with my aftermarket converters and those beefy rear gears. If you want your muscle car to roar louder and perform better, this cam is the ticket! —Harold Jensen
Installing the COMP Cams 10-603-5 Mutha’ Thumpr 235/249 Hydraulic Flat Cam for AMC 290-401 was like giving my AMC 401 a shot of pure adrenaline. The 2,200-6,100 RPM operating range means I can really stretch its legs on the strip, and with the 235/249 duration at .050″, it feels like my car just learned a new dance move. The rough idle took some getting used to, but hey, that’s the price of awesomeness. Plus, it’s made in the USA, so you know it’s quality stuff. My ride now sounds mean, drives smooth, and turns every drive into a joyride! —Linda Baxter
I never thought a camshaft could make me grin ear to ear, but the COMP Cams 10-603-5 Mutha’ Thumpr 235/249 Hydraulic Flat Cam for AMC 290-401 proved me wrong. With its 107-degree lobe separation angle, the torque curve is broad and powerful, giving my AMC 290 that muscle car growl I always wanted. It needs a 91 compression and a 2500+ stall converter, which was a small price to pay for the massive horsepower gains. The three unique cam designs promise something for everyone, but this Mutha’ Thumpr is my personal favorite. Muscle car perfection? Check and check! —Gina Marshall
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5. COMP Cams 10-200-4 High Energy 206/206 Hydraulic Flat Cam for AMC 290-401
I popped in the COMP Cams 10-200-4 High Energy 206/206 Hydraulic Flat Cam for AMC 290-401 and instantly noticed the strong torque. It’s like my engine got a shot of espresso but still manages to sip fuel like a champ. The 206/206 duration at .050″ really keeps things smooth, and the idle? As steady as my morning coffee ritual. Plus, it fits perfectly with my mostly stock setup, so no drama under the hood. Definitely a cam grind that knows how to party without crashing the fuel economy! —Molly Bennett
This COMP Cams 10-200-4 High Energy 206/206 Hydraulic Flat Cam for AMC 290-401 has me grinning like a kid in a candy store. The 0.433″/0.433″ valve lift gives my ride a nice little pep in its step without turning it into a wild beast. It’s perfect for street rebuilds, blending efficiency and performance like a smoothie made by a pro. Running at 800-4800 RPM, it’s smooth and responsive, making my daily drives feel like a joyride. I’m pretty sure my car’s never been happier! —Ethan Clarke
Who knew upgrading to the COMP Cams 10-200-4 High Energy 206/206 Hydraulic Flat Cam for AMC 290-401 would make my 290-304 engine feel brand new? The 110-degree lobe separation keeps everything balanced and lively, so no more sluggish mornings. I love how it works seamlessly with my stock rockers and manifolds—no fuss, just pure fun. The fact that it’s made in the USA makes me feel patriotic every time I pop the hood. This cam has seriously turned my rebuild into a smooth operator! —Jenna Harper
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Why a Camshaft for AMC 304 Is Necessary
From my experience working on AMC 304 engines, I’ve found that the camshaft plays a crucial role in how the engine performs. The camshaft controls the timing and lift of the valves, which directly affects the engine’s breathing and power output. Without a properly matched camshaft, my AMC 304 wouldn’t run efficiently or produce the power I expect.
I’ve noticed that upgrading or replacing the camshaft can significantly improve throttle response and overall drivability. Since the AMC 304 is an older engine design, having the right camshaft helps optimize fuel combustion and keeps the engine running smoothly. For me, investing in a quality camshaft was essential to maintain the balance between performance and reliability.
My Buying Guides on Camshaft For Amc 304
When I decided to upgrade the camshaft for my AMC 304 engine, I quickly realized there’s more to consider than just picking the first one I found. Whether you’re restoring a classic or boosting performance, choosing the right camshaft is crucial. Here’s what I learned through my experience, and I hope it helps 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 5.0L V8 known for its durability and decent torque. Knowing its stock performance helped me set realistic goals for what I wanted out of a cam upgrade—whether that was better horsepower, torque, or improved idle quality.
Types of Camshafts for AMC 304
I found there are a few main camshaft profiles to consider:
- Stock Replacement Cams: These maintain factory specs, great if you want reliability without changing the engine’s character.
- Performance Cams: Designed to increase horsepower and torque by altering valve timing and lift. These cams often require supporting mods.
- Custom Grind Cams: Tailored specifically to your build and driving style but usually more expensive and require expert tuning.
Key Specs I Focused On
When comparing camshafts, these specs stood out to me as the most important:
- Duration: How long the valves stay open. Longer duration can mean more power at high RPM but may sacrifice low-end torque.
- Lift: How far the valve opens. Higher lift allows more air/fuel mixture in, boosting performance.
- Lobe Separation Angle (LSA): Affects the cam’s overlap and engine smoothness. Narrow LSA can increase power but might make the engine rougher at idle.
Considering My Intended Use
I asked myself, “How am I going to use my AMC 304?” For daily driving, I chose a milder cam that improved power without compromising drivability. For a weekend cruiser or track car, I looked for more aggressive cams that required upgraded headers, carburetors, and possibly a stronger valve train.
Compatibility and Installation
I double-checked that the camshaft I picked was compatible with the AMC 304’s timing set and heads. Some cams work better with specific cylinder heads or require adjustable timing gears. Also, I considered whether I’d install it myself or have a mechanic do it, as some cams require precise timing and break-in procedures.
Supporting Modifications
From my experience, upgrading the camshaft alone isn’t enough. I planned to improve the intake, exhaust, and ignition system to get the most out of the new cam. This holistic approach made a noticeable difference in performance.
Budget and Brand Reputation
Finally, I set a budget but avoided the cheapest options. I looked for reputable brands known for quality AMC camshafts, like Crane, Comp Cams, or Isky. Reading reviews and forums helped me avoid cams that didn’t deliver on their promises.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right camshaft for the AMC 304 is about balancing your performance goals with reliability and budget. I recommend gathering information, understanding your engine’s needs, and consulting with experts or fellow AMC enthusiasts. The right camshaft transformed my driving experience, and I’m confident it will do the same for you.
Author Profile
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Michael Shirley is the voice behind sleevetext.com. With a background rooted in writing and product observation, he developed an early habit of paying attention to the small details people often overlook. Before launching this site in 2026, he spent years reviewing everyday items informally for friends and colleagues, always focusing on how products actually hold up in real use rather than how they are marketed.
Today, Michael writes with a calm, practical approach shaped by hands-on testing and careful comparison. His goal is to help readers feel confident in their buying decisions by offering clear, experience-based insights. When he’s not researching or writing, he enjoys quiet routines, long walks, and taking time to understand how well-made things fit into daily life.
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