The 304 has plenty of poop to pop axles, it comes down to the driver and the trails, crap did I just say that.
Yup, I've broken d44 F&R axles with TBI 304 been on my lid a few times too. If the hot rodder in you has to have the put you back in the seat performance, you might as well get your EB back cause the MPG with a hot rodded 304 or 350 will stink.
Keep the 304 and 2bbl until it explodes.

SD

Yeah it's popular...but it don't help one damn thing! A .045 gap in a carbed engine is usless as tits on a boar hog.
Guys should research what junk they are putting on their rides and zackly WHAT that junk might improve...and maybe HOW the improvement will help!
A gap of .045 is for extreme lean mixtures which cannot be found in a carbed engine. And NO, one cannot advance the timing more due to the gap of the plug!!
As I said it is popular...but it is a USELESS modification in a carbed engine.
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

You know if you really want to start swapping things around cause you just have to change something, the swap I think I would be looking at for improved performance and improved fuel mileage would be Chevy LS1 or truck equivalent. You can get them with stand-alone computer systems for them too. It most likely wouldnÆt be a cheap swap, but I donÆt think you will get what you really want from upgrading the 304 or swapping to a 350. Yeah you can make changes that will give you more power, but typically you will always sacrifice fuel economy when you increase power on a given power plant. The LS1 is such a nice engine too, light and plenty of power even in stock form. I have wanted to do a LS1 swap into a Porsche 944 for a while, but I havenÆt had the cash to get the 944S rolling again in stock dress, let alone doing an engine swap. With your drive train its good if you donÆt abuse it. Like with anything more power or more throttle isnÆt always the answer, but if you take your time plan your lines and think about your right foot those components should hold up to ~350 HP with 35Æs IF you are careful. I have 35Æs on a reverse cut Dana 44 front and Ford 9.0ö rear on my Ford with 3.55 gears and both have held up just fine to what my 400 puts out (I am not sure on number, and I didnÆt build the engine but I know its more then stock).

By the way your jeep does sound like a pretty nice package, may I ask how much that ran you out in Cali? They would go for quite a bit out here if you find one for sale.

Sean

An AMC 360 390 or 401 would jump right in there!

I brought the Jeep home today and I have to say that the 304 and 2 barrel carb set up is going to be just fine for me. The carb was recently rebuilt and the Jeep has enough oomph to chirp the 33s shifting from first to second. I think I will be following your advice on the HEI upgrade. I have a lot of work set out before me and a lot to learn. I really appreciate the insight and input. I paid $3,800.00 for the Jeep because the seller gave me $100.00 back when he saw the water pump was starting to go out. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Guyver if it runs like you say it does the HEI won't do one damn thing for it! Most guys that THINK the HEI is wonderful have a poorly running engine that really needs a tune when they install the HEI! A simple tune would have done the EXACT thing for them!! Do some research and you won't spend the time and money!!
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

I appreciate your input Jim. The Jeep runs very well and although I haven't popped the cap yet the seller told me that it had been upgraded to electronic ignition. Did a '78 have points? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Not sure about the 78 304. I have a transplanted '75 360 in my 1977 CJ7, and it came with the magnetic pickup distributor -- no points.