304 2V versus 258 2V?

[Blown7]

Back in 1988 I installed a AMC 360 in a 1983 Eagle wagon.. it was way cool.

But you have to make a custom header for the left side of the vehicle to get the steering rod thru to the steering box.

And of course new custom engine/differential mounts.. I still have a pattern set.

I was able to use my stock 304 manifolds

I never considered using stock manifolds... I mean if your going V8... you gotta let the engine eat.

But I did use car in frame headers.

[carnuck]

AMC V8 stock exhaust manifolds are nearly as clean flowing as headers. They even won an award for it.

[tlake]

  For sound no doubt the V8 has the edge, what a shame it was so hard to find in an AMC small car by this time (1976-80). I got some perf figures, Cadillac Seville with injected Olds 350 V8 automatic 0-60 mph 13.3 seconds (Road & Track Oct. 1975). Pacer X 258 2V automatic 0-60 mph 13.4 seconds (Car and Driver May 1976). Not bad, but a V8 always sounds better. Mind you, comparing stock 304 and 258 there is the weight distribution issue, which was mentioned above.