American Motors: 304 year changes, vacuum hoses, torque cam

Question
I have a 1979 304 in a cj5. I understand that the 79 engine has about 30 horsepower less than the earlier 70 models. What can I do to increase the horsepower to the earlier ranges or higher?

Answer
The engines in 1979 sufffered from Uncle Sam's involvement. Emissions. Different cylinder heads were the biggest item changed lowering compression;
ALong with EGR valves and 3 miles of vacuum hoses running to different valves.
Though you will not get back to the "Brake Horsepower" days, you can always do the basic.
1) A good valve job
2) Aluminum dual plane manifold
3) 600/650 cfm carburetor
4) A good high torque cam
5) Tubular headers with low restriction mufflers
6) a good distributor with maybe MSD box
This will give you plenty of power for your CJ.
Of course, if you have the money, you can have the horsepower.
How much do you want to spend?