Need advise on rebuilding a 304

[76levis]

I am new to this forum and am in need of some help on my project. I have a bone stock 1976 CJ-7 all original from the original owner. I am in the middle of doing a full nut and bolt restoration. I am going in the "resto-mod" direction so it will have a lift and tires, Edelbrocks headers with air tubes to retain the emmisions system,and a dual exhaust.
Just doing a couple of things you would have done to modify a Jeep in the 70's
I want to get some more H.P. out of the 304 while keeping it looking original.

Things like better compression pistons, bigger 2 bbl carb,a better camshaft,etc... I would like to get 250 ish out of her while keeping it look stock.

Sorry for the long post but I thought all the more info the better.

[73hornut]

Start with a 360.

[ironman_gq]

take .020 off the heads or try to aim for 9:1 get a good ignition, go for a cam that will peak in the range you intend to use. Get a motorcraft 2100/2150 off a ford truck. use google to see which numbers are which side carb.

[JERSEYJOE]

Like Ironman said, go for 9:1 compression. Your best boost here will be in the cam selection. The stock 304 grind was very mild. Keep the other rebuild stuff simple and stock. Unless you must run the Motorcraft 2 bbl, I would suggest the Holley 2 bbl replacement.