350 rebuild questions...

[ryanmhale]

i'm helping my buddy repower his boat... he's got a 350 mercruiser (seized) coming out and he's got an old chevy 350 block we're rebuilding that's going in... he's re-using the mercruiser cam and waterpump, not much else except the edlebrock 650 cfm carb... is their going to be any issues re-using either of the two from the old motor or should he replace them as well? any other issues that need to be addressed to make it marine worthy? thanks in advanced

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: 350 rebuild questions...

I would never reuse a cam from a bad motor. They are to cheap to replace. See this page. http://www.naparts.com/ProductDetail.cfm?ProductId=688

 

[Fishermark]

Re: 350 rebuild questions...

I agree on reusing the old cam. If he does reuse the cam and decides to reuse the lifters, make sure to keep them together... same lobe with same lifter. But a new cam and lifters would be far better.

Also, make sure the block is of the same vintage - one piece main to one piece main, etc. Otherwise you will need a different coupler and maybe some other items as well.

 

[AdamB]

Re: 350 rebuild questions...

If going thru all the trouble of rebuilding, I definitely wouldn't reuse the old cam. I would have it (the new old block) checked at a machine shop, hot tanked etc., then have new cam bearings installed and then install everything new.

That's just me though. If you're gonna do it, might as well do it right. I just blew up my 7.4 merc, I'm rebuilding it completely forged internals and stroking it to a 496.

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: 350 rebuild questions...

Use marine head gaskets & brass freeze plugs (especially for salt water use)... and make sure to use the marine alternator, starter, distributor (all electrical components need to be marine).

 

[Windykid]

Re: 350 rebuild questions...

I would put a new cam and lifters in. Hydraulic lifters will trap minute pieces of metal that later will flow trough the new motor and eat it as well.