camshaft question

ok im gonna buy a new cam for a motor that i am going to put into a boat that i got. the motor that came out of the boat is totaly siezed up and wont move a bit. its a 1971 that has a chevy 350 in it and is 270 hp. now the question i have do i buy the camshaft for a 71 350 mercruiser or do i buy a camshaft for the year of the motor that is going into the boat?

Camshaft Left-Hand Small Block GM 270 HP 350 cid, Mercruiser
Camshaft Fits Left-Hand Chevy 327 cid (1967-1969); 350 (1969-1972)
or

Camshaft Flat Tappet Small Block GM V8 Left-Hand
Marine Flat Tappet Cam for GM small block V8 Left-Hand

i dont know if all camshafts are the same size in diaminator and will interchange. any help before i buy the wrong camshaft

Re: camshaft question

I would imagine that all 350 cams are the same (block fit, that is) at least until they went to the roller cams. Beyond that, you just want to use a marine grind from a reputable source.

You could check with Delta Cams of Seattle WA (google them) they have an excellent reputation for regrinds and have a good selection of profiles. A regrind will cost a fraction of a new cam (probably under $100) and for that 350 you may not even have to send your cam in.

Of course you would have to get new lifters regardless and check with the vendor for their ZDDP break in lube, otherwize you will smoke a new stick post haste, with today's 'green' oils.

Re: camshaft question

What year is the engine you are going to use?

Pre '87 - parts are interchangable
'87+ - there are multiple changes at different times to watch out for.