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Mercruiser 350 cam selection

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Old 02-05-2022, 11:23 PM
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Default Mercruiser 350 cam selection

I have a 2000-2002, not sure of the exact year due to the missing serial tag, 350 MAG MPI. I have the top end torn down to replace the head gaskets, intake manifold, timing chain, and have a valve job done. While I have it torn apart, would it be worth it to replace the camshaft and if so what should I go with over the Mercruiser OEM? I’m only asking because I have it this far apart already and wouldn’t mind a little more power, be it out of the hole or on the top end. I have bortech heads with 1.6 full roller rockers. Pros and cons?
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Old 02-06-2022, 06:22 AM
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Gains would be so minimal you wouldn’t see or feel it.
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Old 02-06-2022, 06:29 AM
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Originally Posted by getrdunn
Gains would be so minimal you wouldn’t see or feel it.
I thought that may be the case. Thank you
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Old 02-06-2022, 01:28 PM
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So you are going to 1.6 ratio rockers?? That will be similar to going with slightly larger cam. Will probably add 5-10hp or so.
For that minimal change, you should be ok with the stock ecm tune. Cam swap would need a retune of the ecm and any decent size cam will require an exhaust upgrade.
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Old 02-06-2022, 03:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Griff
So you are going to 1.6 ratio rockers?? That will be similar to going with slightly larger cam. Will probably add 5-10hp or so.
For that minimal change, you should be ok with the stock ecm tune. Cam swap would need a retune of the ecm and any decent size cam will require an exhaust upgrade.
yes to the rockers and thanks for the advice on the tune.
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Old 02-06-2022, 06:34 PM
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Check what your final lift is, the stock springs are limited to .480” lift if I remember right. I believe it was comp who made some springs they called beehive that would do more without any machine work on the heads.
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Old 02-06-2022, 06:52 PM
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It's a shame super chargers are so expensive, else I'd slap 2 on my boat (twin 350s).
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Old 02-06-2022, 08:11 PM
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While you've got it torn that far down and if you have a the budget, new heads coupled with a cam would definitely be a nice addition I would imagine.
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Old 02-06-2022, 08:51 PM
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Originally Posted by CharlieWhiskey85
While you've got it torn that far down and if you have a the budget, new heads coupled with a cam would definitely be a nice addition I would imagine.
I really don’t have the funds for new heads. Thanks.
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Old 02-06-2022, 09:32 PM
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Are the stock heads vortex and do they have inconel exhaust valves?
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