should i get a cam ?

[merc53man]

I AM LOOKING TO GET A REBUILT 302 TO MUT IN ME 53 MERC. NO REAL INTERNAL MODS TO IT. PROBABLY JUST HEADERS, INTAKE, AND A HOLLEY 570 CARB PROBABLY. IM WONDERING IF I WILL NOTICE A WORTHY DIFFERENCE IF I GO FOR A MILD CAM UPGRADE FROM STOCK ?

[techinspector1]

If you do decide to change the cam, stay with something conservative that will work with a stock-type compression ratio. For instance, this cam is designed to work with c.r. from 8.0:1 up to 9.5:1 and it's a dual pattern cam, meaning there is more duration and lift on the exhaust side than there is on the intake side. You need that feature with stock-type heads because of the abysmal exhaust ports. It's ground on a 112 degree LSA, so idle would be smooth and there should be ample manifold vacuum to operate brakes and other vacuum-driven accessories. I'm not saying that you should buy this particular cam, I'm just using it to make a point. Call your favorite cam grinder and ask for a recommendation.
http://www.cranecams.com/?show=brows...tType=camshaft

[timothale]

The 5.0 ho motors used a Marine (Boat engine) cam thad has the 351 firing order and roller timing chains. they work Ok the spark plug wires have to be changed around to match the H O firing order the new firing order puts less strain on the crankshaft at 7 & 8 the cam gave mor horse power and still passed smog.

[thesals]

5.0 h.o. only had the marine cam 3 years, in 87 they switched to the hydraulic roller which gave more power to the motor but kept the 351 firing order....