97 Nautique 176 Engine Build

Hello, I have a 97 ski nautique 176 that recently lost a head gasket. I already have gt40p heads that I want to put on and just decided to rebuild the engine due to age and 900 hours. One of the pistons has some marking on it from some previous foreign material. What would you recommend for pistons? Also I had a cam research water ski cam for my old 83 2001 that I can't use. I figure I have a few more options being standard rotation. I plan on a cam, gt40p heads, 1.7 rollers and a rpm air gap or Weiand stealth intake. Want to make this little fly so what cam should I go with? I have tried to do some research but you mostly get rr cam specs. Long time member I just don't post often. Great group with knowledgeable people. I will try to post a picture of the boat.

Sealed Power has provided pistons to Mercury Marine for years now.   Mostly Hypereutectics, they work well in Marine applications.

Sorry meant the performer rpm. Too bad I have a brand new "water ski" cam from cam research for a rh 351w. Will be selling that if anyone is interested.

Zims, being a 1997 that may be a roller block. Cost shouldn’t be insane and you also won’t need to worry about a high zinc content oil if roller swapped. Engine performance will increase handily without loss of idle quality etc.

If you’re building 400 hp or less the normal edelbrock performer intake will be more than sufficient without the associated clearance issues.

I Second what Gary said. I used those pistons in HWs recent build and they look like very nice pieces for the money as well as very consistent in their clearance measurements.

You’ll need to swap distributor gears (maybe just upgrade to a DUI) to match the material the roller cam is made of and the 1.7s won’t be necessary. Just select your cam based on head specs and use the stock 1.6 ratio to keep geometry stock.

Bearing selection is another story but the guys here have a pretty good base of what we have used to suggest options if you need them.