after the setback we bought another engine from a friend and got it running, enough of that lets tear it apart and start making changes

The new engine is a 256 merc and we are hoping to use the cam from the 292 in it...I measured the bearing journals on both cams and they both come in around 1.192 (if I remember correctly, anyhow, they appeared to be the same size) BUT the 292 cam has the grooved journal whereas the 256 cam doesnt...can I use the grooved journal cam in the merc block with its original bearings? The engine had real good, steady oil pressure so I'd like to keep them if possible

some new pics will be up soon, thanks again for all your help and patience!!