I'd say the cam is important, depending on what year 235 cam you are using.
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/1929_57chevyparts/57cmpc0142.htmHopefully, someone will correct/clarify this: there are different "235 cams" in different years. It looks like all 235/261 truck cams from 54-57 were the same.
The 261 truck cam was used in the 53-55 Corvette 235 (it was/is a higher lift cam). And, presumably the 261 cam could be used in other 54-57 235 blocks? I'll be putting one that I bought (from a Corvette 235 engine builder) into a 1954 235.
However, there are other 53-57 car 235 cams that are different (and might not provide the higher-lift of a 261 cam).
1958-1963 235 and 261 cams may or may not have been the same - does anyone have a Master Parts Book that goes beyond 1957 (I have one at home and will check it out tonight or tomorrow).
