Comp Camshaft
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: Brandon Ms
Comp Camshaft
i want to install a comp 280 camshaft in a 350 small block. Mainly for the engine lope (sound). Will this cam affect the vaccuum and will I have to have a stall converter?
Is there someplace in the forum that will tell me how to install the camshaft while the engine is in the car?
I appreciate any information you can give me.
Is there someplace in the forum that will tell me how to install the camshaft while the engine is in the car?
I appreciate any information you can give me.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: Brandon Ms
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
Changing the cam is not a real big deal. Picking the right cam is! Do the appropriate research.
You will have to remove anything that is in your way. Shroud,rad condenser. I think you get my drift.
Removing the hood may help,also.
You will have to remove anything that is in your way. Shroud,rad condenser. I think you get my drift.
Removing the hood may help,also.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 10
From: Austin TX
First, selecting a cam based on what it sounds like, isn't very prudent. Tell us about your car,..the rest of the engine, gearing, tranny, A/C, vacuum requirements (it's a Vette, almost the whole car is seemingly vacuum operated), and your goals.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 315
Likes: 5
From: Sheboygan Wisconsin
A number of years ago I installed the Comp Cam 280 in my '74 small block. BIG mistake. Sure it sounded great, but was a "bear" to drive in town. I have a 4 speed in mine and had to drive it in first gear under 30 mph. Vacuum was way low; my car has A/C and is vacuum operated and it had trouble operating. Darn thing wouldn't idle under 1,100 rpm. I installed the complete Comp Cam valve train and had no trouble twisting it to 6,000 rpm, but how often do you do that. I ran it one summer and then pulled it apart and changed the cam. I'm running a Comp Cam 268XE now. Much nicer to drive. I've included a sound clip which I had made for a Forum member that wanted to hear how Mike Allen's turbo mufflers sounded.
Mike
Mike
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 2
From: Castle Hills Texas
The 268 is a nice cam for a stock L-48. I have it my 80, not the XE version. It will lope nicely at idle and you can get the idle down to 500 RPM...I call it the $1000 idle. I also put heads on the Vette when the cam swap happened.
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas Nevada
I've got a 69 four speed car with 4.11 gears no P/B's that I'm getting ready to rebuild the bottom end on. Probably a cast kit 9.5 to 1 compression and aiming for 400 HP. I've got a fresh set of 64cc Sportsman II that have been ported and polished, Edelbrock RPM manifold, Holley 750, Hooker sidepipes and a Clay Smith Cam almost identical the the Comp Cams 280 all sitting on the shelf ready to go in. Any recommendations or other considerations I may not be thinking of ?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 10
From: Austin TX
Vegas,..you'll love that cam. I've run it in both SB's and BB's and with at least 3.73's (you have 4.10's) the cam is perfect for the street if you're running a flat-tap hydraulic. I usually go with 10:1 CR but with your iron heads, 9.5 should be fine. It has just enough vacuum in a 350 (11-12hg) and plenty in a 400 (14-15hg).
You won't be disappointed.
But with less compression and gearing, the 280 wouldn't be the choice.
Good luck!
You won't be disappointed.
But with less compression and gearing, the 280 wouldn't be the choice.
Good luck!
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 427
Likes: 32
From: North Alabama
St. Jude Donor '24-'26
I used that 268XE in my 77 L-82. Its the 3rd cam I have tried and I'm sticking with it. Nice lope, good idle, great power...I'm totally satisfied. Like most others I also changed the heads and upped the compression.
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
The 268 xe is a great cam as i have it in my car now.The thumper line might be the way to go.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
So all you guys are recommending a cam change for this guy with out any other mods first? Or in conjunction with??
A cam change without allowing it to breathe is a waste of time,money and effort.
A cam change without allowing it to breathe is a waste of time,money and effort.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 10
From: Austin TX
Most everybody I know is running from Comp's XE line,..me included. Do a search, "wiped XE lobe" on this site and the others: www.camaros.net www.chevelles.com www.novas.net
...and you'll be reading about failures for days. I believe the XE lobe ramps are too aggressive for a flat-tap cam.
And after a lobe is wiped, the engine has to be pulled and torn down.
Plus, I'm no fan of dual pattern cams in a built engine with free flowing exhaust. Here's some good reading regarding dual pattern cams:
http://www.camaros.net/forums/showth...e+dual+pattern
I think you'd be better off with one of the tried and true older, single pattern grinds.
FWIW
...and you'll be reading about failures for days. I believe the XE lobe ramps are too aggressive for a flat-tap cam.
And after a lobe is wiped, the engine has to be pulled and torn down.
Plus, I'm no fan of dual pattern cams in a built engine with free flowing exhaust. Here's some good reading regarding dual pattern cams:
http://www.camaros.net/forums/showth...e+dual+pattern
I think you'd be better off with one of the tried and true older, single pattern grinds.
FWIW
Last edited by 73, Dark Blue 454; Oct 15, 2008 at 11:16 PM.
