Comp Cam Failures XE274
Thread Starter
&amp;quot;Rodstoration &am p;quot; In Progres
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,397
Likes: 1
From: Frisco TX
Comp Cam Failures XE274
Need some experienced insight so that I can either change my perspective and accept these issues or try to figure out what is going on with my car....
I've had my 80 in the speed shop since April 4th for a conversion to a 383 and installation of a 5 speed. During this time I've been told that we have had two Comp XE274 cams fail (flat lobes)? which has resulted in delays. Actually was able to drive it after a dyno run and was really excited... within a day, I was told that the valve train noise was being caused by a failing cam... then another...
First question... Has anyone had problems with new XE cams?
Second quesiton... How long should it realistically take to get an engine stroked to a 383 with a new transmission? 13 weeks?????
I've had my 80 in the speed shop since April 4th for a conversion to a 383 and installation of a 5 speed. During this time I've been told that we have had two Comp XE274 cams fail (flat lobes)? which has resulted in delays. Actually was able to drive it after a dyno run and was really excited... within a day, I was told that the valve train noise was being caused by a failing cam... then another...
First question... Has anyone had problems with new XE cams?
Second quesiton... How long should it realistically take to get an engine stroked to a 383 with a new transmission? 13 weeks?????
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
XE cams are very picky about break in. They should use weaker springs for break in. If you have double springs, remove the inner spring for break in, then reinstall.
Still, even with a perfect break in the XE line seems to have a large failure rate.
I'd recommend trying something else. I hear good things about the Lunati voodoo series. Maybe give them a try instead.
Still, even with a perfect break in the XE line seems to have a large failure rate.
I'd recommend trying something else. I hear good things about the Lunati voodoo series. Maybe give them a try instead.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham AL
With all the talk of cam failures it's making me paranoid being as I have a new XE268H in my new build up. When the cam fails does it cause anything serious other than the time to pull and replace a cam? Is it going to throw metal down into places that could screw up the bottom end? 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,635
Likes: 0
From: Union Ontario
Great thats the cam in my yet to fire 383..
I gave my engine builder all winter to build my 383. I gave him the down payment and block in November 04 and picked up the built engine in March-April. He built it when time was avilable and when the parts were in. I got a good deal on the engine and probably a very well built engine since he took the time( because it was available). He originally gave me a timeline of 1 month.... I told him to use it as filler work since I didn't need it until march(it still isn't in the car).
I gave my engine builder all winter to build my 383. I gave him the down payment and block in November 04 and picked up the built engine in March-April. He built it when time was avilable and when the parts were in. I got a good deal on the engine and probably a very well built engine since he took the time( because it was available). He originally gave me a timeline of 1 month.... I told him to use it as filler work since I didn't need it until march(it still isn't in the car).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,844
Likes: 99
From: Orrtanna Pa.
I had an XE-274 fail in the first 2000 miles in my 406.Went with a XE-284 and had no issues for a few years even using my 340 lb springs during break in. I recently switched to a solid Isky and the local machinist recommended break in with light springs(which I did use) and switched the springs over afterwards.I too was uneasy with Comp Cams because I'd failed the first cam,and broken pushrods on the second. For what it's worth I've built dozens of engines and never had a cam failure before.
As for the time it takes to build a stroker.........Is it too late to find another shop?
As for the time it takes to build a stroker.........Is it too late to find another shop?
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,051
Likes: 677
From: FL
13 weeks? That is ridiculous.
Figure two days to pull (that's how long it takes me working by myself). Give the machine shop two weeks to rebuild/stroke. While that is going on, they can pull the tranny and get everything set up for the 5 speed. Two days to install.
So, we are at almost 3 weeks. Give them another week for supply difficulties and trobleshooting/tuning. 4 weeks max. I hope you are not paying them by the day.
As for the cam, I had two XE series wipe. That lewd to my second rebuild because there was a lot of metal in the oil and the bearings. At this point, they need to strip the motor again and clean all the oil passages.
BTW, I am now running a Crane roller. Expensive but the peace of mind is priceless.
That is ridiculous.Figure two days to pull (that's how long it takes me working by myself). Give the machine shop two weeks to rebuild/stroke. While that is going on, they can pull the tranny and get everything set up for the 5 speed. Two days to install.
So, we are at almost 3 weeks. Give them another week for supply difficulties and trobleshooting/tuning. 4 weeks max. I hope you are not paying them by the day.
As for the cam, I had two XE series wipe. That lewd to my second rebuild because there was a lot of metal in the oil and the bearings. At this point, they need to strip the motor again and clean all the oil passages.
BTW, I am now running a Crane roller. Expensive but the peace of mind is priceless.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
Originally Posted by Corz
I didnt have any trouble with my XE-268H in my 350
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,958
Likes: 0
From: Middletown Connecticut
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Originally Posted by mandm1200
Most people won't have a problem. It seems almost all the problems with wiped lobes are from the owners of XE cams.
thats what I had....
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
This works for me....
Single springs and GM E.O.S. liberally poured over cam and lifters before bolting intake down. Preset timing and preoil with dummy distributor shaft, so engine fires at first turn, keep r's at 2200 for first 15-30 mins.
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 87,962
Likes: 156
From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Originally Posted by SteveG75
13 weeks? That is ridiculous.
Figure two days to pull (that's how long it takes me working by myself). Give the machine shop two weeks to rebuild/stroke. While that is going on, they can pull the tranny and get everything set up for the 5 speed. Two days to install.
So, we are at almost 3 weeks. Give them another week for supply difficulties and trobleshooting/tuning. 4 weeks max. I hope you are not paying them by the day.
As for the cam, I had two XE series wipe. That lewd to my second rebuild because there was a lot of metal in the oil and the bearings. At this point, they need to strip the motor again and clean all the oil passages.
BTW, I am now running a Crane roller. Expensive but the peace of mind is priceless.
That is ridiculous.Figure two days to pull (that's how long it takes me working by myself). Give the machine shop two weeks to rebuild/stroke. While that is going on, they can pull the tranny and get everything set up for the 5 speed. Two days to install.
So, we are at almost 3 weeks. Give them another week for supply difficulties and trobleshooting/tuning. 4 weeks max. I hope you are not paying them by the day.
As for the cam, I had two XE series wipe. That lewd to my second rebuild because there was a lot of metal in the oil and the bearings. At this point, they need to strip the motor again and clean all the oil passages.
BTW, I am now running a Crane roller. Expensive but the peace of mind is priceless.
I did it myself, every nut and bolt in about a month, working mostly 3-4 hours at a time. (I'm slow)
XE-282-S here. So far so good.
Last edited by Jughead; Jun 29, 2005 at 10:42 PM.
Thread Starter
&amp;quot;Rodstoration &am p;quot; In Progres
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,397
Likes: 1
From: Frisco TX
Thanks everyone!... Yes, Bloomington was very painful especially since I was suppose to pick my Vette up on the day I returned... no...second cam wiped.
Update today was that the engine is back in, fired and will be dialed in on the dyno tomorrow. Will hopefully get it back on Friday.
The shop owner made a comment that I can't help but respect and appreciate....his comment was that he will not let the car go until it's right. I respect that...but doesn't make me miss my car any less.
Hopefully next Friday....unfortunately we're going out of town from Sat to the following Wed... part of me doesn't want it back as I'll go nuts just getting to drive it home then park it.
Thanks again everyone!
Ed
Update today was that the engine is back in, fired and will be dialed in on the dyno tomorrow. Will hopefully get it back on Friday.
The shop owner made a comment that I can't help but respect and appreciate....his comment was that he will not let the car go until it's right. I respect that...but doesn't make me miss my car any less.
Hopefully next Friday....unfortunately we're going out of town from Sat to the following Wed... part of me doesn't want it back as I'll go nuts just getting to drive it home then park it.
Thanks again everyone!
Ed
Last edited by 80TexasC3; Jun 29, 2005 at 11:13 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 106
From: laingsburg MI
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I wiped out a XE 294 solid flat tappet in 15 minutes. After a new crank & thorough cleaning & rebuild i was ready to fire up the 383 again. THIS time i was careful. I removed the inner valve springs, liberally coated the cam with isky rev lube, had the lifters sent to crower cams for an orfice lasered into the face for direct oiling, added crane cam break in oil additive, prelubed the engine, warmed the oil and coolent before use and had no problem with the new break in. Also I heat cycled the motor several times before re-installing the inner springs. Additonally, I installed a canton products oil acculmulator. I prelube with this before every fire up... Not worring about needle bearings above my cam lobes, priceless...
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,770
Likes: 3
From: St Louis MO
Originally Posted by 73C34me
Not worring about needle bearings above my cam lobes, priceless...
XS274S here with Crower cool-face solid lifters...eos lube in the crankcase & double springs used at breakin...
Brett
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,176
Likes: 7
From: Jennings LA
clean it good
benn there just finished my rebuild due to a comp magnum cam wiping a lobe in 15 miles. there was quite a bit of metal in the engine oil. it is very fine particles so it gets everywhere. flush it as best you can but a tear down would be better.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 947
Likes: 0
From: I can explain it to you, but I can't comprehend it for ya.
Originally Posted by 80TexasC3
I was told that the valve train noise was being caused by a failing cam... then another...
I'm sure the shop actually pulled the cams to see that they were wiped....but, if not, it may just be the regular noise that the XE line of cams make. The ramps are very steep with these cams, Its almost like it lets the valves slam down into the seats. Lots of guys talk about how their XE cams sound like solids.
If the shop is just swapping them out because they are noisy, they may be wasting their time and your money.
Also, do not use the thin red lube tha comp supplies with their cams. That stuff just runs right off the cam. Use some good moly lube.