Builder Put In Wrong Cam:Should I Keep It?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,145
Likes: 1
From: Ft. Walton Beach, Fl USA
Builder Put In Wrong Cam:Should I Keep It?
The builder of my motor has proclaimed my motor is completed, however the cam he said he installed is bigger than the one we agreed upon. The motor is a 10:5.1 383 with ported Canfield heads,etc. subject on occasion to a max 200 shot. It'll have an auto trans behind it.
After discussing my use of the vehicle and the combo he recommended the XR288H(236/242@.050) which I agreed to. I wanted to go with the XR282H(230/236@.050) for added driveability but I trusted his experience. His email said he put the XR294H(242/248@.050) in the motor.
I don't think I'll be able to live with that cam on the street on a daily basis. I do drive all my vehicles regularly. From a strictly performance/driveability (not principal) aspect should I go ahead with the bigger cam or have him put in the smaller one?
After discussing my use of the vehicle and the combo he recommended the XR288H(236/242@.050) which I agreed to. I wanted to go with the XR282H(230/236@.050) for added driveability but I trusted his experience. His email said he put the XR294H(242/248@.050) in the motor.
I don't think I'll be able to live with that cam on the street on a daily basis. I do drive all my vehicles regularly. From a strictly performance/driveability (not principal) aspect should I go ahead with the bigger cam or have him put in the smaller one?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,096
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From: Sierra Foothills CA
The 294 shows 2800-6100 RPMs vs. 2500-6000 RPMs for the 288. It also says the 294 needs 9.5 to 1 comp ratio, so you've got that covered. I think it really comes down to torque converter & gearing. 3000+ stall is recommended for the 294 and 3000 for the 288.
If you've posted your stall & rear gears I can't remember what they are. If you post that I'll bet somebody will have an informed opinion. It's a crapshoot when you call Comp Cams Techline as to how well schooled the guy you get will be but it couldn't hurt to check there before you decide. I will say that the XS282 solid flat tappet that I run in my 11 to 1 comp. ratio 355 w/ 4.10 gears has a bit more duration and still has good throttle response with very strong mid-range & top end. Good luck.
If you've posted your stall & rear gears I can't remember what they are. If you post that I'll bet somebody will have an informed opinion. It's a crapshoot when you call Comp Cams Techline as to how well schooled the guy you get will be but it couldn't hurt to check there before you decide. I will say that the XS282 solid flat tappet that I run in my 11 to 1 comp. ratio 355 w/ 4.10 gears has a bit more duration and still has good throttle response with very strong mid-range & top end. Good luck.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Mine has the same duration and a litte more lift and is great on the street I don't have any problems I can still tool around at 2000RPM in 4th gear even though the power range of the cam is 2500-6500RPMs. I am not sure how that relates to hydraulic roller with an automatiic though 
Safety Car
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From: Pettis Performance 565 with two stages of Nitrous Supply nitrous 1.082, 4.61 at 155, 7.17 at 192
Need stall and rear end gear info. That is a relatively big cam, but not out of the ball park. That being said I would probably opt for the smaller cam.
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Safety Car
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From: Pettis Performance 565 with two stages of Nitrous Supply nitrous 1.082, 4.61 at 155, 7.17 at 192
Originally Posted by gkull
I vote for way to much cam for a little 383. This is not a roller cam guys and even if it was IMO 240+ intake duration isn't a good idea.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Sierra Foothills CA
Originally Posted by gkull
I vote for way to much cam for a little 383. This is not a roller cam guys and even if it was IMO 240+ intake duration isn't a good idea.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,146
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From: Scottsboro Alabama
The cams Nastee has listed XR282-288-294 are all hydraulic roller cams. I have a XR276HR (not installed yet) but I do agree the 294 may be a bit much. I would assume it would have a pretty rough idle and low vacuum.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,145
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From: Ft. Walton Beach, Fl USA
The trans/converter is an ART CARR "Extreme 700R4" with a 9.5" billet 3000 rpm stall lockup converter. And the cam choices are all hydraulic rollers. The vehicle it's going into will weigh about 3300 lbs without driver. The gears are 3:73's. Does this info alter any opinions? I got a response from him explaining his rationale which seems reasonable. He did offer to change it if I wanted to.
Last edited by nastee383; Dec 5, 2004 at 10:09 PM.
cardo0 
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 30,183
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From: Lake Norman NC
Originally Posted by LOTAHP
KEEP THE CAM !!!! 
LOSE "DA BOTTLE" !!!
I think the last time I used the "bottle" was when I was about 2 years old.
LOSE "DA BOTTLE" !!! I think the last time I used the "bottle" was when I was about 2 years old.
good one.... I say keep the cam too. See how it does, never know..you might like it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,844
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From: Orrtanna Pa.
I run a Comp XE-284(flat tappet hydraulic) with 1.60 rockers and drive it daily.Idle is at 650 in gear,and it will pull to 6500 easily in first and second. I run a 2200 stall with my 700r4,and have no issues with drivability.To be honest I was concidering a higher stall converter,but the builder talked me out of it. He claimed the higher stall would run hotter(due to slippage) and if not raced,would only hurt me in the long run. I've since discovered I can not full throttle launch,due to traction limits,and even with the "wrong converter" can burn P295-50's from a 25 mph roll.
I guess what I'm trying to say is the cam/combination you have is fine if you want a hot street performer.If you wanted a smooth idling fast car,buy a C-5.
I guess what I'm trying to say is the cam/combination you have is fine if you want a hot street performer.If you wanted a smooth idling fast car,buy a C-5.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Originally Posted by The Money Pit
I guess what I'm trying to say is the cam/combination you have is fine if you want a hot street performer.If you wanted a smooth idling fast car,buy a C-5.
C-5's are now second class citizens which is a good thing. Now they will shut their Pie holes
Naste - I wish that i had my 427 installed and running, because that's the cam I have in it. It's the XE294HR. Only I'm running solid rollers on it with Comp Cams advised .012 lash. I didn't want to think about 6200-6500 red line because of heavy HR induced valve float.
I also ask for an Art Carr 9.5 inch three clutch lockup converter, but when I was testing it it was more like 3500.
Last edited by gkull; Dec 6, 2004 at 01:48 PM.