Z15CAM11-10-2006, 08:50 PM
I'm Posting to add some INFO or perhaps a WARNING Re; Com CAMS Cast Hardened Lobe Treated Roller.

I was browsing around at Team Chevelle Site and came across this Thread: http://www.chevelles.com/forums/show...ller+cast+core
Re: Comp CAMS Cast Rollers Vs Billet Camshafts and its got me concerned. I for one thing I just realized the cam I'm running now is Cast and not a Billet. I am running a Cast Roller with Crower Hippo Oilers. Seems there have been allot of Failures reported with these cams probably because the purchaser was not aware that the Roller they purchased was NOT a Billet.

From what I can deciphered from the thread is that the Cast Rollers can not handle high Spring Seat Pressure and Rates that the Billet Shafts can handle with the same Profile. Therefore; it is understood that, your RPM must be limited or you’re inviting trouble. Consider MAX RPM of 6200. Seems Comp CAMS does not recommend a Seat Pressure over 169lbs and a Rate not higher then say 496lbs (which is too high by opinion) conducive to their 929-16 & 953-16 Spring Packages for Cast Rollers; where as, Billet Shafts can handle considerably more pressures with the same Lobe Profile and can maintain 7000+rpm.

If you have mind to hit 7000rpm and hold it there with your BBC I understand that a REAL Comp CAMS Tech will recommend you order a Special Grind Billet with the same Lobe Profile as the Cast Roller Shaft and specify they install the CAST Distributor Gear so you will not have to use Bronze or expensive composite Distributer Gears. The Tech will recommend the appropriate springs that have much higher Seat and Rate Pressures. Unfortunately for me I must not have been talking to a REAL Comp CAMS Tech as he did not make the above recommendations when I ordered the CAM.

Comp CAMS CAST Roller Camshafts can be identified buy there part number ending with the # “8�. Comp CAMS Billet Rollers part numbers end with the # “9�.

I’ve looked at some Failure PIC’s re: these Cast Rollers and there pretty Scary. I’m fortunate that I came across this thread before my Engine was broken in and I attempted to rev 7000rpm.

I am not attempting to BASH Comp CAMS for selling CAST Roller shafts but I was always under the impression that ALL Roller Camshafts were Billet and Comp CAM does NOT emphasize the difference in their product. GM uses Billet Shafts for all their Rollers; WHY not Comp CAMS?

In the mean time, I will have to keep the revs below 6000rpm and keep close watch. I will be pulling the intake off after 5000 miles for inspection and more then likely change out the Cast Mechanical Roller for a Billet. When I order the Billet Roller and springs it will probably be from Lunati or Crower rather then put my trust in Comp CAMS again.

If you have Experience with tComp CAMS CAST Roller Camshafts or are in the same position as I am and feel deceived Please POST, as I require allot of convincing if I am to keep this camshaft.

What pisses me off the most about this finding is that I have put out money for a Forged Crank, Forged Rods and Pistons Plus Severe Duty Valves and to unknowingly install a NON BILLET Camshaft is upsetting to say the least especially after discussing the engine build up with a Comp CAMS Tech. I've been building cars for over 35 years and expect bloopers but this is my first experience with Comp CAMS.

This is an example of what I'm getting at: Link at TeamCamaro Forums Re: Flaky Roller CAM: http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=93714

Seems Comp CAMS does not recommend a Seat Pressure over 169lbs and a Rate not higher then say 496lbs (which is too high by opinion) conducive to their 929-16 & 953-16 Spring Packages for Cast Rollers; where as, Billet Shafts can handle considerably more pressures with the same Lobe Profile and can maintain 7000+rpm.