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This testing also includes what springs have been shown to work with a specific cam profile, what alloys the springs are made from, pre and post winding tests, their pressures and the RPM operating range, etc. So identifying correct springs has alredy been done by their engineers - not some guy sitting at the Customer Service console. In many cases there may be more than one part that fits the bill, but usually one is identified as the preferred or premium choice.
It's when guys deviate from the tested and recommended parts that the problems creep in. Running springs, retainers, locks, pushrods, etc., that have NOT been tested and approved to properly operate with a specific cam causes many of the problems.
Jake
Jake, I don't agree with you here. The cam companies do test their products, but there is a limit to how much real world testing they can do. A few hours on a dyno cannot replicate the real world of hundreds and hundreds of hours at different conditions. A case in point was when aftermarket hydraulic roller cams came out years ago. Crane, Comp, and other companies would recommend a certain spring and certain pressures, seated and open. My engine builder, an x top fuel racer Tim Morgan, was building a motor for me at the time and said these recommended pressures would not provide nearly enough spring for the weight of the valvetrain and would not work in the real world. He has had more experience racing, building and testing motors than any cam company employee. After quite some time, the companies finally changed their recommendation but not after many customer failures. The cam companies don't know all. A lot of them (CompCams) crank out products, are good marketers, but provide an inferior product. Many real engine builders in the know agree with this. Willie
Comp Cams XE 230/236 in my 396 LT1
.545/,555 Lift with 1.6 Ultra Pro Magnum RR's
112 LSA
LE ported LT1 intake
M6 with 4.09 gears
AFR 195cc Competition heads
440RWHP/440RWTQ. Another 20-25HP/10TQ expected with EWP and dyno tune this winter.
10 years/15,000 street/strip miles with no problems. Strictly a bracket racing 94 Corvette with 75-100 passes a year at the track with 6500 RPM shifts. Car has never been trailered. Lloyd recommended not changing out to custom cam for now with head change. Still evaluating going with custom cam. Did enjoy beating a new Z06 1/8 mile time in 100+ Texas heat index at the track last weekend.
Last edited by Red Rocket; Sep 26, 2010 at 10:40 PM.
Jake, I don't agree with you here. The cam companies do test their products, but there is a limit to how much real world testing they can do. A few hours on a dyno cannot replicate the real world of hundreds and hundreds of hours at different conditions. A case in point was when aftermarket hydraulic roller cams came out years ago. Crane, Comp, and other companies would recommend a certain spring and certain pressures, seated and open. My engine builder, an x top fuel racer Tim Morgan, was building a motor for me at the time and said these recommended pressures would not provide nearly enough spring for the weight of the valvetrain and would not work in the real world. He has had more experience racing, building and testing motors than any cam company employee. After quite some time, the companies finally changed their recommendation but not after many customer failures. The cam companies don't know all. A lot of them (CompCams) crank out products, are good marketers, but provide an inferior product. Many real engine builders in the know agree with this. Willie
Not a problem. This happens all the time (someone disagreeing) based on so and so saying such and such.
It's at the core of many of the problems we read about so often. So many differing views and opinions; ask ten people and you'll get eleven different opinions.
I'll stick with the engineers - Your mileage may vary.