I was thinking of buying a XE 268 (extreme energy) Comp Cam for my 454. I did a net search and found references that the lobes of XE268 cams installed in small blocks were getting wiped out, some after only 100 mi of use. Is this a real problem and does it occurr in BB Chevys if the cam is matched to the recommended springs and lifters? Would it occur more readily if stiffer than recommended springs were installed? If so, is this a problem related to the fast ramp characteristics of all the XE cams.

I would think stiffer than recommended springs would increase your chances of wiping a lobe. I have a XE262 in my 350 and have no problems. I even made the mistake of breaking it in with full synthetic oil (which is a no-no). Comp cams sells millions of cams so the probability of hearing these stories has to increase in my humble opinion. If you use the correct springs and wipe out the cam, I'm sure Comp would stand behind their product.

And NOT knocking that cam since alot of guys on this board use that in a 396, I think it might be a little tame in a 454.

Dan

I agree with 4spdrat. I have used the comp magnum (not XE) 280h in 396, 427 and 454 engines, stock converter, power brakes and they run and sound great. I think the XE cams have a little more aggressive ramps than the magnum.

I've used a 256XE Comp with no problems. I purchased a used 268XE online and it had flat lobes when I got it. I currently have a 286Magnum and it has no excessive lobe wear. I'm not sure if the 268XE went flat because whoever broke the cam in did it incorrectly, or becuase of the steep ramps, or because of a screw up at Comp. I know the person had the correct valve springs. This was with a SBC btw.

I have the 268 XE in a 67 396 & love it. No promblems at all with it, it has a rougher idle in my 396 than a 280 magumn does in my brothers 468. It makes good power from about 1500 to around 5800 rpms.