Opinions on Comp Cam Kit

[wsutard]

I just purchased a bare set of Edelbrock Performer RPM heads for my 440 build and now I'm looking at the rest of the components. Can anyone comment on the quality of the parts in this Comp Cam kit? I'm looking for info on any piece of the kit that isn't recommended and would force me to separately buy each part. Maybe the springs suck or the timing gears/chain should be better?

I plan on building the 440 with about 10.1 CR and thus around 500+ TQ. 99% of the time will be spent on the road. I might drag it once or twice to see what it does.

Here is the set I am looking at picking up for $440. The cam is the XE285HL.
http://www.compperformancegroupstor...re_Code=CC&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=K21-228-4

 

[sputnik 440]

Purchased a kit from comp for my 440 (585 hp) and am satisfied with the experience. Kind of assuring, in a way, to know that all components "match" and one company is responsible for making it all work. The techs were very helpful although a little hard to get a hold of. I went one step up over what they recommended. Ended up with extreme energy 224 with 3 bolt kit. Not as much lift as what you are looking at. I am around .491 which seems to be close to the chrysler 506 in performance. They agreed it was still a good choice. I went with a kit that would give me more mid range (I never see 5500) and a smooth idle. I run a 373 rear end and am happy with how it responds. By the time you count to 4, your going into 3rd. I don't drag it, just kick *** around the chevys. Driving in town is good, but it will start to load up a bit after maybe 20-30 minutes. A lot of this is due to the 850dp. I have ported 915 heads. Bottom line, I recommend the Comp Cam kits. There may be other combinations out there, but when something goes wrong, I don't want any finger pointing.

 

[IQ52]

It comes with the cheapest double roller timing chain Comp sells which I would never use. And the kit includes valve locks for the 2 and 4 groove 3/8" stem valves. They will not work on the Edelbrock heads with their 11/32 single square groove valve stems. The retainers and springs should be fine as will the lifters. If the heads are bare you will also need to purchase valve spring cup/locators for those springs. I keep 440 Source valve spring cups for that purpose or use Edelbrock part number 5771.

 

[moper]

What Jim said. The timing sets are pretty "average". I "think" you can get the locks swapped out for the single groove deals on the edelbrocks - but you can also just use the Edelbrock retainers and locks on the Comp springs.

 

[wsutard]

It comes with the cheapest double roller timing chain Comp sells which I would never use. And the kit includes valve locks for the 2 and 4 groove 3/8" stem valves. They will not work on the Edelbrock heads with their 11/32 single square groove valve stems. The retainers and springs should be fine as will the lifters.

This is great info to know. Seems like I should forgo the kit and purchase separately then.

 

[Cranky]

I've never had very good luck using Comp products....and their customer service wasn't good. Shipped the wrong stuff to start with and the list goes on. Last time I had dealings with them was because the customer 'demanded' it after my recommendation to not use them. He was in a hurry and I had to jump though hoops to get it done on his time line after having to send the stuff back and reorder. I'm done with anyone that wants to use them. I guess he's happy with the parts as he never gave me any negative feedback.....

 

[wsutard]

I've never had very good luck using Comp products....and their customer service wasn't good. Shipped the wrong stuff to start with and the list goes on. Last time I had dealings with them was because the customer 'demanded' it after my recommendation to not use them. He was in a hurry and I had to jump though hoops to get it done on his time line after having to send the stuff back and reorder. I'm done with anyone that wants to use them. I guess he's happy with the parts as he never gave me any negative feedback.....

Does this also apply to their cams? I have read good things about their HL cams. Im open to anything.

 

[Cranky]

So far, I haven't had anyone that said anything bad about their cams....but how many bad things have you heard about Crane, Isky, Howards and others? Customer service is front row to me and that's where Comp has dropped the ball way too many times.

 

[Mike67]

Does this also apply to their cams? I have read good things about their HL cams. Im open to anything.

I have the 275 kit that I'm not going to use as I went roller and gear drive but this article was very interesting...I really considered using it and even upgrading the stick to the 285...I just came across a roller deal I couldn't pass up....
http://www.hotrod.com/articles/mopar-440-update/

 

[747mopar]

I've had good luck with all of the products I've ever bought with the exception of their Hyd lifters but usually buy everything separately and through Summit.

 

[5.7 hemi]

I’m running that exact cam HE285HL with matching lifters and springs In 440SOURCE Stealth Heads. The cam is really nice and sound like an industrial sewing machine on steroids!! I also have a 4 speed, so if your running an auto, might need to get a converter to match your combo/gears.

 

[wsutard]

I’m running that exact cam HE285HL with matching lifters and springs In 440SOURCE Stealth Heads. The cam is really nice and sound like an industrial sewing machine on steroids!! I also have a 4 speed, so if your running an auto, might need to get a converter to match your combo/gears.

I have a 4 speed also. I think I’m going to stick with the cam and springs but source the timing gears and lifters elsewhere.

 

[cryplydog]

Just out of curiosity did you order new bare castings or are they used and if so where is the rest of the hardware? springs,valves,retainers,keepers and base cups?

 

[Garys1969RR]

I've heard of that cam (EX 285 HL) making tons of power when used with good flowing heads, moderate C/Ratio, and a well built and properly tuned engine. There are some threads on here that outline the right parts to use, with some good dyno results too. Just type the cam number in the search bar.

 

[wsutard]

Just out of curiosity did you order new bare castings or are they used and if so where is the rest of the hardware? springs,valves,retainers,keepers and base cups?

They are new. Amazon (not a third party) had a sale, $250 for a bare head. Ordered two. Thought that was a killer price.

 

[wsutard]

I've heard of that cam (EX 285 HL) making tons of power when used with good flowing heads, moderate C/Ratio, and a well built and properly tuned engine. There are some threads on here that outline the right parts to use, with some good dyno results too. Just type the cam number in the search bar.

Now that I’m not going the kit route I’m going to do this. The whole kit was $440 which would have been a good deal. But I’m not willing to scrifice quality for saving $70