XE cams = some valvetrain noise, see this....

Wanted to share some info I found.....for those of you that have experienced this sewing machine sound that doesn't want to go away


The XE or "extreme energy" cams are fast ramp cams that take maximum advantage of the lobe ramps that are possible with a hydraulic roller cam. This offers a power advantage over more milder lobe ramps. The XE cams will tend to make more noise than the milder ramp cams - this shouldn't be surprising to anybody. Because of the cams fast ramps, the cams will tend to sound like a solid lifter cam. If you look at the duration at .050 and then look at duration at .200 on Comp Xtreme energy cams and compare it to others, you realize that the comps have extremly fast lobes.

Comp Cams says that 'you will hear the valves open and close more'.

I had a xe 256h cam in my 289 and my speed shop had mentioned the valve train noise, but I had no idea that it would sound like I had to readjust my rockers. After a few weeks I got used to the sound . Great power from that type of cam design.

Greg

Yeah there's about a 15-20hp gain over the old 25 year cam designs like the 260H, 268H, 270H, 280H, 292H, etc. I think it has a cool sound to it. Sounds closer to running slightly like a solid to me.

I recently installed the xe256h and I'm still not sure that this is a "normal" sound...

It apparently is. There's alot of info on the net pertaining to XE valvetrain noise....just do a search and see. Even BIGJOE, has told me the metallic sound is completely normal and is the result of the faster valvetrain motion happening. Nothing to be concerned about as long as you have set the preload correctly. There has been alot XE grinds installed and been running for years like this.

For what it's worth, the Lunati Voodoo series cams have similar area under the curve to the Comp XE's, and make similar power, but have slower closing ramps resulting in less noise. If you like the power of the XE's but don't want the noise, a Voodoo would be a good choice.,

paulie

There is a reason I didn't go with the Comp series of XE cams.. I didn't like the valve train being beaten on a daily basis for a few more horsepower.

Comp seems to like very high lift, as I was looking at the XE258 and the 270HR, both at .533 and .544 lift. That seemed like a lot of lift for a daily driver.

I have my flame suit on, so I will go out on a limb and say that many engine builders (not all of course) will say that anything over .500 lift in a daily driver is eventually asking for trouble.

The XE cams somewhat act/sound similiar to a solid cam. The valvetrain is not being beaten to death as you say. I'm sure Comp did alot years of research before they came out with this series. I'm sure if it was doing any damage to the valvetrain.....they would of scrapped it. All is it is.....faster valvetrain motion that makes a good 15-20hp over the conventional old school cams.

Originally Posted by Spali32

The XE cams somewhat act/sound similiar to a solid cam. The valvetrain is not being beaten to death as you say. I'm sure Comp did alot years of research before they came out with this series. I'm sure if it was doing any damage to the valvetrain.....they would of scrapped it. All is it is.....faster valvetrain motion that makes a good 15-20hp over the conventional old school cams.

While new to the forum, I have read a few of your posts and they are pretty good, but I do want to comment that you seem to have a very large amount of faith in the altruistic nature of Comp Cams.

All actions have results, one negative result of the fast closing ramps is the sound produced. Are you sure that is the ONLY one? (I don't know by the way, but it seems very likely that the closing rate results in a harder valve landing and that could result in a reduction of valve & seat longevity.)

jb

Originally Posted by plovett

For what it's worth, the Lunati Voodoo series cams have similar area under the curve to the Comp XE's, and make similar power, but have slower closing ramps resulting in less noise. If you like the power of the XE's but don't want the noise, a Voodoo would be a good choice.,

paulie

That is why I use the Voodoo. The lack of noise to me means it is not beating my valve train. I don't think they make less power either. I sneak up on the poor idling cars and surprise them. My cam does have over .5 @ the valves and that has not seemed to be a problem so far. Would I try and run my valve springs 100K?...no.