Can i go wrong with this cam on my 318??

[snowmobiler7c]

I am starting to round up parts for my 318 build and had a question regarding the camshaft. I am pretty much basing my build on the 400hp setup out of hot rod magazine they did about 10 years ago. Although I will be making a few minor changes. This will be my first actual performance build. Although I have done several stock rebuilds with success.

This is the original motor out of my 70 swinger. I now have a 8 3/4 with 3:55 sure grip. Currently the tires are 225/60/r14 I am running stock rally wheels. I have 1in over stock ride height springs from espo, I do not have a final tire size picked out but would like to keep the same height but go as wide as possible. Trans is a rebuilt 904 and currently has a stock valve body that has a couple mods and stock convertor. I may purchase a 2000 stall but seem hard to find for the 904s.

Currently I have a set of 1990 heads 742 castings. These are practically the same as the 302 casting heads. I have already gasket matched the intake/exhaust runners to the 340/360 size. I still need to work on the bowls. I have a new set of 1.88intake valves and 1.60 exhaust valves for these heads.

I have already purchased a set of dougs headers and a edelbrock rpm airgap intake manifold. I plan on purchasing a set of .030 Keith Black 167 pistons that will set to zero deck. I am planning on running stock rockers as of now and haven't decided on a carb yet.

So that gets us to the question can I really go wrong with the comp cams XE268 with my current setup? I would like to purchase a complete kit from comp so when I have the valve job done I can have the heads assembled at the same time. This will prevent less issues with installing a valve in the wrong spot or losing a part. With running the KB167s to boost compression ratio, can I go wrong buying the comp kit without bench flow testing these heads and cc of the heads?

http://www.compcams.com/Company/CC/cam-specs/Details.aspx?csid=627&sb=2.

Thanks for any input
Mark

 

[harrisonm]

I put the XE268 in my 69 340 4spd Barracuda. It is AWESOME in that application. I have good 340 heads, headers, 3.55 sure grip, an Edelbrock Air Gap, a 750 CFM Carb and 235-60-14 tires. It has a beautiful, lopey idle. If you prep the 318 properly (and it sounds like you are), the XE268 should be a good choice. I built mine about 8 years ago based on a Mopar Muscle article. Based on their results, and the fact that I followed their recipe, I figure I am at 375HP. Bottom line is that I thin that would be a good cam for you. I've never put a performance cam in a 318, so check all valve opening clearances carefully.

 

[BlueDream]

Plenty of people have put XE268's in 318's. I don't think you'd have a problem.

 

[Lelo Dart]

Do you mean 714 heads? Same as my build, stock converter. Looking back I wish I had gone one down like the XE262. Driving around town its not the best, likes to die sometimes. But if your building just for performance and plan on a different converter it should be great.

 

[snowmobiler7c]

your correct 714 casting guess I was thinking about center sections lol

 

[69 Cuda 440]

Comp-Cams Camshaft Comparison

.............................XE-268H..............XE-262H

Lift ..................... .477"/.480" ........ .462"/.470"
Duration............... 268*/280* ......... 262*/270*
Duration @ .050" .. 224*/230* ......... 218"/224*
Overlap ................ 54* ................... 46*
LSA ..................... 110* ................. 110*
Centerline ............ 106* ................. 106*

Valve Springs........ {#901} ............ {#901}
valve Closed ......... #104 lbs. .......... #104 lbs.
Valve-Open .......... #260 lbs. .......... #260 lbs.

Clearly, the difference is at 'Idle', where the XE-262H Camshaft can
operate with a 'stock' Torque-Converter much easier than the XE-268H.

The XE-262H is designed for 1300 to 5600 RPM's, and has a relatively
smooth idle, as the Camshaft is designed for quick response.

The XE-268H is the most popular Comp-Cams bumpstick, and is a great
Street Performance Camshaft, but is really designed for a Transmission
with an above stock stall-rate Torque-Converter to achive optimal performance.

The XE-268H works best from 1800 to 5800 RPM's.

 

[moturbopar]

I really like the voodoo 262 cam. I have used an Xe 268 and I feel the voodoo 262 makes just as much Hp, but a noticable increase in torque. The 268 was always a little noisy, but the voodoo is soon much quieter. Either way the voodoo or comp cams are good cams though.

 

[forphorty]

I think the XE268 may be a little much for a 318 with stock converter. A good 10 inch 3000ish would be real nice with it . BTW, a stock 318 904 converter will go 2000. If you intend on keeping the stock converter, I think I would try to stay under 220 at .050. A performance engine really needs a performance converter, especially a small engine like a 318.

 

[Johnny Dart]

Those that say the XE268 needs a high stall, are incorrect.
It is actually listed in the XE line as the "Largest Cam" for stock converter.
Works best with 2000 stall.

My choice would be between the 262 or 268, depending on your setup.

Give Comp tech line a call, and let them help you make your choice.

 

[Bakerlite]

I've got a stock 318 here that needs a cam so I figured I'd test one of these out. http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/sum-1789/overview/
$30 cheaper than the Comp one and I like the @50 specs as well a the valve lift .

 

[69 Cuda 440]

Those that say the XE268 needs a high stall, are incorrect.
It is actually listed in the XE line as the "Largest Cam" for stock converter.
Works best with 2000 stall.

My choice would be between the 262 or 268, depending on your setup.

Give Comp tech line a call, and let them help you make your choice.

Johnny D,

I don't think anybody said that it was required to have a 'High-Stall' Rate Torque
Converter with the XE-268H.

Just that, a 'step' above Stock would be most beneficial. 2400 to 2600 RPM's is
a good fit for the XE-268H.

I know, because we have that set-up in one of our cars.

 

[Lelo Dart]

71 318 30 over, Kb 167 pistons, 302 heads, performer intake, XE268, headers & stock converter, practically the same build. Took a lot of tuning to get it this good. Good luck.

 

[harrisonm]

Actually, when I put the XE268 in my 69 340 Barracuda, it had its original 727 with a stock converter. It really fell on its face from a dead stop. I bought a Mopar Performance converter listed at 2400 and it made a big difference. Could have just been my setup. Very shortly after that, I converted to 4 speed.

 

[Johnny Dart]

Johnny D,

I don't think anybody said that it was required to have a 'High-Stall' Rate Torque
Converter with the XE-268H.

Just that, a 'step' above Stock would be most beneficial. 2400 to 2600 RPM's is
a good fit for the XE-268H.

I know, because we have that set-up in one of our cars.

I have the same set up in one of my cars.

Im also quoting Comp Cams on this cam.

Maybe you know more about their cams,then them ?

 

[fishy68]

That cam should work good with the rest of your combo although I'd go much looser with the torque converter. I know Comp cams says it'll work with a stock converter, but it won't be optimal. I doubt it'll be real quick out of the hole as it's a good sized cam for a small cubic inch engine. The Lunati Motubopar mentioned is a real good cam too for your application and wouldn't require as high of a stall converter to perform real good. I've also ran the cam that Bakerlite mentioned and it ran real good and will work with a stock converter, and better yet with a higher stall converter such as the 2000 stall you mentioned

Over the yrs. I've learned one of the worst things you can do it over cam an engine. Torque is king when it comes to building a quick street/strip car. That's why stroker kits are so popular.

 

[69 Cuda 440]

I have the same set up in one of my cars.

Im also quoting Comp Cams on this cam.

Maybe you know more about their cams,then them ?[/QUOTE

Johnny D,

What is 'advertised' is one thing, and what works in an actual application
can differ.

Many members have posted that the XE-268H has been a little problematic
on the Street with a 'stock' Torque-Converter.

Fact...........