MustangTamer

iTrader: (1)

can the XFI 268 cam be used with a stock torque converter?

and do i have to use beehive springs with it or can i use my comp double springs?

thanks for any answers

MustangTamer

iTrader: (1)

well ill answer half of my own question, i do need beehives.. i was hoping i wouldnt have to pay 200 bucks for springs but oh well..

still not sure if a stall is needed.

Burnout91

I ran the XFI268 cam with a 2600 rpm Edge converter, worked nicely together. I don't know that the increase in stall speed is really required. But, you have to approach modifications with respect to the overall combination. Check with Comp Cams, they'll probably recommend higher (than stock) stall and lower (than stock) gears to achieve the maximum fun factor.

Bill

Guest

You dont need beehive springs, you need springs with proper specs for the cam. Their shape other than that is not relevant. Not sure what heads or springs you have now but for many people a spring swap with that cam is probably necessary though. As far as a converter, its not absolutely necessary in any case but the performance will improve with a different one. Its just going to be a little weak feeling until the RPM's come up to the cams powerband.

dspencer24

iTrader: (3)

as per the website only the 280 and 292 on the xfi line "need" the upgrade.

MustangTamer

iTrader: (1)

thanks for all the comments. comp cams says that a stall is not needed for the 268. thats a relief ( less money i have to spend )

as for springs i did more reading and saw that the ALOT of people say that the lobes on the 268 are very aggressive and that they eat up springs pretty fast. i was hoping i could use comp 986 double springs but to save my motor im willing to spend the extra hundred for beehives if neccesary.

formula_novice

iTrader: (1)

I run the XFI 268 and don't have beehive springs. As far as the torque converter goes - before I bought mine, I called CC and the tech recommended a 2500rpm stall for my Formula. As others have mentioned, I don't think you "have" to upgrade the TC but it will help.

MustangTamer

iTrader: (1)

what springs do you run formula novice? and how long have you ran them?

Orr89RocZ

iTrader: (20)

986's are alittle light for that cam but can work... but depends on the rpm you are turning.. 268xfi will go to 6000 where abit more spring pressure goes a long way.

My buddy has similar springs on the XFI 280 cam and I think its falling on its face after 5800-6000..it should be pulling to 6300+ but we never put it onthe dyno (yet)

I think 987's have a bit more spring rate and could be better if you still need to buy new springs. But if you needed to buy springs I'd recommend patriot extreme golds or one of the PAC springs double springs. Beehive kit is very nice too.

Should run fine on stock converter with good tuning. I've been in a car with 280xfi cam on L98 block with stock vette or s10 converter that has just a tad bit more stall speed than fbodys, and it was fine. Thats a much bigger cam than the 268.

MustangTamer

iTrader: (1)

thanks orr89rocz. i have a stock tpi so i dont think ill see 6000 rpm. i was just unsure on the vette forums everyone was saying never run an xfi cam without beehives but i feel better about it now.

heres an off the wall question, anybody know a part number or what type of s10 torque converter i can use for a higher stall?

formula_novice

iTrader: (1)

My springs came with my Dart heads and are good for .600" lift. I don't recall what brand they are. I've been running those springs with that cam for about 2 years now.

Orr89RocZ

iTrader: (20)

yeah you shouldnt be too concerned with a 0-5000 rpm range..float should be possible by 5500 if you dont have enough spring, but the TPI will be mostly done by then anyway. Its just safer that way because if you run an aftermarket TPI which may support a 5000 rpm peak power, its nice to hold onto that power to 5500 or so rpms and shift that high. Cant hold onto the power when valve float happens.

MustangTamer

iTrader: (1)

i think im going to run the cc502 cam. same duration. a little less lift and on a 112lsa. im going to use comps 987 springs. what do you guys think?

Orr89RocZ

iTrader: (20)

Probably wont see much difference between the two cams powerwise on a TPI based motor (slight edge to XFI in the right application) but XE should be easier to control. 987's should handle it

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

Of course you "can" run a stock converter with that cam.

The Torque Converter Police aren't going to come out and bust you for that. Now a XFI280... be prepared for black helicopters flying around, and if there's a knock on your door late at night HIDE, and warn your friends that if you suddenly disappear never to be heard from again, to learn to always buy the right converter.

That said, just because a thing "can" be done, doesn't automatically mean it's a good idea. 2 VERY DIFFERENT things there. I would put this in the class of "can" (yes it's physically possible) but not "a good idea" (your car will be slower than stock with that cam and a stock converter).

Same for the springs: ever see the insides of a motor where a valve spring failed at high RPM? I'll guarantee you one thing: once you see that, you will NEVER EVER question again, not even a hint of a whiff of a glimpse of a sliver of a doubt even ONCE, if it's OK to cheeeeeep out on springs.

JakeJr

My son's 180 cc Dart Pro 1s came with CompCams 987s - doubles with a damper. He bought them summer of 2009.

Jake

JakeJr

Too bad so few really appreciate that and, from the posts I've read, opt for the El Cheap-O, cutely named springs.

Jake

cuisinartvette

Shoot, most cheap out on everthing these days then cry when the cheap pos fails. Theres a REASON why its cheap, HELOOO!!.

once they start paying to do things over 2 and 3 times it starts to sink in.
btdt myself as a youngster, didnt know any better


On the converter. yes you can but its borderline on dragging the converter a bit, opinions will vary.

dimented24x7

iTrader: (2)

What kind of heads are you going to be running? Planning on running the stock TPI? Or making some mods to it?

The stock TPI heads and intake will hold the motor back a bit. Remember that everything has to match for a setup to make good power. A larger cam with a poor flowing set of heads and induction system will run even slower than stock. The increased duration cuts into the compression cycle, reducing dynamic compression and torque down low. Up in the RPM band where the cam makes its power, the restrictive induction system will prevent the cylinder from filling fully with air, causing the engine to not make the power it should.

If I had those parts, Id consider porting the TPI heads to get more flow, and possibly running a different intake, or porting the stock TPI assembly and using different runners. TPI is designed to have the runners resonate at around 3500-4500 RPM, and this is where it makes peak power. It wont do well at higher RPMs.

As for springs, I like the beehives. They have a lighter retainer than the doubles and this helps keep some of the weight off the valvetrain. Im running my current roller setup up to about 5800 RPM with the 26195's, and they work pretty well. I have a smaller cam than what you intend to run, so selecting a higher springrate might not be a bad idea.

MustangTamer

iTrader: (1)

the heads im using with the 502 cam are world sportsman II with the 200cc 69cc port sizes. i also have a stock unmodified TPI setup

MustangTamer

iTrader: (1)

im getting my intake ported sometime in the spring.. any thoughts on a good maybe 2000 stall?

cuisinartvette

Id go a little higher maybe 2400 or so, 2800 max