Are comp cams XE cams still failing?

[Flipper_1938]

I'm planning to do one last flat tappet cam motor, just because. Anybody heard recent stories of cams dying during break-in? Did they find a way to fix the problem? Thinking about XE262H, but don't want to waste money on something that has little chance of working.

I'm normally a white box cam kind of guy, but I looked on Summit and their cam and lifters prices jumped a fair amount. I found the comp cam on marketplace with comp springs for close to white box price.

Is it worth taking a chance?

[Tripper]

After my last flat tappet cam failure (at least 15-20 yrs ago)... I'm a roller cam only guy!

BoB

[Flipper_1938]

Originally Posted by Tripper

After my last flat tappet cam failure (at least 15-20 yrs ago)... I'm a roller cam only guy!

BoB

I've built my last flat tappet motor a couple of times

[Flipper_1938]

I bought the XE262 cam, lifters, valve springs, and retainers. I hope it works with the 700r4.

[05snopro440]

I'm still planning on flat tappet for all my stuff. I'm not scared of them yet. Comp has new lifters with a DLC (Diamond-like coating) layer on them to protect from premature wear and failure.

I have tested those coatings in my previous employment, they're interesting stuff and should do what they claim.

[lowbudget50]

I have had a few fail in the last couple years. Even with proper break in

[Tripper]

Originally Posted by 05snopro440

I'm still planning on flat tappet for all my stuff. I'm not scared of them yet. Comp has new lifters with a DLC (Diamond-like coating) layer on them to protect from premature wear and failure.

I have tested those coatings in my previous employment, they're interesting stuff and should do what they claim.

Originally Posted by lowbudget50

I have had a few fail in the last couple years. Even with proper break in

I think my main prob with flat tappets is not using a rev limiter!

BoB

[Bamamav]

I think a lot of cam problems are caused by extreme spring pressures they want you to run on some of them. More pressure, more wear.
Another thing is inferior offshore metals. While some of it is good, a lot of it is inferior and sold as better than it really is.

I’d rather take my chances with a older broken in flat tappet cam and matching set of lifters than new stuff.

[BillM]

It seems to be a bit of a hot topic. My friend (who has an engine shop) has recently sent me a couple of interesting videos about this. I certainly learned a lot from these. Especially about oil!

https://na01.safelinks.protection.ou...%3D&reserved=0

https://na01.safelinks.protection.ou...%3D&reserved=0

[Old Iron]

Two months ago, a flat tappet I done, went south in about 20 minutes.
I've installed and broken in flat tappet cams since I was 16 years old. The failures are usually installation errors but that one was due to the machine shop installing the rear cam plug too deep which pushed the cam out the front 3/16" and misaligned the lobes to the bottom of the lifters.
Instead of installing another flat tappet I opted to go retro fit roller. This is actually when I found the plug to have been driven in too far and corrected that issue.
Since then, I installed a Comp Cams Mother Thumper and had no issues with it. Like you, I bought the cam kit.
Good luck!