Hey guys, I'm looking for some advice and web-wisdom before starting my latest project. Picking up an '89 XJ that needs a new cam and lifters. I'm not really sure which route to go, just get a stock cam or this Comp Cam:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CCA-CL68-232-4

I'm leaning towards the Comp Cam, myself just because since it already needs a cam, why not upgrade a little? I'm just not sure if I would need things like new valves or anything like that when running an aftermarket cam. I can do suspension work, axles, fabricating and all that good stuff all day long but this internal engine stuff scares the crap outa me so I'm trying to do a bit of homework before I just start ordering parts.

If anyone happens to be running this particular cam already, I'd love to know how it compares to stock, too.

Thanks in advance!

 

If you call Comp Cams on the phone and tell them what type of Cam you want they will recommend springs etc. for you to change aswell.

 

That cam requires machine work to run the right valve springs. It will not work with stock springs because lift. I would look at comp cams 68-200-4 cam. It works with stock valvetrain and is easy on the valve train as well. That. 232 cam is notorious for cam failures due to the spring pressure required for the cam. You can machine the head and run the right valve springs for it but from my research that cam is assassocIated with a lot of failures for the reasons listed above.

 

The 68-200-4 cam is a great torque/mpg cam and works with stock springs as well.

 

I would put a stock cam back in it. without the ability to completely tune the engine for it, I feel like it is a waste of effort. what kind of supporting mods does the engine have?

 

Good info guys, thanks for the heads up!

As for other mods to the engine, as far as I know, it has none. I was just thinking since the engine is torn down already and has to have a new cam I'd try an aftermarket cam if it's not going to ruin the engine.

 

I'm also interested in this subject and looked up this cam. I does state "NOT FOR FUEL INJECTION" when we almost certainly will have. Wouldn't that be a concern?

http://www.compcams.com/Company/CC/c...px?csid=8&sb=1

 

Yep, I saw that, too. The ones advertised as not for fuel injection have a lobe separation angle of 111. The ones for fuel injection are 113 or wider. At least that's what one of my buddies was saying about it..

Decisions, decisions.. I feel like I need to do less web-window shopping in the middle of the night and more when I'm supposed to be awake, maybe it'd all make more sense to me.

 

Pay heed to this as its the best info posted for what you intend to do, oueer not continue to do. Anytime you upgrade one thing only in an engine all it does is to find the next weakest link till you have a total engine rebuild to match all other mods done.

Its just a fact of life been building race motors since the 1960's starting out on the cheap side of doing one or two things at a time and wondered why others broke shortly after.

 

That cam i posted about (68-200-4)is as close to stock as you can get and its cheaper than a new stock replacement. I would agree with Fred on that outlook except the 68-200-4 is so close to stock but a tad more lift and duration @.50 and actually less duration at max lift. It would still be beneficial with no mods. You are already inside the motor. You do external mods later with a stock cam with less result. Might as well then your mods later will benefit from more torque and better mpg.

Cam will run on fuel injected motor just fine. If you have a 99+ 4.0 youll need the 98 down timing set and retainer pin/ spring. If yours is pre 98 it will work with stock timing set.

 

I've been doing a bit of calling around for pricing, Autozone sounds like they might get my business. $107 for a Melling stock replacement cam. Can't find any reviews on them, though. Anyone dealt with Melling before?

 

I dont think a 96-04 stock replacement cam would be a bad idea either

 

melling makes (and has made) quality products for decades.

 

Perfect, stock Melling it is! Thanks!

 

One of the first cams I ever bought in the mid 60's was Melling cam.