I have an XE274 in my 455 with ported 6X heads, slightly massaged RA manifolds running into 2.5" X-pipe exhaust with Pypes pro-V mufflers and a home built (Cliff Ruggles designed) Q-Jet carb. My car managed 326 RWHP and 439 RW Torque. Nothing to write home about but for the weekend cruiser, I suppose it is OK. FWIW, I was expecting much bigger numbers but it may be the RA manifolds or the mufflers that are hindering some of the performance.
That aside, my biggest complaint and annoyance with this cam is the crappy idle. The idle is not rhythmic like you would expect. There are times where the starts to lope harder and there is a small stutter - kind of like a harmonic resonance that creeps up and then goes away. There is a new MSD distributor, new wires, plugs, etc on this motor. I have played with the idle set screws on this carb and there isn't any magic answer. I seriously think it is the cam itself that lends to the crummy idle. I am running unported vacuum with the timing set at 13 initial.
My next cam will be a Hydraulic Roller. I want better vacuum for the brakes and everyone that I know who is running a HR say that they will never go back to a flat tappet cam ever again. Piece of insurance.
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Skinned knuckles and empty wallet! Could I be any happier?
66 GTO Convertible. LS3-525 HP. Legend LGT700 5-speed, Wilwood 4-wheel disc brakes, Ridetech coil over front susp, PMT rear susp, Hotchkis bars, Billet Specialties 18" Dagger's (18X9 rear, 18X8 front).
2002 Ram Air WS.6 convertible Trans Am. Wife's car.
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