Mike Norris

iTrader: (10)

Hey All,

Comp Cams Operations Manager called me today just a bit ago after my post on mikey's thread plus all the other posts and e-mails going their way. The other post about Comps reply is different and they asked if I would handle it here for them.

Though there have been, at least from this forum, quite a few broken 918's, they have only recieved 5 back for testing out of the tens of thousands sold so far. The more they get back to test, the better chance of finding a problem so be sure to send them any broken 918's for testing. Of the springs they have gotten back, they have found no problems physically or metalurgically (spelled right?). They are not saying there is not a problem, just no issue has been found yet. There may have been a batch issue also they mentioned, but still nothing pointing that way.

They also relayed the specs as having a seat pressure of 130lbs at 1.800" installed height. They coil bind at 1.085" and would like to see at least .100" before coil bind, though .080" is the official amount. In theory, a spring set up at 1.800" installed should be good for .615" lift, but a single spring at those seat and open pressure with the aggressive XE-R lobes in my opinion may not be the best combo. If these are getting setup below 1.800" installed, that could be the issue, especially with any high lift lobe such as the XE-R.

I know a lot of folks say they are professionally setup and still breaking. Comp has an option for those who already have 918's in hand or on the car and are worried about breakage. They have a new batch coming in the next week or two that have gone over completely. For those wanting to swap their current 918 springs for the new batch coming out, they will do this for you. This is whether or not they have been installed or not and broken or not. This is a parts only swap, no labor at this point.

The contacts are as follows:

1) Red Obert - 1-800-365-9145 x577 or email at cobert@compcams.com

2) Chasne Howell - 1-800-365-9145 x588 or e-mail at chasne@compcams.com

My personal look at this issue, it could have been a batch problem, but who knows. For those doing their own cam/spring package swaps, be sure to check the installed heights for sure, especially if using a high lift (.550" or more) lobe cam or aggressive (XE-R) lobe. I would definitely keep all installed heights at 1.825" or better as 115-120lbs of seat pressure is more than enough for most application. If any more than that is NEEDED, then go to some type of dual spring. My .02 For what it is worth, I believe every type and make of spring used on the LS1 have broken at one time or another for one reason or another

Hopefully Comp will handle everybodies issues with these 918's. There is a lot of different messages from folks here who have talked to Comp and there was most likely quite a few different folks on the other end at Comp. Dealing with just two folks at Comp, Red and Chasne, should get a better resolution to this. And remember, I'm just the messenger here and hope this helps. Good luck all.

Later,

Mike

DriveATransAm

thanks for the update. good to see that comp said they would replace any of the springs..however, mine are on the car already <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" /> lets hope they last till i get a decent set of heads on.

VINCE

iTrader: (1)

Thanks Mike.. I see you have time to respond to my email.. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

Mike Norris

iTrader: (10)

Vince

What e-mail? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> If you sent one this week i have yet to even check them with the running for the shop and to the doc for my eyes. I'll get to em this weekend.

Mike

VINCE

iTrader: (1)

Thanks Mike.. Its just an email requesting something I requested a long time ago. I know you are busy, but it took a while to type this post. You know me.. I have to bust your chops, because you are always busting mine.. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

98TAauto

iTrader: (2)

Mike, thanks alot for the post man! Atleast we have some idea whats going on from there end now <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

Kenny H

I have been using 918s since April. If I send them back thesed 918s, will they send me out a new batch free of charge?

FWIW I broke a 941 before I had these 918s. The 918s have been fine so far....

99hawk297

This was my first cam/spring install. I thought it all went great but now I'm worried to even move the damn car. I was told by Thunder Racing (not blaming them) that these Springs were direct replacement. How do you check the install height? How do you change it if it is wrong? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />

Scalpel

iTrader: (4)

I have had my 918s for about 3K. I have stock heads, and a TR224 with hardened stock length pushrods. Should I opt for a new set? They have been working great.

MelloYellow

Wow! Comp really seems on the ball with this one. I think that's a pretty fair offer. I don't think we're seeing the same issue that the 941's had tho. It's nice to see Comp has learned about Customer Service tho.

MY99TAWS6

iTrader: (3)

I installed mine on stock heads and didn't do any shims or anthing..I have over 3000 miles on mine and got them in april.I have been to redline quite a few times..so don't know if I would want to go thru the headache of taking them off for another set unless they new there was a problem and certain dates or something..I hope they last until next year..car goes away for winter end of october anyway and plan on new heads next year..although at the price for new heads might just get Nos and run 125 shot with bigger injectors and pump instead of forking out like 2500 bucks for heads after exchange.that is just too much money..course I just spent 1100 and change on headers cats and ypipe..

Slowhawk

iTrader: (12)

This is good to know.I will be sending back mine for a piece of mind <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> Could always use a new set <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />