Guys, I've been fiddling with this voodoo cam in my 454 since last year, and basically accepted the fact that the thing is just plain noisy. But then I talk to other guys I know running Coimp Xe 268 and 274 cams which are supposed to be worse and they are flippin quiet !!

Why is there not consistency with this syndrome ??

I am happy with the performance and all, it just bucks me when I'm sitting at a light and the valvetrain is ticking away especially when there are cars beside me and the sound is bouncing back at me. I have not checked the pushrod length which is the only thing I can see that may be overlooked, but most of the pushrod length issues seem to be with more exotic builds. Mine is a stock undecked block, 702 heads(milled about 0.030"), fel pro gaskets, and stock rockers. Can you even get a wear pattern with dye blue on the valve stems with stock rockers ?

Any further input is greatly appreciated. I am seriously considering a cam swap back to something more traditional.

Thanks,

What oil are you using?

Brad Penn 10w30

How are you adjusting the lifters? mechanical or hydraulic?

Hydraulic, EO-IC method done several times, also tried to set them with engine running, no difference.

Guys, I've been fiddling with this voodoo cam in my 454 since last year, and basically accepted the fact that the thing is just plain noisy. But then I talk to other guys I know running Coimp Xe 268 and 274 cams which are supposed to be worse and they are flippin quiet !!

Why is there not consistency with this syndrome ??

I am happy with the performance and all, it just bucks me when I'm sitting at a light and the valvetrain is ticking away especially when there are cars beside me and the sound is bouncing back at me. I have not checked the pushrod length which is the only thing I can see that may be overlooked, but most of the pushrod length issues seem to be with more exotic builds. Mine is a stock undecked block, 702 heads(milled about 0.030"), fel pro gaskets, and stock rockers. Can you even get a wear pattern with dye blue on the valve stems with stock rockers ?

Any further input is greatly appreciated. I am seriously considering a cam swap back to something more traditional.

Thanks,


Had the same cam. It is noisy. Mine is out of the car now.

Hydraulic, EO-IC method done several times, also tried to set them with engine running, no difference.

After initial lash to get engine running, hydraulic lifters can only be adjusted with the motor running. Back off nut untill tapping is heard, then tighen nut just untill tapping stops. Shut off motor, turn all nuts 1/4 turn. this is the standard way. But is the Voodoo something unusual? how can a properly adjusted hydraulic cam have any noise at all? Is the lobe profile such that it slams the valves closed hard?

After initial lash to get engine running, hydraulic lifters can only be adjusted with the motor running. Back off nut untill tapping is heard, then tighen nut just untill tapping stops. Shut off motor, turn all nuts 1/4 turn. this is the standard way. But is the Voodoo something unusual? how can a properly adjusted hydraulic cam have any noise at all? Is the lobe profile such that it slams the valves closed hard?

The slamming of the valves closed was supposed to be the issue with the Comp Xe line, but the voodoo was supposed to address that with slower closing rates, so your guess is as good as mine.

After initial lash to get engine running, hydraulic lifters can only be adjusted with the motor running.


I would disagree............. :) As far as noise, some are noisier than others as you know. Sounds like the adjustment is done correctly, so I'd be looking at the wear pattern on the valve stem (dye should work with a stock rocker as well), making sure the retainer is not hitting the rocker at any point, rockers not hitting anything on the covers, slot long enough on the rockers that the studs don't hit the end of the slot, etc.

Jody

You may want to put something in that 10W-30 oil to thicken it up like an STP type product. How is your oil pressure? If your oil pressure seems low you may want to go to a better oil filter like WIX or purolator. If the STP trick works you may want to go to the Brad Penn 20W-50.