Looking to use a comp cams xtreme energy xe262h in my 1971 olds 350. Has #6 heads. Is it OK to use stock rockers and springs? Figure if I stay under .500 lift I'll be ok but any advise appreciated

 

If they're in good shape - it'd be best to test them to make sure they've still got consistent spring rate - and you don't plan to rev to the moon then sure.
Especially if it's a short term thing. Replacing springs on the car isn't too terrible and the tools are cheap.

 

When you say stock do you mean 50 year old factory original? If yes, I would not reuse them with that cam. Back in the 80s my original springs were weak enough to cause valve float at 5000 RPM - the power just fell off immediately. After changing the springs the engine would rev to 5800. New springs are fairly inexpensive.

 

Yes, can't really think of a reason not to go with new springs.

 

any suggestions for aftermarket springs? Prefer Something that wont require machine work to heads

 

If you've made up your mind to go with a Comp Cam it might be best to keep it in the family, so I would start with theirs. I think they have quite an array so maybe get with their tech line and see if they have something compatible with your application and planned use.

 

The Comp Catalog does not say that cam cannot be used with stock springs so you should be fine but ...... like others have said I don't know if I would want to trust 50 year old springs. Either use the Comp 901-16 springs or get a set of stock replacement springs from E-loy or Melling etc. Personally I would use the Comp springs.

 

I can tell you, first hand, that dropped valves are very expensive, labor intensive, and time consuming. It's a 1 step forward, 2 steps back situation.

 

Ramp rates are quicker on the Extreme energy cam vs. stock so the valves would float even earlier with stock springs. Also be sure to check valve retainer to guide clearance.

 

yeah after looking into pricing of springs i think 100 bucks is worth piece of mind to have new parts and not rely on the antique springs in it.

 

Change the springs, retainers and keepers. The original cam is probably.400 or so lift. Adding a .480 lift cam , now you’re in a different world on the spring rate at a higher lift vs the stock can. The springs have a much greater chance at failure