Clifford Performance Cam Warning
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,182
Likes: 380
From: Near Los Angeles
Clifford Performance Cam Warning
I was reading over on the other forum. A guy put a new Clifford cam in his brand new rebuilt 300, and it ate the cam bearings within a very short time.
He said the cam journals did not look polished like the lobes. Clifford told him it ate the bearings because he used motor oil with the zinc, like you are supposed to with a new cam.
The consensus on the other forum is that the factory either 'forgot' to polish the journals, or they spun the cam the opposite direction when grinding it, thereby leaving 'micro burrs' to file the bearings.
The guy went through two sets of bearing in a flash, put in a CRANE cam, and it is great. Clifford doesn't want to refund his money. For a company that charges nearly TWICE market value for a cam stick (the Clifford 264 duration cam sells for almost $400!!!, and doesn't even give you a lap dance for that price), it seems they would want to cultivate a good reputation by offering excellent customer service. But that doesn't seem to be the case.
If it were me buying a cam, I would avoid Clifford and buy from one of the other companies making quality sticks: Iskindarian offers a 262 duration, for example, Comp Cams a 260, etc. Crane also makes quality cams for the 300.
He said the cam journals did not look polished like the lobes. Clifford told him it ate the bearings because he used motor oil with the zinc, like you are supposed to with a new cam.
The consensus on the other forum is that the factory either 'forgot' to polish the journals, or they spun the cam the opposite direction when grinding it, thereby leaving 'micro burrs' to file the bearings.
The guy went through two sets of bearing in a flash, put in a CRANE cam, and it is great. Clifford doesn't want to refund his money. For a company that charges nearly TWICE market value for a cam stick (the Clifford 264 duration cam sells for almost $400!!!, and doesn't even give you a lap dance for that price), it seems they would want to cultivate a good reputation by offering excellent customer service. But that doesn't seem to be the case.
If it were me buying a cam, I would avoid Clifford and buy from one of the other companies making quality sticks: Iskindarian offers a 262 duration, for example, Comp Cams a 260, etc. Crane also makes quality cams for the 300.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,987
Likes: 104
From: Boise, Idaho
Which two parts are those?
After having my Clifford gasket split under recommended torque, causing my intake to break, I wasn't too pleased with them either when all they did was tell me a shop shouldn't charge too much to weld it back together. If your stuff fails, take responsibility.
After having my Clifford gasket split under recommended torque, causing my intake to break, I wasn't too pleased with them either when all they did was tell me a shop shouldn't charge too much to weld it back together. If your stuff fails, take responsibility.
Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 6
From: Raphine, Virginia
200ci headers for my 66 Bronco, Clifford only item. Head and seperate intake from Classic Inlines, only other option there is the off chance you can find a cross flow from Australia. Other than those I believe everything else can be sourced elsewhere. This not mean I'm endorsing either vendor because each has their problems.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,885
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From: Lawrence Swamp
C&C
200ci headers for my 66 Bronco, Clifford only item. Head and seperate intake from Classic Inlines, only other option there is the off chance you can find a cross flow from Australia. Other than those I believe everything else can be sourced elsewhere. This not mean I'm endorsing either vendor because each has their problems.
There's a farm near here that has some huge out buildings. One has become a machine shop (when local tool n die co. go out of biz he buys their lathes, shapers, planers etc). He has a good biz w/locals who need replacement gears or whatever, for their older tractors. A medium sz yard separates the building from another one. In THERE is a guy who employs others. He does everything But machining w/metals (welding, bending etc for fab). Reminds me of C & C (I call em). People often are seen caring their parts/business from 1 bldg. to the other.
I don't think the same guys work for both these businesses. I do think (some of) the same guys work for the C & C companies.
These 4 businesses have done just what the experts advise "Find a niche". They provide a service, and one w/very little competition. They work together (2X2 and 2X2). This has both benefits and draw backs.
the off chance you can find a cross flow from Australia
I believe he's referring to me there. XR - XC ('66-79).
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 368
Likes: 3
From: Loganville, Ga
Well this is great to hear. I was just about to order the Clifford intake for my 300. Now I have to rethink.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,357
Likes: 3
From: S. Mississippi
I remember when Clifford was a respected name in the six world. It seems after the original owner(s) of Clifford Performance died, that customer service and quality have suffered.
I'd definitely vote with my dollar and not buy from Clifford. I'd rather spend it elsewhere with more reputable and friendly companies.
I'd definitely vote with my dollar and not buy from Clifford. I'd rather spend it elsewhere with more reputable and friendly companies.
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Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 6
From: Raphine, Virginia
I think it has more to do with quality control and management. My header gasket cracked yesterday, about 750 miles on it, installed per directions. Only gasket I ever used that said to soak in water before installing. A friend of mine just bought a "blueprinted" head from them that was cracked at the valve seats.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,987
Likes: 104
From: Boise, Idaho
That's really unfortunate. Not enough companies out there doing performance parts for the 300 as is. Bummer to have one that specializes in straight sixes putting out inferior parts. That and they're usually the most expensive.
Maybe need to get someone from over there to read this post.
Maybe need to get someone from over there to read this post.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,885
Likes: 12
From: Lawrence Swamp
There's not much call for us ("small" and "big six" I6s) and not alot of product. That kinda market dynamic leaves us with these kinda results. I'm goin to Oz land n a fella has heads n intakes from there. I'll try that route for my "small'. Might even get that before I can get the 250 from TN up here. Ah, the struggles of the unemployed... :-(
