Cam vs cam

[GTRS Fiero]

I read that the 260 comp cam is basically a downgrade from the stock 2.8/3.4 cam.  I read that the crane 272 cam requires head work, but the crane 260 cam is the one you want.

What are the facts?

[Raydar]

I'm not sure about the "downgrade".
The H-272 will almost certainly require head work for spring clearance.
The Crane H-260 is the same cam that came in the HT 3.4 crate motor that GM used to sell. It should work with no head work.
You can figure this by looking at the valve lift. (It's .427, intake; .454, exhaust, for the H-260.) Look at the installed height of the springs, and the "coil bind" height.
If the difference is larger than .454, you should be good to go. (Kind of simplistic, but that's essentially it.)

If you install 1.6 rockers on an H-260, you will have the same lift numbers as a 272 (.454/.480) and will likely bind the springs.

FWIW, the stock Fiero cam and the stock 3.4 cam have the identical lift numbers. (.394/.410)
For some reason, GM liked the "staggered" lift numbers (intake vs exhaust) on their cams, for the iron head V6. I have always tried go go back in with staggered cams. I figure they did it for a reason.

[f85gtron]

I did a h260 and 1.6 rockers.  Upgraded the springs and all is good. No head work needed.

[GTRS Fiero]

How about the Comp Camp 260?  That isn't the same as the Crane 260, from what I gather.