®
ROLLING’ THUNDER CAMSHAFTS
HYDRAULIC ROLLER CAMSHAFTS
For 265-400 C.I.D. Chevrolet V8 Engines
PART #2201, 2204, 2205, 2207, 2208, 2209, 2210 & 2231
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
PLEASE study these instructions carefully before beginning this installation. Most installations can be accomplished with common tools and
procedures. However, you should be familiar with and comfortable working on your vehicle. If you do not feel comfortable performing this installation,
it is recommended to have the installation completed by a qualified mechanic. If you have any questions, please call our Technical Hotline at:
1-800-416-8628, 7:00 am - 5:00 pm, Pacific Standard Time.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Proper installation is the responsibility of the installer. Improper installation
will void your warranty and may result in poor performance and engine or vehicle damage.
These instructions are designed to give general installation guidelines. A complete step-by-step procedure manual would require many
pages. If you are a novice or just learning to work on automotive engines, we recommend consulting either Chilton or Motors automotive manuals
before you begin. You may also contact an experienced mechanic. Please be advised that an improper installation may result in LOW MILEAGE,
POOR PERFORMANCE, COSTLY REINSTALLATION AND EVEN ENGINE DAMAGE. Installing a camshaft is a complex procedure. Please follow
these instructions carefully. Failure to do so may void your warranty. Refer to Edelbrock catalog for each camshaft’s specific application coverage.
•
Before you begin the removal and installation process, please examine the kit for possible shipping damage. If the camshaft is damaged, contact
your dealer immediately. Also, make sure you have all the recommended tools and parts as listed below. As you read through these instructions
the first time, use the preparation checklist to check off the exact items you will need.
•
Rolling’ Thunder camshafts are ground specifically for use with the corresponding Performer or Performer RPM manifold and cylinder heads. They
are dyno-matched and street proven to work as a team; especially when part of an Edelbrock Total Power Package. However, Rolling’ Thunder
camshaft package may also be used with other components designed to operate in a similar RPM range.
PREPARATION CHECKLIST
Hardware & Parts To Required
q
Tools & Equipment For Installation
Edelbrock Roller Lifters or equivalent:
Pre-1986 - Edelbrock #97423
1987-Later - OEM or Edelbrock #97384
q
Box and Open End Wrenches
q
Socket Set
q
Distributor Wrench
q
Pliers (Channel Locks & Hose Clamp)
q
Edelbrock Hardened Push Rods or equivalent:
All Years - Edelbrock #9646
q
Camshaft Thrust Button (Pre-1986 Only) - supplied
q
Screw Drivers (Regular and Phillips)
q
Edelbrock Intake Manifold Gaskets or equivalent:
Pre-1986 heads - Edelbrock #7201
E-Tec/Vortec heads - Edelbrock #7235
q
Torque Wrench
q
Hammer
q
Gasket Scraper or Putty Knife
q
Edelbrock True Rolling Timing Chain Set #7800, 7801,
7880, 7331, or 7332 (See Catalog for correct application)
q
Timing Light
q
Edelbrock Sure Seat Valve Springs #5845 or equivalent
NOTE: Valve Springs must have a closed pressure of
150 lbs., open pressure of 420 lbs. and a lift of .550”
(.600” for #2207)
q
Vacuum Gauge
q
Rags
q
Water Bucket
q
Harmonic Balancer Puller
q
Pipe Plugs, if needed
q
Masking Tape (for tagging hoses and electrical wires)
q
Edelbrock Gasgacinch #9300
q
Chalk, Paper and Pencil
q
RTV Silicone Sealer
q
Crankshaft dampener puller
q
Engine Oil and Filter
q
Radiator Coolant
q
Front Cover Oil Seal, OEM or equivalent
Part #2201, 2204, 2205, 2207, 2208, 2209, 2210 & 2231
Rev. 4/2/18 - NP
Page 1 of 4
©2018 Edelbrock LLC
Brochure #63-0154
IMPORTANT NOTES AFFECTING YOUR WARRANTY. PLEASE READ BEFORE CONTINUING THIS INSTALLATION!
CAM LOBE DAMAGE: Cam lobe wear is almost non-existent unless
mismatched parts are used or installation of the cam and lifters is installed
improperly. Cam damage can result from the timing gear loosening due
to improper torque on bolts. Bolts holding gear to camshaft should be
torqued carefully and a locking compound applied to threads of bolts.
Before installing your new hydraulic roller camshaft, check the gear drive
on the distributor and oil pump for any signs of wear. If worn, be sure to
replace with a new gear or you may wear out your camshaft prematurely.
High-pressure oil pumps are not recommended with hydraulic roller
camshafts. Edelbrock camshafts are designed for use with Edelbrock
timing chains.
PUSHRODS AND ROCKER ARMS: Edelbrock #9646 pushrods,
and high performance, roller rocker arms and studs are recommended
for this installation. After the cam is installed and timed correctly (See
Figure 2), it will be necessary to check for correct lifter preload.
VALVE SPRINGS (CAUTION REGARDING YOUR WARRANTY):
In order for this Rolling’ Thunder roller cam to be covered under ANY
WARRANTY, the correct Valve Springs MUST be used. Failure to install
the correct valve springs may cause lifters to not follow the cam lobes
and damage engine parts. This camshaft is designed to function with
Valve Springs that have a closed pressure of 150 lbs, open pressure
of 420 lbs and a lift of .550” (.600” for #2207). Edelbrock Sure Seat
Valve Springs #5845 are highly recommended for these Rollin’ Thunder
camshafts. Edelbrock #9736 Retainers are also highly recommended to
insure proper spring installation height of 1.800”. Do not use rotator
type valve springs or retainers for this application.
CAM GEARS AND CAMSHAFT END PLAY: If cam gear becomes
loose, the cam will slide back in the block, causing the lifters to hit the
lobes next to them and also the cam bearing journals. If the engine is
run after this happens, the bottom of the lifters and the sides of the lobes
will become damaged. See Installation Instructions section for end play
specifications.
LIFTERS: Edelbrock offers retro-fit roller lifters for pre-1986 engines,
part #97423. Replacement OEM or Edelbrock #97384 lifters may be
used in 1987 and later engines. To install your roller lifters, use fresh
clean oil on the lifter and the lifter bore just prior to installing. Make sure
to re-install the factory guide system (if equipped). The guide bar (high
side of tappet) must face the opposite side of block.
TIMING CHAIN: Use Edelbrock Performer-Plus Timing Set #7800
or 7802, Accu-Drive gear drive #7890, or Hex-A-Just Timing Set
#7331 ONLY. Do not use late model timing chain and gear sets that
are designed for emission-controlled engines. OEM timing sets are
machined in a retarded position and are not recommended for this
installation.
OPERATING CLEARANCES: When installing a camshaft, it is always
important to check for proper operating clearances, especially when high
performance components are used. Things to look for that can cause
failure and damaged parts are as follows:
1.
Improper valve-to-piston clearance (this should be no less than
0.080”).
2.
Rocker arm stud slot clearance (both ends; valve closed and open).
NOTE: We recommend the use of roller rockers.
3.
Proper spring settings (see dimensions with spring instruction
sheet). Correct dimensions mean maximum performance and
longer engine life.
REMOVAL OF ENGINE PARTS BEFORE CAMSHAFT INSTALLATION
(Be sure to keep all parts in order)
WARNING! DO NOT REMOVE RADIATOR CAP OR RADIATOR HOSES WHILE ENGINE IS HOT!
IMPORTANT NOTICE: If the air conditioning condenser needs to be removed to provide clearance for camshaft removal, have the system
evacuated by an appropriate repair facility BEFORE starting the installation. The facility can recharge the system after installation.
1.
Disconnect the battery.
7.
Tag and remove vacuum lines.
2.
Drain radiator coolant. Drain plug will normally be located on lower
right or left side of the radiator facing the engine.
8.
Remove valve covers.
9.
3.
Remove radiator and air conditioning condenser if so equipped.
In some cases, the front grille may have to be removed. Measure
distance from front cover to grille or brackets that may interfere with
camshaft against the length of the camshaft.
Remove distributor cap and wires, rotate engine until rotor points
towards number 1 terminal in cap and pointer on front cover is on
top dead center (TDC) and remove distributor. (see Fig. 1)
4.
Remove the gas cap to relieve pressure. Disconnect fuel line and
plug. Replace gas cap.
5.
Disconnect all linkage from carburetor such as throttle, throttle
springs, transmission, cruise control and automatic choke.
6.
Tag and remove coil wires and sensor wires.
Part #2201, 2204, 2205, 2207, 2208, 2209, 2210 & 2231
Rev. 4/2/18 - NP
NOTE: the approximate position of the distributor housing
in relation to the manifold to assist in getting the distributor
properly located during re-installation.
10. Remove carburetor and intake manifold.
intake manifold gasket.
Remove and discard
11. Remove rocker arms and pushrods.
12. Remove hydraulic valve lifters.
Page 2 of 4
©2018 Edelbrock LLC
Brochure #63-0154
13. Remove crankshaft pulley, and using a suitable puller, crankshaft
dampener.
15. Remove fuel pump and fuel pump pushrod. Rotate engine until
timing marks are aligned as in Figure 2.
14. Loosen oil pan and remove water pump and front cover.
16. Remove bolts retaining camshaft sprocket. Remove sprocket and
chain. For 1987-later engines, remove camshaft thrust plate.
NOTE: The front cover oil seal should be replaced before the
front cover is re-installed.
17. Remove camshaft.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1.
2.
Check lifters as covered in Lifters section. Coat cam lobes with
fresh clean oil. Lube distributor drive of cam with assembly lube
(supplied).
VALVE ADJUSTMENT
9.
Install new camshaft with factory thrust plate (if applicable), new
sprockets, and timing chain. Torque sprocket bolts to 25 ft/lbs.
NOTE: Roller cams require the use of a cam thrust button
spacer to control camshaft end play in pre-1987 engines.
Check camshaft end-play, maintain between .005” and .010”.
This must be checked with the timing cover, thrust button
(supplied), and gasket in place, just as it would be after final
assembly without the roller lifters installed. Some applications
may require that the thrust button be ground down slightly
to achieve proper clearance. When using a sheet-metal
timing cover, a water pump with a cam-stop is recommended
to prevent timing cover flex. See Edelbrock catalog for
appropriate pumps. Cast covers will not require a cam-stop.
Engines using a thrust plate do not require the thrust button.
CAUTION: When using Edelbrock Timing Sets with an
Edelbrock cam, straight up timing alignment is achieved. If
any other timing gear set is used, it is necessary to check
camshaft position for correct timing alignment. This requires
indexing the camshaft with a degree wheel to verify timing
alignment. O.E.M. or non-Edelbrock timing gear sets are not
recommended for use with Edelbrock camshafts. Use locking
compound on bolt threads holding gear to cam. Torque to
factory recommendations specified in factory service manual.
3.
Align camshaft with timing marks lined up as recommended by
factory specifications (See Figure 2).
4.
Reinstall your roller lifters using fresh clean oil on the lifter and the
lifter bore just prior to installing. Make sure to reinstall the factory
guide system (1987-later only). Check to make sure all lifters fit
freely in lifter bores.
5.
Install front cover. Torque front timing cover bolts to 6-7 ft. lbs.
NOTE: Install new seal between oil pan and front cover if old
seal is damaged after removal. Use RTV silicone sealant on
seal to ensure proper seal to pan.
6.
Install front harmonic balancer and torque to 60 ft.-lbs.
7.
Install fuel pump and pushrod.
8.
Install water pump using new gaskets and torque to 30 ft.-lbs.
Part #2201, 2204, 2205, 2207, 2208, 2209, 2210 & 2231
Rev. 4/2/18 - NP
A.
Install pushrods with lube on both ends, making sure the
pushrod tip hits the center of the lifter cup. Install rocker
arms, but do not install adjusting nuts. You are now ready
to start valve adjustment.
B.
With #1 cylinder at TDC firing position (Both #1 lifters are
down in the lifter bores & cyl #6 are up), adjust exhaust
valves on cylinder numbers 1, 3, 4, 8 and intake valves
on cylinder numbers 1, 2, 5, 7 as follows: You need to set
rockers at zero lash. While tightening the rocker nut, spin
the pushrod, when you feel resistance, you are at zero lash.
Tighten rocker nut 3/4 to 1 turn beyond zero lash.
C.
Turn engine one complete revolution so #6 cylinder is at
TDC firing position and adjust exhaust valves on cylinder
numbers 2, 5, 6, 7 and intake valves on cylinders 3, 4, 6, 8
in the same manner. The valves are now adjusted.
10. Install intake manifold using new intake gasket set and torque bolts
to factory specifications.
DISTRIBUTOR INSTALLATION & ENGINE TIMING:
NOTE: This cam is a cast cam and requires a cast distributor drive
gear.
1.
Turn the engine over in direction of rotation until the No. 1 intake
valve closes and continue until the pointer on the front cover is
approximately five degrees before top dead center (BTDC). See
Figure 1 for firing order.
2.
Re-install the distributor with the rotor pointing towards No. 1
terminal in the cap, and with the distributor housing in its original
position. If distributor will not drop down all the way to the flange
on the manifold, it will be necessary to align the distributor shaft
with the oil pump drive. Slowly rotate the engine until the distributor
drops down against the manifold, then continue turning until two
complete revolutions are completed and the timing marks once
again come to five degrees BTDC.
3.
Lightly tighten the hold-down clamp so that the distributor can still
be turned to determine final setting using a timing light with the
engine running.
4.
Replace valve covers, carburetor linkage and remaining vacuum and
electrical connections.
5.
Engine oil and filter should be changed before start-up.
Page 3 of 4
©2018 Edelbrock LLC
Brochure #63-0154
CAMSHAFT & LIFTER RUN-IN:
IMPORTANT: Standard camshaft run-in is not required when using
a roller camshaft.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
With the Edelbrock manifold and camshaft package installation, a
carburetor jet change and ignition timing changes may be required for
best performance. Due to the varied applications of years and models
of vehicles, no one combination could suffice for all installations. The
following procedure is only a guideline.
IGNITION TIMING:
Increase initial setting to 14° BTDC (Before Top Dead Center). Total
advance not to exceed 38°. To select the proper distributor vacuum
advance port on your carburetor, we suggest the following procedure.
Before removing the vacuum line from your carburetor, with the engine
idling, pull the hose off the port that routes to the vacuum advance
canister. After the hose has been removed from the carb, place your
finger over the vacuum outlet. If (at idle), you feel your finger being
sucked in toward the carburetor, you have full-time vacuum advance. If
you do not feel any vacuum pulling at your finger with the engine at an
idle, you have timed/ported vacuum advance.
TUBULAR EXHAUST SYSTEM:
For best performance, a tubular exhaust system is recommended with
the Performer package to provide the most low-end torque. Please
consult your Edelbrock dealer or the Edelbrock catalog for a listing of
available Edelbrock Tubular Exhaust Systems.
Timing
Marks
Firing Order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Figure 1 - 283-400 c.i.d Chevrolet V8
Firing Order and Timing Marks
Turn distributor counter clockwise to advance timing
Figure 2 - Timing Chain Sprocket Alignment
®
Edelbrock LLC • 2700 California St. • Torrance, CA 90503
Tech-Line: 1-800-416-8628
Part #2201, 2204, 2205, 2207, 2208, 2209, 2210 & 2231
Rev. 4/2/18 - NP
Page 4 of 4
©2018 Edelbrock LLC
Brochure #63-0154
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