Performer RPM Hydraulic Roller Camshaft
For 289-302 Ford V8 Engines
Part #2221
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
®
Please study these instructions carefully before installing your new camshaft. If you have any questions or problems, please call our Technical
Hotline at: 1-800-416-8628, 7:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, Pacific Standard Time.
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 POOR FUEL
ECONOMY, 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.
• 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.
• Performer RPM camshafts are ground specifically for use with the corresponding Performer RPM manifolds. Both are dyno-matched and street
proven to work as a team; especially when matched with the Edelbrock Tubular Exhaust Systems. However, the Performer RPM camshaft package
may be used by itself.
PREPARATION CHECKLIST
Tools & Equipment For Installation
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Hardware & Parts To Buy
Box and open end wrenches
Socket set
Distributor wrench
Pliers (channel locks & hose clamp)
Screw drivers (regular and phillips)
Torque wrench
Hammer
Gasket scraper or putty knife
Timing light vacuum gauge
Rags
Water bucket
Harmonic balancer puller
Masking tape (for tagging hoses and electrical wires)
Chalk , paper and pencil
Crankshaft dampener puller
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Edelbrock Roller Lifters #97453 or equivalent
Appropriate Length Push Rods; Edelbrock #9655 or equivalent
Gaskets - Intake #7220, Cyl. Head #7313, Valve Cover #7560
Pipe plugs, if needed
Edelbrock Gasgacinch #9300
RTV Silicone sealer
Engine oil and filter
Radiator coolant
Edelbrock True Rolling Timing Chain Set #7811
Front cover oil seal, OEM or equivalent
Valve Springs with a closed load of 150 lbs and open load of
420 lbs. (Note: Edelbrock Sure Seat Valve Springs #5845 are
not recommended with stock iron heads.)
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!
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with air conditioning, you are legally
required to have the system evacuated by an authorized repair center
prior to beginning camshaft installation.
1. Disconnect the battery.
2. Drain radiator coolant. Drain plug will normally be located on lower
right or left side of the radiator facing the engine.
3. Remove radiator and air conditioning condenser if so equipped.
In some cases, the front grill may have to be removed. Measure
distance from front cover to grill or brackets that may interfere with
camshaft against the length of the camshaft.
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.
Part #2221
Brochure No. 63-0259
6. Tag and remove coil wires and sensor wires.
7. Tag and remove vacuum lines.
8. Remove valve covers.
9. 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)
Note: Mark 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. Remove and discard intake
manifold gasket.
11. Remove rocker arms and pushrods.
CAUTION: If your engine has non-adjustable rocker arms (19691/2 or later), you must install screw-in studs and high performance
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©2017 Edelbrock LLC
Rev. 9/21/17 - NP
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adjustable rocker arms. Crane and other manufacturers sell
conversion kits for this which do not require removal and machining
of the heads.
Remove hydraulic valve lifters.
Remove cylinder heads, see a Chilton or Motors manual for
reference. (Note: 289-302 engines require removal of the cylinder
heads to provide enough clearance to install roller lifters, which are
taller than standard hydraulic lifters.).
Remove crankshaft pulley, and using a suitable puller, crankshaft
dampener.
Loosen oil pan and remove water pump and front cover.
NOTE: The front cover oil seal should be replaced before the front
cover is re-installed.
Rotate engine until timing marks are aligned as in Figure 2.
Remove camshaft sprocket bolt, washer, and fuel pump eccentric.
Slide sprocket and chain forward to remove.
Remove thrust plate and camshaft. Using an appropriate gear puller,
remove the crank sprocket.
• PUSHRODS AND ROCKER ARMS
High performance pushrods, roller rocker arms and rocker studs are
recommended for this installation. After the cam is installed and
timed correctly (see Figure 2), it will be necessary to check each
pushrod for correct lifter preload.
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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1.
Check lifters as covered in Lifters section. Coat cam lobes with
fresh clean oil. Lube distributor drive of cam with assembly lube
(supplied).
Install new camshaft. Re-install thrust plate with new sprockets and
timing chain with timing marks lined up as recommended by factory
specifications (See Figure 2). Reinstall the fuel pump eccentric
before installing sprocket bolt and washer.
CAUTION: When using Performer-Link True Rolling Timing Chain
and Gear Set (#7810) 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 material on bolt threads holding gear to cam. Torque to
factory recommendations specified in Motors or other repair manual.
Install your roller lifters using fresh clean oil on the lifter and the lifter
bore just prior to installing. Check to make sure all lifters fit freely in
lifter bores.
Re-install cylinder heads (refer to manual for reference).
Install front timing cover and re-tighten oil pan.
NOTE: Install new seal between oil pan and front cover if old seal is
damaged from removal. Use RTV silicone sealant on seal to ensure
proper seal to pan.
Torque front timing cover bolts to 6-7 ft. lbs.
Install front harmonic balancer and torque to 60 ft.-lbs.
Install fuel pump and pushrod.
Install water pump using new gaskets and torque to 30 ft.-lbs.
VALVE ADJUSTMENT
Step 1. Install pushrods with lube on both ends. Make sure tip hits
center of lifter cup. Install rocker arms. You are now ready
to start valve adjustment.
2.
• VALVE SPRINGS
CAUTION: WARNINGS ABOUT YOUR WARRANTY
In order for this Performer RPM roller cam to be covered under
ANY WARRANTY, you MUST use the correct Valve Springs. Failure
to install the correct valve springs may cause lifters not to follow the
cam lobes and damage engine parts. This camshaft is designed to
function with valve springs that have a closed load of 150 lbs and
open load of 420 lbs. Special H.P. retainers may be necessary with
your installation for proper spring height. Do not use rotator type valve
springs or retainers for this application. Note: Edelbrock Sure Seat
Valve Springs #5845 are not recommended with stock iron heads.
• IMPORTANT NOTES AFFECTING YOUR WARRANTY
CAM LOBE DAMAGE - Cam lobe wear is almost non-existent unless
mismatched parts are used or installation of the cam and lifters
is done 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 Performer-RPM 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 Performer RPM roller camshafts. Edelbrock
camshafts are designed to use with Edelbrock timing chains.
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• 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 a retrofit roller lifter kit for engines not originally
equipped with roller lifters. Use part #97453. To install your roller
lifters, use fresh clean oil on the lifter and the lifter bore just prior to
installing. The guide bar (high side of tappet) must face the opposite
side of block. See roller lifter instructions for additional information.
(Note: 289-302 engines require removal of the cylinder heads to
provide enough clearance to install roller lifters, which are taller than
standard hydraulic lifters.)
Part #2221
Brochure No. 63-0259
Page 2 of 3
Step 2. With #1 cylinder at TDC firing position (Position “A” - Both
#1 lifters are down in the lifter bores), make a chalk mark
on the dampener 180° from the TDC mark (Position “B”),
and also make a chalk mark 90° counter-clockwise from
the TDC mark (Position “C”). You may now adjust intake
valves on cylinder numbers 1, 7, & 8 and exhaust valves
on cylinder numbers 1, 5, & 4 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 half turn past zero lash. Note: We
recommend the use of roller rockers only.
Step 3. Turn the engine 180° (1/2 turn) so that the first chalk mark
(Position “B”) is lined up with the timing pointer. Adjust
the intake valves on cylinder numbers 4 & 5 and adjust the
exhaust valves on cylinder numbers 2 & 6.
©2017 Edelbrock LLC
Rev. 9/21/17 - NP
Step 4. Turn the engine 270° (3/4 turn) so that the second chalk
mark (Position “C”) is lined up with the timing pointer.
Adjust the intake valves on cylinder numbers 2, 3, & 6 and
the exhaust valves on cylinder numbers 3, 7, & 8. The
valves are now adjusted.
11. Install intake manifold using new intake gasket set and torque bolts
to 18-20 ft/lbs.
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 ten 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.
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• CAMSHAFT & LIFTER RUN-IN
IMPORTANT: Standard camshaft run-in is not required when using a
roller cam.
• 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 12-14° BTDC (Before Top Dead Center)
for best idle. 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.
• HEADERS
For best performance, headers are recommended. For this application,
they should be 1-5/8” to 1-3/4” diameter, approximately 31” long,
and terminate into a 3” collector. The remainder of the exhaust
system should consist of dual exhaust and tail pipes, at least 2” 2-1/2” in diameter, with low back-pressure mufflers.
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Timing
Marks
Firing Order: 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
Figure 1
289-302 c.i.d Ford V8
Firing Order and Timing Marks
Turn distributor counter clockwise to advance timing
Figure 2
Timing Chain Sprocket Alignment
Edelbrock LLC • 2700 California Street, Torrance, CA 90503
Tech Line: 1-800-416-8628
Part #2221
Brochure No. 63-0259
Page 3 of 3
©2017 Edelbrock LLC
Rev. 9/21/17 - NP
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CAMSHAFT: Performer RPM Roller Hydraulic
PART #2221
ENGINE: Ford 289-302 V8
RPM RANGE: 1500-6500
CAUTION: Use recommended valve springs with closed load of
150 lbs and open load of 420 lbs. Use stock ratio rocker arms
only.
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CAMSHAFT: Performer RPM Roller Hydraulic
PART #2221
ENGINE: Ford 289-302 V8
RPM RANGE: 1500-6500
CAUTION: Use recommended valve springs with closed load of
150 lbs and open load of 420 lbs. Use stock ratio rocker arms
only.
Duration at .004” Lift:
Duration at .050” Lift:
Intake 298°
Intake 227°
Exhaust 302°
Exhaust 234°
Duration at .004” Lift:
Duration at .050” Lift:
Intake 298°
Intake 227°
Exhaust 302°
Exhaust 234°
Lift at cam:
Lift at valve:
Intake .325”
Intake .520”
Exhaust .325”
Exhaust .520”
Lift at cam:
Lift at valve:
Intake .325”
Intake .520”
Exhaust .325”
Exhaust .520”
Timing at .050 Lift:
Open
Close
Intake
6° BTDC
41° ABDC
Exhaust
54° BBDC
0° ATDC
Centerlines:
Lobe Separation: 112°
Lobe Centerline: Int: 107° ATDC
Exh: 117° BTDC
• CAUTION: Use Edelbrock Performer-Link Timing Chain and
Gear Set #7811 or Accu-Drive gear drive #7892. Do not use late
model timing chain and gear sets that are designed for emissioncontrolled engines. These timing sets are machined in a retarded
position and are not recommended for this camshaft installation.
Edelbrock Timing Sets feature three keyways for specified timing
selection. Use “0” position for most applications.
Timing at .050 Lift:
Open
Close
Intake
6° BTDC
41° ABDC
Exhaust
54° BBDC
0° ATDC
Centerlines:
Lobe Separation: 112°
Lobe Centerline: Int: 107° ATDC
Exh: 117° BTDC
• CAUTION: Use Edelbrock Performer-Link Timing Chain and
Gear Set #7811 or Accu-Drive gear drive #7892. Do not use late
model timing chain and gear sets that are designed for emissioncontrolled engines. These timing sets are machined in a retarded
position and are not recommended for this camshaft installation.
Edelbrock Timing Sets feature three keyways for specified timing
selection. Use “0” position for most applications.
©2017 Edelbrock Corporation
©2017 Edelbrock Corporation
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Rev. 9/21/17 - NP
CAMSHAFT: Performer RPM Roller Hydraulic
PART #2221
ENGINE: Ford 289-302 V8
RPM RANGE: 1500-6500
CAUTION: Use recommended valve springs with closed load of
150 lbs and open load of 420 lbs. Use stock ratio rocker arms
only.
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•
•
Rev. 9/21/17 - NP
CAMSHAFT: Performer RPM Roller Hydraulic
PART #2221
ENGINE: Ford 289-302 V8
RPM RANGE: 1500-6500
CAUTION: Use recommended valve springs with closed load of
150 lbs and open load of 420 lbs. Use stock ratio rocker arms
only.
Duration at .004” Lift:
Duration at .050” Lift:
Intake 298°
Intake 227°
Exhaust 302°
Exhaust 234°
Duration at .004” Lift:
Duration at .050” Lift:
Intake 298°
Intake 227°
Exhaust 302°
Exhaust 234°
Lift at cam:
Lift at valve:
Intake .325”
Intake .520”
Exhaust .325”
Exhaust .520”
Lift at cam:
Lift at valve:
Intake .325”
Intake .520”
Exhaust .325”
Exhaust .520”
Timing at .050 Lift:
Open
Close
Intake
6° BTDC
41° ABDC
Exhaust
54° BBDC
0° ATDC
Centerlines:
Lobe Separation: 112°
Lobe Centerline: Int: 107° ATDC
Exh: 117° BTDC
• CAUTION: Use Edelbrock Performer-Link Timing Chain and
Gear Set #7811 or Accu-Drive gear drive #7892. Do not use late
model timing chain and gear sets that are designed for emissioncontrolled engines. These timing sets are machined in a retarded
position and are not recommended for this camshaft installation.
Edelbrock Timing Sets feature three keyways for specified timing
selection. Use “0” position for most applications.
Timing at .050 Lift:
Open
Close
Intake
6° BTDC
41° ABDC
Exhaust
54° BBDC
0° ATDC
Centerlines:
Lobe Separation: 112°
Lobe Centerline: Int: 107° ATDC
Exh: 117° BTDC
• CAUTION: Use Edelbrock Performer-Link Timing Chain and
Gear Set #7811 or Accu-Drive gear drive #7892. Do not use late
model timing chain and gear sets that are designed for emissioncontrolled engines. These timing sets are machined in a retarded
position and are not recommended for this camshaft installation.
Edelbrock Timing Sets feature three keyways for specified timing
selection. Use “0” position for most applications.
©2017 Edelbrock Corporation
©2017 Edelbrock Corporation
Rev. 9/21/17 - NP
Rev. 9/21/17 - NP
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