PERFORMER RPM HYDRAULIC ROLLER CAMSHAFT
For 351 c.i.d. (Windsor) Ford V8 Engines
CATALOG #2281
®
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, Monday through Friday.
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 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 or Performer RPM manifold. They are dyno-matched
and street proven to work as a team; especially when part of an Edelbrock Total Power Package. However, a Performer RPM camshaft package
may also be used with other components designed to operate in a similar RPM range.
PREPARATION CHECKLIST
Tools & Equipment For Installation
Hardware & Parts To Buy
q
Box and open end wrenches
q
Edelbrock Roller Lifters #97453, or equivalent
q
Socket set
q
q
Distributor wrench
Edelbrock Push Rods #9656 (designed for roller lifters),
or equivalent
q
Pliers (channel locks & hose clamp)
q
Nylon camshaft thrust button (included).
q
Screw drivers (regular and phillips)
q
Intake Gaskets - Edelbrock #7220, OEM or equivalent
q
Torque wrench
q
Pipe plugs, if needed
q
Hammer
q
Edelbrock Gasgacinch #9300
q
Gasket scraper or putty knife
q
RTV Silicone sealer
q
Timing light vacuum gauge
q
Engine oil and filter
q
Rags
q
Radiator coolant
q
Water bucket
q
Adjustable, stud mounted rocker arms
q
Harmonic balancer puller
q
q
Masking tape (for tagging hoses and electrical wires)
Edelbrock True Rolling Timing Chain Set #7811 (19841995: from 3/21/84) or #7820 (1962-1984: to 3/21/84)
q
Chalk , paper and pencil
q
Front cover oil seal, OEM or equivalent
q
Crankshaft dampener puller
q
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.
Catalog #2281
Rev. 9/21/17 - NP
Page 1 of 4
©2017 Edelbrock LLC
Brochure #63-2281
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 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
be used with Edelbrock timing chains.
cam is installed and timed correctly (See Figure 2), it will be necessary
to check each pushrod for correct lifter preload. Use lifter manufacturer’s
specifications for proper preload.
VALVE SPRINGS (CAUTION REGARDING 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 high performance retainers may be necessary with your
installation for proper spring height. 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.
Note: Edelbrock Sure Seat Valve Springs #5845 are not
recommended with cast iron heads.
LIFTERS: Edelbrock offers a replacement roller lifter kit, part #97453.
To install new or factory 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 applicable). The guide bar (high side of tappet) must
face the opposite side of block, with the arrow pointing up.
TIMING CHAIN: Use Edelbrock Performer-Link Timing Set #7811 or
7820, Hex-A-Just Timing Set #7335, or Accu-Drive Gear Drive #7892
ONLY (See catalog for application coverage). Do not use late model
timing chain and gear sets that are designed for emission-controlled
engines. These timing sets are machined in a retarded position and are
not recommended for this camshaft installation. Edelbrock Timing Sets
feature adjustments to allow for specific timing selection.
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
.080” for the intake valve, and .100” for the exhaust valve).
2.
Rocker arm stud slot clearance (both ends; valve closed and
open).
NOTE: We recommend the use of roller rockers.
3.
PUSHRODS AND ROCKER ARMS: High performance pushrods and
stud mounted, adjustable roller rocker arms are recommended for this
installation. Edelbrock Pushrods #9656 are recommended. After the
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.
Catalog #2281
Rev. 9/21/17 - NP
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. Clean addisional gasket material and sealant from
the cylinder head flanges. Cover the lifter valley with rags and use
care to prevent material from falling into the lifter valley.
Page 2 of 4
©2017 Edelbrock LLC
Brochure #63-2281
11. Remove rocker arms and pushrods.
15. 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.
12. Remove hydraulic valve lifters.
13. Remove crankshaft pulley, and using a suitable puller, remove the
crankshaft dampener.
14. Remove fuel pump. Rotate engine until timing marks are aligned
(See Fig. 2).
16. Remove bolts retaining camshaft sprocket. Remove sprocket and
chain. Using a suitable puller, remove the crankshaft sprocket.
17. Remove thrust plate and camshaft, being careful not to damage
cam bearings. Cam bearings should be replaced if necessary.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1.
Check lifters as covered in Lifters section. Coat cam lobes with
fresh clean oil. Lube distributor drive of cam with assembly lube
(supplied).
2.
Install new camshaft and factory thrust plate. Torque thrust plate
bolts to 9-12 ft./lbs. Install new sprockets and timing chain. Torque
cam sprocket bolts to 40-45 ft/lbs.
CAUTION: When using an Edelbrock Timing Chain and Gear
Set 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 bolts holding gear to cam.
3.
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.
thumb and forefinger. When you feel resistance, you are at
zero lash. From this point turn adjusting nut down (clockwise) 3/4 turn more for final adjustment.
D.
The above procedure assures correct hydraulic lifter preload.
Repeat this procedure for each of the other seven cylinders.
10. Install intake manifold using new intake gasket set and torque bolts
to 25 ft/lbs.
DISTRIBUTOR INSTALLATION & ENGINE TIMING:
NOTE: This cam is a cast cam and requires a cast distributor drive
gear.
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.
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.
4.
Replace valve covers, carburetor linkage and remaining vacuum and
electrical connections.
5.
Engine oil and filter should be changed before start-up.
Turn the engine over until the No. 1 cylinder exhaust lifter
just starts to move up. At this point, install adjusting nut on
the intake rocker arm and adjust to zero clearance between
rocker arm and valve tip. This is “zero lash”. While
tightening the rocker nut, spin the pushrod between your
CAMSHAFT & LIFTER RUN-IN:
Align camshaft with timing marks lined up as recommended by
factory specifications. See Figure 2.
5.
Torque front timing cover bolts to 12-18 ft. lbs., and tighten oil pan
bolts.
NOTE: Install new seal between oil pan and front cover if old
seal was damaged upon removal. Use RTV silicone sealant on
seal to ensure proper seal to pan.
6.
Install front harmonic balancer and torque to 70-90 ft.-lbs.
7.
Install fuel pump.
8.
Install water pump using new gaskets and torque to 30 ft.-lbs.
9.
VALVE ADJUSTMENT
B.
Turn the engine over again until the intake lifter just stops
coming down. Install the adjusting nut on the exhaust
rocker arm and adjust to zero clearance between rocker
arm and valve tip. From this point turn adjusting nut down
(clock-wise) 3/4 turn more for final adjustment.
1.
4.
A.
C.
Catalog #2281
Rev. 9/21/17 - NP
IMPORTANT: Standard camshaft run-in is not required when using
a roller cam.
Page 3 of 4
©2017 Edelbrock LLC
Brochure #63-2281
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.
HEADERS & EXHAUST SYSTEM:
For best performance, headers are recommended. They should be
1-3/4” in diameter, approximately 31” long, with a 3” collector should be
used.. The exhaust system should consist of dual exhaust pipes, at least
2” diameter with low back-pressure mufflers such as the Edelbrock SDT
Series mufflers. Please consult your Edelbrock dealer or the Edelbrock
catalog for a listing of available Edelbrock SDT Mufflers.
Timing
Marks
Firing Order: 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
Figure 1 - 351 c.i.d Windsor (351W) Ford V8
Firing Order and Timing Marks
Turn distributor clockwise to advance timing
Figure 2 - Timing Chain Sprocket Alignment
Edelbrock LLC • 2700 California St. • Torrance, CA 90503
Tech-Line: 1-800-416-8628
Catalog #2281
Rev. 9/21/17 - NP
Page 4 of 4
©2017 Edelbrock LLC
Brochure #63-2281
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