Edelbrock performer rpm 351-w ford v8 User Manual

©1998 Edelbrock Corp.

Rev. 3/98

study these instructions carefully before installing your new camshaft. If you have any questions or problems, do not hesitate to call our

Use the following checklist for items needed. 
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
gear puller- for crankshaft sprocket

1.Disconnect battery.
2.For ease of installation, keep all parts in some sort of order.

WARNING: Do not remove radiator cap or radiator hose if engine is
hot.

3.Drain radiator coolant, move fan shroud back and remove fan and spac-

er from water pump. On air conditioned vehicles, remove bolt, lower
idler pulley and compressor-to- water pump mount. Disconnect hoses 
and brackets. Most vehicles will require radiator removal prior to cam
removal. Remove water pump.

4.Disconnect all linkage from carburetor such as throttle, throttle springs,

transmission, cruise control and automatic choke.

5.Tag and remove vacuum lines.
6.Remove valve covers.

HARDWARE & PARTS TO BUY
gaskets Fel-Pro #1250, OEM or equivalent 
pipe plugs, if needed
Edelbrock Gasgacinch, #9300
RTV Silicone
chalk
paper and pencil
radiator coolant
teflon tape
Edelbrock Performer-Link True Rolling Timing Chain and Gear Set
#7820 or Accu-Drive Gear Drive #7892
Edelbrock Sure Seat Valve Springs, #5722
Manifold bolt kit #8584

7.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. Note the approximate
position of the vacuum advance canister in relation to the manifold to
assist in getting the distributor properly located during re-installation.

8. Remove carburetor and intake manifold. Remove fuel pump.
9. Remove rocker arms and pushrods.

CAUTION: If your engine has non-adjustable rocker arms (1969-1/2
or later), you must install screw-in studs and high performance
adjustable rocker arms. Crane and other manufacturers sell conver-
sion kits for this which do not require removal and machining of the
heads. 

10. Remove hydraulic valve lifters.
11. Remove crankshaft pulley and, using a suitable puller, crankshaft

dampener.

12. Loosen oil pan and remove front cover.

• CAMSHAFT: Edelbrock Performer RPM camshafts are ground

specifically for use with the corresponding Performer RPM manifold.
The Performer RPM manifold #7181, and Performer RPM camshaft
#7182, are designed to work as a team to give you better driveability
and performance. They are dyno-matched and street-proven. For best
results, use the Edelbrock manifold/camshaft package with the carbure-
tor and headers we recommend. The Performer RPM camshafts are
designed for use with modified or high performance cylinder heads and
valve train components only. Screw-in studs and H.P. adjustable rocker
arms must be used.
NOTE: Maximum performance is achieved only when the Edelbrock
Performer RPM Power Package components are used with the follow-
ing equipment:
•Performer RPM manifold/camshaft/timing set/valve springs
•Performer Series carburetor #1407 (750 cfm)
•fuel delivery system of sufficient capacity

•1-3/4" headers

•aftermarket/re-curved distributors

• IMPORTANT: This instruction sheet provides general installation

guidelines which can affect your warranty. Read it carefully. It is not
our intent to cover each detail of installation here; a step-by-step proce-
dure manual would be far too lengthy. We want to caution you that
installing a camshaft is a complicated procedure that requires a good
general knowledge of automotive engines. If you are not confident that
you can complete the camshaft installation successfully, we suggest
you consider having it installed by an experienced mechanic.

CAUTION: Improper installation will result in LOW MILEAGE,
POOR PERFORMANCE, COSTLY REINSTALLATION, and
ENGINE DAMAGE.
TO AVOID THESE PROBLEMS YOU MUST DO THE
FOLLOWING:
Carefully study and understand all instructions.
Examine the camshaft for possible shipping damage (if damaged con-
tact you dealer immediately).