Edelbrock 389-455 User manual

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ENGINE PARTS REMOVAL
BEFORE CAMSHAFT INSTALLATION
1. Disconnect battery.
2. For ease of installation, keep all parts in some sort of order.
©2009 Edelbrock Corp Brochure #63-7157
Part #7157 Rev 5/09 - AJ/mc
• PLEASE study these instructions carefully before installing your new camshaft. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call our Technical
Hotline at: 1-800-416-8628, 7 am - 5 pm, Pacific Standard Time, Monday-Friday.
•CAMSHAFT: Edelbrock Performer RPM camshafts are ground specifically for use with the corresponding Performer RPM manifold. The Performer
RPM manifold #7156, and Performer RPM camshaft #7157, 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 carburetor and headers we
recommend. The Performer RPM camshafts are designed for use with modified or RPM cylinder heads, #6057-59 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 following
equipment:
• Performer RPM manifold/camshaft/timing set/valve springs
• Performer Series carburetor #1407
• 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 procedure 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 contact you dealer immediately).
• TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
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
PREPARATION CHECKLIST
• HARDWARE & PARTS TO BUY
❏Intake gaskets; OEM, Fel-Pro Print-O-Seal #1233, 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
#7812
❏Edelbrock Sure Seat Valve Springs, #5757
❏Manifold bolt kit #8559
Performer RPM
Camshaft/Lifters/Lube Kit
PART #7157
MODEL: 389-455 c.i.d. Pontiac V8, 1965 & later

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
spacer 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.
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.
10. Remove hydraulic valve lifters.
11. Remove crankshaft pulley and, using a suitable puller, crankshaft
dampener.
12. Loosen oil pan and remove front cover.
NOTE: The front cover oil seal should be replaced before the front
cover is re-installed.
13. Rotate engine until timing marks are aligned as shown in Figure 2.
14. Remove cam sprocket bolts. Slide sprocket and timing chain forward
to remove.
15. Remove camshaft. Using appropriate gear puller, remove crank
sprocket.
•VALVE SPRINGS
CAUTION: WARNINGS ABOUT YOUR WARRANTY
In order for this Performer RPM cam and lifter kit to be covered under
ANY WARRANTY you MUST use the correct Edelbrock Sure Seat Valve
Springs or equivalent. Failure to install new Edelbrock valve springs or
equivalent with your new Performer RPM cam could cause the cam
lobes to wear excessively and could cause additional engine damage.
1. This camshaft is designed to function with Edelbrock Sure Seat valve
springs #5757. Do not use dual valve springs with this camshaft.
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.
• LIFTERS
1. New lifters must be used with new camshaft. Use only the high rev
lifters supplied with this kit.
2. Check to be sure that all lifters fit freely in the lifter bores.
• INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Coat cam lobes and bottoms of each lifter with MoS2 lube (supplied)
to prevent cam lobe and lifter wear from occurring during initial start-
up.
2. Install new camshaft with new sprockets, timing chain and lifters.
CAUTION: Use Edelbrock Performer-Plus True Rolling Timing Chain
and Gear Set #7812. Do not use late model timing chain & gear sets
that are designed in a retarded position and are not recommended for
this camshaft installation. Edelbrock Timing Sets feature three
keyways for specific timing selection. Use locking compound material
on the bolt threads holding timing gear to cam. Torque to factory
recommendations specified in motor repair manual.
Install camshaft with timing marks lined up as recommended by
factory specifications. See Figure 2.
When using Performer-Plus Timing Chain and Gear Sets (7812 series)
with Edelbrock cam and lifter kits, straight up timing alignment is
achieved. If any other timing gear set is used, it is necessary to check
cam 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.
•INSTALLING PUSHRODS AND ROCKER ARMS
High performance pushrods and 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 each pushrod for correct lifter preload.
•VALVE ADJUSTMENT
1. Turn the engine over until the No. 1 cylinder exhaust lifter starts to
move up. At this point install adjusting nut on intake rocker arm and
adjust to zero clearance between rocker arm and valve tip. From this
point turn adjusting nut down (clockwise) 1/4 turn more for final
adjustment.
2. Turn the engine over again until the intake lifter just stops coming
down. At this point install adjusting nut on exhaust rocker arm and
adjust to zero clearance between rocker arm and valve tip. From this
point turn adjusting nut down (clockwise) 1/4 turn more for final
adjustment.
3. The above procedure assures correct hydraulic lifter preload. Repeat
this procedure for each of the other seven cylinders.
4. Re-install front cover, fuel pump, water pump, and oil pan using new
gaskets.
5. Install intake manifold using new intake gasket set and torque
manifold bolts to 25 ft./lbs.
6. Install crankshaft dampener and torque to 60 ft./lbs.
• INSTALLING DISTRIBUTOR AND TIMING ENGINE
NOTE: Before installing your distributor, check the gear drive on the
distributor and oil pump for any signs of wear. If worn, be sure to
replace with new or you may wear out your camshaft prematurely.
This is especially true when rebuilding your engine and a high
performance oil system is used, which generates a heavier load on
the camshaft gear system. Edelbrock camshafts are designed to use
OEM-type gears only.
1. Turn the engine over in the direction of rotation until the No. 1 intake
valve closes and continue until the pointer on the front cover is
approximately 5 degrees BTDC.
2. Re-install the distributor with the rotor pointing towards No. 1 terminal
in the cap, and with the vacuum advance canister in its original
position.
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. Re-install air conditioner, if so equipped.
6. Refill radiator with coolant and re-connect battery.
7. Double check all connections, fuel lines, etc. before starting engine.
•CAMSHAFT/LIFTER RUN-IN
CAUTION: Change the engine oil and filter before start-up and again
after initial break-in. Do not allow the engine to run under 2000 rpm
for the first hour. Vary engine speed between 2000 and 3000 rpm.
Slow idle speeds may result in severe cam and lifter wear.
1. Start the engine and bring to break-in rpm.
©2009 Edelbrock Corp Brochure #63-7157
Part #7157 Rev 5/09 - AJ/mc

Figure 1- Pontiac 389-455 c.i.d. V8
Firing Order 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Turn distributor clockwise to advance timing.
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS AFFECTING
YOUR WARRANTY
•CAM LOBE WEAR- Cam lobe wear is almost non-existent unless
mismatched parts are used or installation of the cam and lifters is
done improperly. Most cam damage is caused by the timing gear
coming loose due to improper torque on bolt. Bolts holding gear to
camshaft should be torqued carefully and a locking compound
applied to threads of bolts.
•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 clipped.
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).
3. Proper spring settings (see dimensions with spring instruction sheet;
correct dimensions mean maximum performance and longer engine
life).
•SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
With the Edelbrock manifold and camshaft package plus a header
installation, a carburetor jet change may be required for best
performance. Due to the varied applications of year and model of
vehicles, no one combination could suffice for all installations. The
following procedure is only a guideline and in many cases, the
manufacturing specifications for recommended carburetors or timing
may be best.
•IGNITION TIMING
Ignition timing for this package may vary with each application. A
good starting figure would be between 10 degrees to 14 degrees
initial timing at idle with vacuum advance disconnected. Total
advance should not exceed 32 degrees to 34 degrees with initial and
centrifugal weights combined and should be at full advance at 3000-
3500 rpm. After timing is adjusted, re-connect the vacuum advance
line. NOTE: The best combination for any particular vehicle or
application must be determined by trial and error using the above
information as a guideline.
•HEADERS
For best performance, headers are recommended. For this
application, they should be 1-3/4" diameter, approximately 31" long
and terminating into a 3" collector. The remainder of the exhaust
system should consist of dual exhaust and tail pipes, at least 2"
diameter with low back-pressure mufflers.
•WARNING
In order for this Performer RPM cam and lifter kit to be covered under
ANY WARRANTY you MUST use the correct Edelbrock Sure Seat Valve
Springs. The end flap or label from your Sure Seat Valve Spring box
must be sent in with your camshaft warranty card.
Failure to install new Edelbrock Sure Seat Valve Springs with your new
Performer RPM cam and lifter kit could cause the cam lobes to wear
excessively and could cause additional engine damage. IF YOU HAVE
ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS APPLICATION, PLEASE CONTACT OUR
TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY.
TIMING
MARKS
Figure 2- Timing Chain Sprocket Alignment
•CAUTION: Use Edelbrock Performer-Link Timing Chain and Gear Set #7812. 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 three keyways for specific timing selection.
©2009 Edelbrock Corp Brochure #63-7157
Part # 7157 Rev 5/09 - AJ/mc

• CAMSHAFT: Performer RPM
• PART #7157
• ENGINE: Pontiac 389-455 c.i.d. V8
• RPM RANGE: 1500-6500
• CAUTION: Do not use dual valve springs.
Use only recommended Edelbrock Sure Seat
Valve Springs #5757.
Use stock ratio rocker arms only.
Duration at .006" Lift: Intake 308° Exhaust 320°
Duration at .050" Lift: Intake 231° Exhaust 240°
Lift at cam: Intake .313" Exhaust .313"
Lift at valve: Intake .470" Exhaust .470"
Timing at .050 Lift:
Open Close
Intake 3° BTDC 48° ABDC
Exhaust 54° BBDC 6° ATDC
Lobe Separation: 113.5°
Intake Centerline: 112°
• CAUTION: Use Edelbrock Performer-Link Timing Chain and Gear
Set #7812. Do not use late model timing chain & 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. Edelbrock Timing Sets feature three keyways
for specified timing selection. Use "0" position for most
applications.
©2009 Edelbrock Corp Brochure #63-7157C
Part #7157 Rev 5/09 - AJ/mc
• CAMSHAFT: Performer RPM
• PART #7157
• ENGINE: Pontiac 389-455 c.i.d. V8
• RPM RANGE: 1500-6500
• CAUTION: Do not use dual valve springs.
Use only recommended Edelbrock Sure Seat
Valve Springs #5757.
Use stock ratio rocker arms only.
Duration at .006" Lift: Intake 308° Exhaust 320°
Duration at .050" Lift: Intake 231° Exhaust 240°
Lift at cam: Intake .313" Exhaust .313"
Lift at valve: Intake .470" Exhaust .470"
Timing at .050 Lift:
Open Close
Intake 3° BTDC 48° ABDC
Exhaust 54° BBDC 6° ATDC
Lobe Separation: 113.5°
Intake Centerline: 112°
• CAUTION: Use Edelbrock Performer-Link Timing Chain and Gear
Set #7812. Do not use late model timing chain & 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. Edelbrock Timing Sets feature three keyways
for specified timing selection. Use "0" position for most
applications.
©2009 Edelbrock Corp Brochure #63-7157C
Part #7157 Rev 5/09 - AJ/mc
• CAMSHAFT: Performer RPM
• PART #7157
• ENGINE: Pontiac 389-455 c.i.d. V8
• RPM RANGE: 1500-6500
• CAUTION: Do not use dual valve springs.
Use only recommended Edelbrock Sure Seat
Valve Springs #5757.
Use stock ratio rocker arms only.
Duration at .006" Lift: Intake 308° Exhaust 320°
Duration at .050" Lift: Intake 231° Exhaust 240°
Lift at cam: Intake .313" Exhaust .313"
Lift at valve: Intake .470" Exhaust .470"
Timing at .050 Lift:
Open Close
Intake 3° BTDC 48° ABDC
Exhaust 54° BBDC 6° ATDC
Lobe Separation: 113.5°
Intake Centerline: 112°
• CAUTION: Use Edelbrock Performer-Link Timing Chain and Gear
Set #7812. Do not use late model timing chain & 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. Edelbrock Timing Sets feature three keyways
for specified timing selection. Use "0" position for most
applications.
©2009 Edelbrock Corp Brochure #63-7157C
Part #7157 Rev 5/09 - AJ/mc
• CAMSHAFT: Performer RPM
• PART #7157
• ENGINE: Pontiac 389-455 c.i.d. V8
• RPM RANGE: 1500-6500
• CAUTION: Do not use dual valve springs.
Use only recommended Edelbrock Sure Seat
Valve Springs #5757.
Use stock ratio rocker arms only.
Duration at .006" Lift: Intake 308° Exhaust 320°
Duration at .050" Lift: Intake 231° Exhaust 240°
Lift at cam: Intake .313" Exhaust .313"
Lift at valve: Intake .470" Exhaust .470"
Timing at .050 Lift:
Open Close
Intake 3° BTDC 48° ABDC
Exhaust 54° BBDC 6° ATDC
Lobe Separation: 113.5°
Intake Centerline: 112°
• CAUTION: Use Edelbrock Performer-Link Timing Chain and Gear
Set #7812. Do not use late model timing chain & 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. Edelbrock Timing Sets feature three keyways
for specified timing selection. Use "0" position for most
applications.
©2009 Edelbrock Corp Brochure #63-7157C
Part #7157 Rev 5/09 - AJ/mc