Edelbrock 7122 User manual

PERFORMER RPM
Camshaft/Lifters/Lube Kit
CATALOG #7122
MODEL: 289-302 c.i.d. Ford V8 (not for
Boss 302 or 1985 & later roller lifter engines)
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).
PREPARATION CHECKLIST
• 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
gear puller- for crankshaft sprocket
HARDWARE & PARTS TO BUY
gaskets- Fel-Pro #1250, OEM or equivalent
pipe plugs, if needed
Edelbrock Gasgacinch, #9300
RTV Silicone Gasket Sealer
chalk
paper and pencil
radiator coolant
teflon tape
Edelbrock Performer-Link True Rolling Timing Chain and Gear
Set #7811/#7820 or Accu-Drive Gear Drive #7892
Edelbrock Sure Seat Valve Springs, #5722
Manifold bolt kit #8524
• INSTRUCTIONS FOR ENGINE PARTS REMOVAL BEFORE CAMSHAFT INSTALLATION
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 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.
©1997 Edelbrock Corp. Rev.1/97
• PLEASE study these instructions carefully before installing
your new camshaft. If you have any questions or problems, do
not hesitate to call our Technical Hotline at: 1-800-416-8628.
• CAMSHAFT: Edelbrock Performer RPM camshafts are ground
specifically for use with the corresponding Performer RPM
manifold. The Performer RPM manifold #7121, and Performer
RPM camshaft #7122, 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 high performance cylinder heads and valve
train components only. Screw-in studs and H.P. adjustable rock-
er 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 carb #1405 (600 cfm) or #1407 (750 cfm)
• fuel delivery system of sufficient capacity
• 1-3/4" headers
• aftermarket/re-curved distributors
• IMPORTANT: This instruction sheet provides general installa-
tion 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 hav-
ing it installed by an experienced mechanic.
CAUTION: Improper installation will result in LOW
MILEAGE, POOR PERFORMANCE, COSTLY REIN-
STALLATION, and ENGINE DAMAGE.
page 1

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 per-
formance adjustable rocker arms. Crane and other manufacturers
sell conversion 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, crank-
shaft 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 1.
14. Remove cam sprocket bolt,washer, and fuel pump eccentric.
Slide sprocket and timing chain forward to remove.
15. Remove thrust plate and 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. Failure to install new Edelbrock valve
springs 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 #5722. 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 and
that the factory did not install oversized lifters in your block to
compensate for machining errors.
• INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Coat cam lobes and bottoms of each lifter with MoS2 lube (sup-
plied) 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 #7811/#7820 or Accu-Drive gear
drive set #7892. Do not use late model timing chain & gear sets
that are designed in a retarded position and are not recommend-
ed for this camshaft installation. Edelbrock Timing Sets feature
three keyways for specific timing selection. Use locking com-
pound 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 1.
When using Performer-Plus Timing Chain and Gear Sets (7800
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 veri-
fy 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 rec-
ommended for this installation.
After the cam is installed and timed correctly (see Figure 1), it
will be necessary to check each pushrod for correct lifter pre-
load.
• 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 com-
ing 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 pre-load.
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 factory specification.
• 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. Re-fill radiator with coolant and re-connect battery.
7. Double check all connections, fuel lines, etc. before starting
engine.
page 2

• CAMSHAFT/LIFTER RUN-IN
CAUTION: Change the engine oil and filter before start-up and
again after the initial break-in. Do not allow the engine to run
under 2000 rpm for the first 1/2 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.
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS AFFECTING YOUR WAR-
RANTY
• 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 lock-
ing 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 head-
er 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 installa-
tions. The following procedure is only a guideline and in many
cases, the manufacturing specifications for recommended carbu-
retors 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 appli-
cation, they should be 1-5/8" or 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 war-
ranty 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.
• PLEASE complete and mail your warranty card. Be sure to
write the model number of this product in the “Part #____”
space.
THANK YOU.
page 3
• CAUTION: Use Edelbrock Performer-Plus Timing Chain and
Gear Set #7811/#7820 or Accu-Drive gear drive #7892. 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.
Timing Chain
Sprocket Alignment
Figure 2
Firing Order 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
289-302 c.i.d. Ford V8
Turn distributor clockwise to advance timing.
NOTE: 5.0 Litre H.O. engines originally have a different
firing order. This must be changed to the firing order listed
above when installing Performer RPM camshaft #7122.
Figure 1
Timing Marks

CAMSHAFT: Performer RPM Hydraulic
CATALOG #7122
ENGINE: Ford 289-302 c.i.d. V8
RPM RANGE: 1500-6500
CAUTION: Do not use dual valve springs. Use only
recommended Edelbrock Sure Seat Valve Springs #5722.
Use stock ratio (1.6:1) rocker arms only.
Duration at .004" Lift: Intake 290Þ Exhaust 300Þ
Duration at .050" Lift: Intake 224Þ Exhaust 234Þ
Lift at cam: Intake .310" Exhaust .325"
Lift at valve: Intake .496" Exhaust .520"
Timing at .050 Lift:
Open Close
Intake 5Þ BTDC 39Þ ABDC
Exhaust 54Þ BBDC 0Þ ATDC
Centerlines: Lobe Separation: 112°
Intake Centerline: 107°
• CAUTION: Use Edelbrock Performer-Plus Timing Chain
and Steel Gear Set #7811/#7820 or Accu-Drive gear drive
#7892. 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 recom-
mended for this camshaft installation. Edelbrock Timing Sets
feature three keyways for specified timing selection.
CAMSHAFT: Performer RPM Hydraulic
CATALOG #7122
ENGINE: Ford 289-302 c.i.d. V8
RPM RANGE: 1500-6500
CAUTION: Do not use dual valve springs. Use only
recommended Edelbrock Sure Seat Valve Springs #5722.
Use stock ratio (1.6:1) rocker arms only.
Duration at .004" Lift: Intake 290Þ Exhaust 300Þ
Duration at .050" Lift: Intake 224Þ Exhaust 234Þ
Lift at cam: Intake .310" Exhaust .325"
Lift at valve: Intake .496" Exhaust .520"
Timing at .050 Lift:
Open Close
Intake 5Þ BTDC 39Þ ABDC
Exhaust 54Þ BBDC 0Þ ATDC
Centerlines: Lobe Separation: 112°
Intake Centerline: 107°
• CAUTION: Use Edelbrock Performer-Plus Timing Chain
and Steel Gear Set #7811/#7820 or Accu-Drive gear drive
#7892. 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 recom-
mended for this camshaft installation. Edelbrock Timing Sets
feature three keyways for specified timing selection.
CAMSHAFT: Performer RPM Hydraulic
CATALOG #7122
ENGINE: Ford 289-302 c.i.d. V8
RPM RANGE: 1500-6500
CAUTION: Do not use dual valve springs. Use only
recommended Edelbrock Sure Seat Valve Springs #5722.
Use stock ratio (1.6:1) rocker arms only.
Duration at .004" Lift: Intake 290Þ Exhaust 300Þ
Duration at .050" Lift: Intake 224Þ Exhaust 234Þ
Lift at cam: Intake .310" Exhaust .325"
Lift at valve: Intake .496" Exhaust .520"
Timing at .050 Lift:
Open Close
Intake 5Þ BTDC 39Þ ABDC
Exhaust 54Þ BBDC 0Þ ATDC
Centerlines: Lobe Separation: 112°
Intake Centerline: 107°
• CAUTION: Use Edelbrock Performer-Plus Timing Chain
and Steel Gear Set #7811/#7820 or Accu-Drive gear drive
#7892. 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 recom-
mended for this camshaft installation. Edelbrock Timing Sets
feature three keyways for specified timing selection.
CAMSHAFT: Performer RPM Hydraulic
CATALOG #7122
ENGINE: Ford 289-302 c.i.d. V8
RPM RANGE: 1500-6500
CAUTION: Do not use dual valve springs. Use only
recommended Edelbrock Sure Seat Valve Springs #5722.
Use stock ratio (1.6:1) rocker arms only.
Duration at .004" Lift: Intake 290Þ Exhaust 300Þ
Duration at .050" Lift: Intake 224Þ Exhaust 234Þ
Lift at cam: Intake .310" Exhaust .325"
Lift at valve: Intake .496" Exhaust .520"
Timing at .050 Lift:
Open Close
Intake 5Þ BTDC 39Þ ABDC
Exhaust 54Þ BBDC 0Þ ATDC
Centerlines: Lobe Separation: 112°
Intake Centerline: 107°
• CAUTION: Use Edelbrock Performer-Plus Timing Chain
and Steel Gear Set #7811/#7820 or Accu-Drive gear drive
#7892. 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 recom-
mended for this camshaft installation. Edelbrock Timing Sets
feature three keyways for specified timing selection.