Edelbrock Performer-Plus 2172 User manual

PERFORMER-PLUS
Camshaft/Lifters/Lube Kit
CATALOG #2172
MODEL: 351-M/400 c.i.d. Ford V8
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT—Use the following checklist for items needed.
R ❑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❑ Gear puller-for ❑ Rags❑Water bucket
❑Harmonic balancer puller❑Vacuum gauge
Pleasestudy these instructions carefully before installing your new camshaft. If you have any questions or problems, do not hesitate to con-
tact our Technical Hotline at: [phone]from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, Pacific Standard Time or e-mail
us at:[email protected].
CAMSHAFT: Edelbrock Performer-Plus camshafts are ground specifically for use with the corresponding Performer manifold. The Performer
manifold #2171 or #3771, and Performer-Plus camshaft #2172, 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.
NOTE: Maximum performance is achieved when packages are used with a 4-bbl carburetor and headers, however packages may be used with
any of the following equipment:
➤manifold/camshaft package only➤aftermarket carburetor specified in instructions and catalog
➤1-5/8" 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 RE-INSTALLATION, 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 your dealer immediately).
PREPARATION CHECKLIST
HARDWARE & PARTS TO BUY
➤Intake gaskets-OEM or equivalent Fel-Pro #1240 ➤Pipe plugs, if needed➤Edelbrock Gasgacinch, #9300
➤RTV silicone sealer➤Chalk, Paper and pencil➤Radiator coolant
➤Teflon tape➤Edelbrock Performer-Link ➤Thread locking compound
➤Edelbrock Sure Seat Valve Springs,True Rolling Timing Set, #7821➤Front cover oil seal-OEM or equivalent
#5872 or #5972 (for valve rotators)➤Manifold bolt kit #8574
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 approxi-
mate 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.
9.Remove rocker arms and pushrods.
CAUTION: If your engine has non-adjustable rocker arms care
must be taken to keep the pushrods and rocker arms in proper
order, as they may be different lengths.
10.Remove hydraulic valve lifters.
11.Remove crankshaft pulley and, using a suitable puller, crankshaft
dampener.
12.Disconnect fuel pump outlet line from fuel pump and remove fuel
pump. Remove front cover bolts and cut oil pan gasket flush with
cylinder block. Remove front cover and water pump as an
assembly.
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 Fig. 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.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR ENGINE PARTS REMOVAL BEFORE CAMSHAFT INSTALLATION
Page 1
Brochure #63-0082
© 2002 Edelbrock Corporation
Rev. 03/02

VALVE SPRINGS
CAUTION: WARNINGS ABOUT YOUR WARRANTY
In order for this Performer-Plus cam and lifter kit to be covered
under ANY WARRANTY you MUST use the correct Edelbrock Sure
Seat Valve Springs or original equipment springs. Failure to install
new Edelbrock valve springs or original specification springs with
your new Performer-Plus 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 #5872 (standard) or #5972 (for use with valve rota-
tors). Do not use dual valve springs with this camshaft.
2.Check and set spring height to factory specifications for your year
and model. If using Edelbrock #5872, set both intake and exhaust
to 1.820"; for #5972, set exhaust to 1.680".
NOTE: Due to the
various settings through the years, we advise checking service
manual for correct spring height setting for your vehicle.
3.You may use stock retainers and/or valve rotators with Edelbrock
valve springs, or for non-rotator engines, you may install
Edelbrock Valve Spring Retainers #9724 with stock valve locks.
LIFTERS
1.New lifters mustbe used with new camshaft. Use only the lifters
supplied with this kit.
2.Check to be sure that all lifters fit freely in the lifter bores and that
lifter bores were not machined for oversized lifters.
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 ini-
tial 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 #7821. Do not use late model timing chain and
gear sets that are designed in a retarded position and are not rec-
ommended 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 manu-
al.
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 align-
ment is achieved. If any other timing gear set is used, it is neces-
sary 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 recom-
mended for use with Edelbrock camshafts.
INSTALLING PUSHRODS AND ROCKER ARMS
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 pushrod and adjusting nut on intake
rocker arm and adjust to zero clearance between rocker arm and
valve tip. For engines with non-adjustable rocker arms, continue to
tighten the adjusting nut until it bottoms out. If this adjustment is
less than one-half turn, you will need to purchase 0.060" longer
pushrods from your Ford dealer.
2.Turn the engine over again until the intake lifter just stops coming
down. At this point install pushrod and adjusting nut on exhaust
rocker arm and repeat the same procedure as above.
3.The above procedure assures correct hydraulic lifter pre-load.
Repeat this procedure for each of the other seven cylinders. For
non-adjustable rockers, torque rocker arm nuts to 20-25 ft./lbs.
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 & torque to factory spec. (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 prematurely wear out your
camshaft. Edelbrock camshafts are designed to use OEM-type
gears and oil pumps only. Do not use high volume, high pressure oil
pumps.
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 ter-
minal in the cap, and with the vacuum advance canister in its origi-
nal 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-install radiator, fan shroud, and belts (if removed), fill 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 1/2 hour. Vary engine speed between
2000 & 2500 rpm. Slow idle speeds will result in severe cam &
lifter wear.
1.Start the engine and bring to break-in rpm.
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 tim-
ing gear coming loose due to improper torque on bolt. Bolts holding
gear to camshaft should be torqued carefully and a locking com-
pound applied to threads of bolts.
☞CAUTION: Use Edelbrock Performer-Plus Timing Chain and Gear
Set #7821. 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
Page 2
Brochure #63-0082
© 2002 Edelbrock Corporation
Rev. 03/02

PostScript Picture
(A 5021 FIR ORDER ART)
Distributor rotates counterclockwise.
Figure 2
Firing Order 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
351-M/400 c.i.d. Ford V8
Turn distributor clockwise to advance timing.
PLEASE complete and mail your warranty card. Be sure to write the model number of this product in the “Part #____” space.
THANK YOU.
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 jour-
nals. If the engine is run after this happens, the bottom of the lifters
and the sides of the lobes will become chipped.
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
0.100").
2.Rocker arm stud slot clearance (both ends; valve closed and open).
3.Proper valve spring installed height settings (1.820" intake and
exhaust for Edelbrock Sure Seat springs #5872; 1.820" intake and
1.680" exhaust for Edelbrock Sure Seat springs #5972)
.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTION:
With the Edelbrock manifold and camshaft package plus a header
installation, a carburetor jet change may be required for best per-
formance. Due to the varied applications of year and model of vehi-
cles, no one combination could suffice for all installations. The fol-
lowing procedure is only a guideline and in many cases, the manu-
facturing specifications for recommended carburetors or timing
may be best.
CARBURETION AND IGNITION TIMING:
Best carburetor results were with the Edelbrock Performer Series
carburetors #1405 (600 cfm with manual choke), #1406 (600 cfm
with electric choke). Stock jetting can be used for most installa-
tions, however, various conditions may require re-calibration for
optimum performance (changes in altitude, temperature, exhaust
system , etc.). Refer to the Edelbrock Performer Series carburetor
Owner's Manual for calibration procedures. 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 applica-
tion must be determined by trial and error using the above informa-
tion as a guideline.
VACUUM ADVANCE:
For best cruise and light throttle response, a vacuum advance curve
was used with 24° to 28° maximum advance at 10-11 inches of
vacuum and 6° to 8° advance at 3-4 inches of vacuum.
HEADERS:
For best performance, headers are recommended with the
Performer package. For this application, they should be 1-5/8"
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.
NOTE: The best combination for any particular vehicle or applica-
tion must be determined by trial and error using the above informa-
tion as a guideline.
PostScript Picture
(timing chain art)
Use of a straight
edge to help align
the two timing
marks is highly
recommended
Timing
Marks
Figure 1
Timing Chain Sprocket Alignment
Timing Marks
Page 3
Brochure #63-0082
© 2002 Edelbrock Corporation
Rev. 03/02

CAMSHAFT: Performer-Plus Hydraulic
CATALOG #2172
ENGINE: Ford 351-M/400 c.i.d. V8
RPM RANGE: Idle-5500
CAUTION: Do not use dual valve springs.
Use only recommended stock or Edelbrock Sure Seat Valve Springs
#5872 or #5972 (for valve rotators)
Use stock ratio (1.73:1) rocker arms only.
Duration at .006" Lift: Intake 282° Exhaust 292°
Duration at .050" Lift: Intake 204° Exhaust 214°
Lift at cam: Intake .280" Exhaust .295"
Lift at valve: Intake .484" Exhaust .510"
Timing at .050 Lift: Open Close
Intake5° ATDC 29° ABDC
Exhaust44° BBDC 10° BTDC
Centerlines: Lobe separation Intake c.l.
112° 107°
CAUTION: Use Edelbrock Performer-Plus Timing Chain and
Gear Set #7821. 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 rec-
ommended for this camshaft installation. Edelbrock Timing Sets
feature three keyways for specified timing selection.
CAMSHAFT: Performer-Plus Hydraulic
CATALOG #2172
ENGINE: Ford 351-M/400 c.i.d. V8
RPM RANGE: Idle-5500
CAUTION: Do not use dual valve springs.
Use only recommended stock or Edelbrock Sure Seat Valve Springs
#5872 or #5972 (for valve rotators)
Use stock ratio (1.73:1) rocker arms only.
Duration at .006" Lift: Intake 282° Exhaust 292°
Duration at .050" Lift: Intake 204° Exhaust 214°
Lift at cam: Intake .280" Exhaust .295"
Lift at valve: Intake .484" Exhaust .510"
Timing at .050 Lift: Open Close
Intake5° ATDC 29° ABDC
Exhaust44° BBDC 10° BTDC
Centerlines: Lobe separation Intake c.l.
112° 107°
CAUTION: Use Edelbrock Performer-Plus Timing Chain and
Gear Set #7821. 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 rec-
ommended for this camshaft installation. Edelbrock Timing Sets
feature three keyways for specified timing selection.
CAMSHAFT: Performer-Plus Hydraulic
CATALOG #2172
ENGINE: Ford 351-M/400 c.i.d. V8
RPM RANGE: Idle-5500
CAUTION: Do not use dual valve springs.
Use only recommended stock or Edelbrock Sure Seat Valve Springs
#5872 or #5972 (for valve rotators)
Use stock ratio (1.73:1) rocker arms only.
Duration at .006" Lift: Intake 282° Exhaust 292°
Duration at .050" Lift: Intake 204° Exhaust 214°
Lift at cam: Intake .280" Exhaust .295"
Lift at valve: Intake .484" Exhaust .510"
Timing at .050 Lift: Open Close
Intake5° ATDC 29° ABDC
Exhaust44° BBDC 10° BTDC
Centerlines: Lobe separation Intake c.l.
112° 107°
CAUTION: Use Edelbrock Performer-Plus Timing Chain and
Gear Set #7821. 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 rec-
ommended for this camshaft installation. Edelbrock Timing Sets
feature three keyways for specified timing selection.
CAMSHAFT: Performer-Plus Hydraulic
CATALOG #2172
ENGINE: Ford 351-M/400 c.i.d. V8
RPM RANGE: Idle-5500
CAUTION: Do not use dual valve springs.
Use only recommended stock or Edelbrock Sure Seat Valve Springs
#5872 or #5972 (for valve rotators)
Use stock ratio (1.73:1) rocker arms only.
Duration at .006" Lift: Intake 282° Exhaust 292°
Duration at .050" Lift: Intake 204° Exhaust 214°
Lift at cam: Intake .280" Exhaust .295"
Lift at valve: Intake .484" Exhaust .510"
Timing at .050 Lift: Open Close
Intake5° ATDC 29° ABDC
Exhaust44° BBDC 10° BTDC
Centerlines: Lobe separation Intake c.l.
112° 107°
CAUTION: Use Edelbrock Performer-Plus Timing Chain and
Gear Set #7821. 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 rec-
ommended for this camshaft installation. Edelbrock Timing Sets
feature three keyways for specified timing selection.