Edelbrock Performer RPM 351-W Ford V8 User manual

©1998 Edelbrock Corp. Rev. 3/98
page 1
PERFORMER RPM
Camshaft/Lifters/Lube Kit
CATALOG #7182
MODEL: 351-W Ford V8
• 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.
• 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
•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 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).

page 2
•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-Link True Rolling Timing
Chain and Gear Set #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 recommended for this camshaft installation.
Edelbrock Timing Sets feature three keyways for specific timing selec-
tion. Use locking compound material on the bolt threads holding tim-
ing gear to cam. Torque to factory recommendations specified in motor
repair manual. Install camshaft with timing marks lined up as recom-
mended 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 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 recommend-
ed 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 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 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. (except for end bolts of early style heads which have
no support; hand tighten only).
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 excessive-
ly 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. Valve
Spring Retainers #9733 may be used if your heads are equipped with
Chevrolet valves. Retainers #9724 will give 0.100" taller installed
height and may be necessary for proper spring height if you are using
OE specification Ford valves. 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.
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 approx-
imately 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 posi-
tion.
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.
• 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 2500
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
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

page 3
• CAUTION: Use Edelbrock Performer-Link Timing Chain and Gear
Set #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 specified timing selection.
Firing Order 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
351-W 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.
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 perfor-
mance. 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 1-5/8" 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 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 IMME-
DIATELY.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Timing Marks
Timing Chain
Sprocket Alignment

CAMSHAFT: Performer RPM Hydraulic
CATALOG: #7182
ENGINE: Ford 351-W 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 6Þ BTDC 38Þ ABDC
Exhaust 51Þ BBDC 3Þ ATDC
• CAUTION: Use Edelbrock Performer-Plus Timing Chain and Gear Set
#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 speci-
fied timing selection.
CAMSHAFT: Performer RPM Hydraulic
CATALOG: #7182
ENGINE: Ford 351-W 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 6Þ BTDC 38Þ ABDC
Exhaust 51Þ BBDC 3Þ ATDC
• CAUTION: Use Edelbrock Performer-Plus Timing Chain and Gear Set
#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 speci-
fied timing selection.
CAMSHAFT: Performer RPM Hydraulic
CATALOG: #7182
ENGINE: Ford 351-W 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 6Þ BTDC 38Þ ABDC
Exhaust 51Þ BBDC 3Þ ATDC
• CAUTION: Use Edelbrock Performer-Plus Timing Chain and Gear Set
#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 speci-
fied timing selection.
CAMSHAFT: Performer RPM Hydraulic
CATALOG: #7182
ENGINE: Ford 351-W 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 6Þ BTDC 38Þ ABDC
Exhaust 51Þ BBDC 3Þ ATDC
• CAUTION: Use Edelbrock Performer-Plus Timing Chain and Gear Set
#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 speci-
fied timing selection.