Edelbrock 351 User Manual

Catalog #2281
Rev. 4/07 - RS/mc

©2007 Edelbrock Corporation

Brochure #63-2281Page 1 of 4

PERFORMER RPM HYDRAULIC ROLLER CAMSHAFT

For 351 c.i.d. (Windsor) Ford V8 Engines

CATALOG #2281

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

PLEASE study these instructions carefully before beginning this installation. Most installations can be accomplished with common tools and

procedures. However, you should be familiar with and comfortable working on your vehicle. If you do not feel comfortable performing this installation,
it is recommended to have the installation completed by a qualified mechanic. If you have any questions, please call our Technical Hotline at:
1-800-416-8628, 7:00 am - 5:00 pm, Pacific Standard Time, Monday through Friday or e-mail us at [e-mail]

.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Proper installation is the responsibility of the installer. Improper installation

will void your warranty and may result in poor performance and engine or vehicle damage.

These instructions are designed to give general installation guidelines. A complete step-by-step procedure manual would require many

pages. If you are a novice or just learning to work on automotive engines, we recommend consulting either Chilton or Motors automotive manuals
before you begin. You may also contact an experienced mechanic. Please be advised that an improper installation may result in LOW MILEAGE, POOR
PERFORMANCE, COSTLY REINSTALLATION AND EVEN ENGINE DAMAGE. Installing a camshaft is a complex procedure. Please follow these
instructions carefully. Failure to do so may void your warranty.

• Before you begin the removal and installation process, please examine the kit for possible shipping damage. If the camshaft is damaged, contact
your dealer immediately. Also, make sure you have all the recommended tools and parts as listed below. As you read through these instructions
the first time, use the preparation checklist to check off the exact items you will need.

• Performer RPM camshafts are ground specifically for use with the corresponding Performer or Performer RPM manifold. They are dyno-matched
and street proven to work as a team; especially when part of an Edelbrock Total Power Package. However, a Performer RPM camshaft package
may also be used with other components designed to operate in a similar RPM range.

PREPARATION CHECKLIST

Tools & Equipment For Installation

❑ 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

❑ Masking tape (for tagging hoses and electrical wires)

❑ Chalk , paper and pencil

❑ Crankshaft dampener puller

Hardware & Parts To Buy

❑ Edelbrock Roller Lifters #97453, or equivalent

❑ Edelbrock Push Rods #9656 (designed for roller lifters),

or equivalent

❑ Nylon camshaft thrust button (included).

❑ Intake Gaskets - Edelbrock #7220, OEM or equivalent

❑ Pipe plugs, if needed

❑ Edelbrock Gasgacinch #9300

❑ RTV Silicone sealer

❑ Engine oil and filter

❑ Radiator coolant

❑ Adjustable, stud mounted rocker arms

❑ Edelbrock True Rolling Timing Chain Set #7811 (1984-

1995: from 3/21/84) or #7820 (1962-1984: to 3/21/84)

❑ Front cover oil seal, OEM or equivalent

❑ Valve Springs with a closed pressure of 110-120, open

pressure of 330-340 and a lift of .550”

NOTE: Edelbrock Sure Seat Valve Springs #5722
are not recommended.

®

Catalog #2281
Rev. 4/07 - RS/mc

©2007 Edelbrock Corporation

Brochure #63-2281Page 2 of 4

REMOVAL OF ENGINE PARTS BEFORE CAMSHAFT INSTALLATION

(Be sure to keep all parts in order)

WARNING! DO NOT REMOVE RADIATOR CAP OR RADIATOR HOSES WHILE ENGINE IS HOT!

IMPORTANT NOTICE: If the air conditioning condenser needs to be removed to provide clearance for camshaft removal, have the system

evacuated by an appropriate repair facility BEFORE starting the installation. The facility can recharge the system after installation.

1. Disconnect the battery.

2. Drain radiator coolant. Drain plug will normally be located on lower

right or left side of the radiator facing the engine.

3. Remove radiator and air conditioning condenser, if so equipped. In

some cases, the front grille may have to be removed. Measure
distance from front cover to grille or brackets that may interfere with
camshaft against the length of the camshaft.

4. Remove the gas cap to relieve pressure. Disconnect fuel line and

plug. Replace gas cap.

5. Disconnect all linkage from carburetor such as throttle, throttle

springs, transmission, cruise control and automatic choke.

6. Tag and remove coil wires and sensor wires.

7. Tag and remove vacuum lines.

8. Remove valve covers.

9. 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

(See Fig. 1)

.

NOTE: Mark the approximate position of the distributor
housing in relation to the manifold to assist in getting the
distributor properly located during re-installation.

10. Remove carburetor and intake manifold. Remove and discard intake
manifold gasket. Clean addisional gasket material and sealant from
the cylinder head flanges. Cover the lifter valley with rags and use
care to prevent material from falling into the lifter valley.

IMPORTANT NOTES AFFECTING YOUR WARRANTY.

PLEASE READ BEFORE CONTINUING THIS INSTALLATION!

CAM LOBE DAMAGE: Cam lobe wear is almost non-existent unless

mismatched parts are used or installation of the cam and lifters is done
improperly. Cam damage can result from the timing gear loosening due
to improper torque on bolts. Bolts holding gear to camshaft should be
torqued carefully and a locking compound applied to threads of bolts.
Before installing your new Performer-RPM roller camshaft, check the
gear drive on the distributor and oil pump for any signs of wear. If worn,
be sure to replace with a new gear or you may wear out your camshaft
prematurely. High-pressure oil pumps are not recommended with
Performer RPM roller camshafts. Edelbrock camshafts are designed to
be used with Edelbrock timing chains.

VALVE SPRINGS (CAUTION REGARDING YOUR WARRANTY):

In order for this Performer RPM roller cam to be covered under ANY
WARRANTY, you MUST use the correct Valve Springs. Failure to install the
correct valve springs may cause lifters not to follow the cam lobes and
damage engine parts. This camshaft is designed to function with valve
Springs that have a closed pressure of 110-120lbs, open pressure of
330-340 lbs and a lift of .600”. Special high performance retainers may
be necessary with your installation for proper spring height. Do not use
rotator type valve springs or retainers for this application.

Note: Edelbrock Sure Seat Valve Springs #5722 are not
recommended with cast iron heads.

LIFTERS: Edelbrock offers a replacement roller lifter kit, part #97453.
To install new or factory roller lifters, use fresh clean oil on the lifter and
the lifter bore just prior to installing. Make sure to re-install the factory
guide system (if applicable). The guide bar (high side of tappet) must
face the opposite side of block, with the arrow pointing up.

PUSHRODS AND ROCKER ARMS: High performance pushrods and
stud mounted, adjustable roller rocker arms are recommended for this
installation. Edelbrock Pushrods #9656 are recommended. After the

cam is installed and timed correctly

(See Figure 2)

, it will be necessary
to check each pushrod for correct lifter preload. Use lifter manufacturer’s
specifications for proper preload.

TIMING CHAIN: Use Edelbrock Performer-Link Timing Set #7811 or
7820, Hex-A-Just Timing Set #7335, or Accu-Drive Gear Drive #7892
ONLY (See catalog for application coverage). 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 adjustments to allow for specific timing selection.

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 damaged. See Installation Instructions section for end play
specifications.

OPERATING CLEARANCES: 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

.080" for the intake valve, and .100” for the exhaust valve).

2. Rocker arm stud slot clearance (both ends; valve closed and

open).

NOTE: We recommend the use of roller rockers.

3. Proper spring settings (see dimensions with spring instruction

sheet). Correct dimensions mean maximum performance and
longer engine life.