• 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.
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 termi-
nal 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 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 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 chipped.
When installing a camshaft, it is always important to check for prop-
er operating clearances, especially when high performance compo-
nents are used. Things to look for that can cause failure and dam-
aged 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 ini-
tial timing at idle with vacuum advance disconnected. Total advance
should not exceed 32 degrees to 34 degrees with initial and cen-
trifugal 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 appli-
cation must be determined by trial and error using the above infor-
mation as a guideline.
• HEADERS
For best performance, headers are recommended. For this applica-
tion, 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.
• WARNING
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 equivalent. 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 or
Performer-Plus 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 CON-
TACT OUR TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY.
Figure 1-
Oldsmobile 350/403 c.i.d. V8
Firing Order 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Turn distributor clockwise to advance timing.
page 3
Figure 2-
Timing Chain Sprocket Alignment
Timing
Marks
©2008 Edelbrock Corp.
Rev. 9/08 - AJ/mc
Brochure #63-3712
