Edelbrock Performer RPM Power Package - Total Power ... In A Package

Nowadays, with oils lacking the properties that once helped with break-in, along with adequately lubing the cam during installation, using a proper oil additive is a MUST (Edelbrock recommends GM "EOS" supplement).

After ordering up the Performer RPM Package, I headed up to Speed-O-Motive in West Covina, CA, engine and parts in tow. First order of business was for Edson Gutierez to tear the long-block down to short, ultimately revealing whether or not I'd have anything worth moving forward with.

With everything stripped down and cleaned, Bill Shoemaker began the installation with the Performer RPM camshaft. While the hydraulic roller features a more aggressive lobe profile, there is no excessive valve overlap, which makes for a very street-friendly cam.

Using the right timing chain is also very important. The late-model sets were intended for emission-controlled vehicles, thus are machined to retard the timing position-the Edelbrock Performer-Link features a three-position keyway for adjustable timing (though "0" is used in most applications).

Contrary to some engine builders, Shoemaker doesn't pre-soak lifters (he feels that adversely affects pushrod sizing). Instead, lifter galleys are liberally doused with oil; lifters heavily coated in assembly lube.

With all the hydraulic lifters in place, the Performer RPM cylinder heads were installed with the supplied ARP head bolts (specific for aluminum heads). The 64cc heads are torqued to 65 lb-ft in 40-, 55-, 65-pound increments.

While the pushrod guide plates are pre-installed by Edelbrock, they may need adjusting for proper pushrod clearance-it's important to ensure that there's no interference, and adjustment is easier done before than it is after.