Edelbrock performance package

[vette333]

Looking for technical advise.
I just purchased Edelbrocks performance package which includes a new camshaft and i am wondering if anyone has changed out a cam in their 81 without removing the motor from the body. I hope to remove the radiator and air conditioning coil and pull the cam without disturbing the engine. I am also installing new aluminum heads, new lifters, pushrods, and intake manifold.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks,
Vette333

 

[JHL]

No problem to do it that way

J.

 

[vette333]

Thanks for the quick reply.
Your car looks great!
Any advise as to shortcuts, what to look out for, etc. ?


Vette333

 

[like2drive]

pull it (IMHO)

:confused Why invest all those goodies w/o going ahead and overhaul the whole engine? How's the oil pump?, crankshaft and bearings, rod bearings, rings, oil pan gaskets...I wouldn't take a chance of putting all that new stuff on a possibly faulty short block. If you don't have the room (or time), I'd find a place (or farm it out) and take my time putting it all together.
I have around 160000 miles on mine, and am looking forward (actually) to rebuilding the engine sometime next year. (unless the crate engine becomes MUCH more feasible)

 

[JHL]

Thanks for the quick reply.
Your car looks great!
Any advise as to shortcuts, what to look out for, etc. ?


Vette333

Just watch how you go, mostly it is a straight forward job, getting the radiator in and out is a bit tricky and just be carefull when installing the cam, I have changed mine twice now and it is not all that difficult.

Which package did you go for the Performer RPM or just the regular Performer kit. ???

J.

 

[vette333]

My engine has only 38,000 original miles and a 355HP crate motor is $4,500.00 to $5,000.00. I've spent about $1,500.00 in parts and accordingly to Jeg's information adding the Edelbrock performance parts should put me in the 350 to 370HP range.

Vette333

 

[vette333]

I don't have the paperwork with me but I believe it's the RPM kit.
64CC aluminum heads (2.02 intake).

Jeg's had dyno information from Edelbrock and supposedly (perfect world) a stock 8.5-1, 350 motor produced 370HP with the kit. The tech guy at Jeg's doesn't put a lot of faith in the dyno's but he said I would pick-up at least 100HP. I have removed all emissions and have true duals with full length Hedman headers and Flow master 40's.
I have an Edelbrock 650 thunder series carb on it now.

Vette333

 

[JHL]

the first time I built mine with the RPM kit but the cam was just to much for a daily driver even with my 4 speed and decent rear end gears, with an auto it would have been a dog, it went well but was dead below 3000rpm, kept everything but changed the cam for a more torquey Com Cam, 270H from memory and night and day difference.

The dyno chart on the Edelbrock site showed 420hp but I never got it running very well.

Good luck and keep us posted, the job is not as difficult as it first seems if you are handy with your spanners.

http://f3.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/cAgmQ-6SBTR9_kFKUwi-fp_gS9R30HPFlQVf0nAQgCguQVxILtVHgyaX6TV0eV13MTtCbYDyjUYRJpWGbkYG/jpegs/At%2520the%2520dragstrip%5B1%5D.mpa

J.

 

[vette333]

I checked my parts last night and i do not have the RPM kit, I have the performer plus kit. It's suppose to provide excellent power from 1500 to 5500rpm.
I'll start the teardown this weekend.

Thanks,
Vette333

 

[vette333]

Correction
I do not have the RPM kit.
The kit i purchased is designed for power from "off idle" to 5500rpm.
Also purchased a set of roller rockers.

Vette333

 

[Scott Winebarger]

Keep us posted !

 

[vette333]

Edelbrock Performance Package

Well,

 

[vette333]

Edelbrock Performance Package

Well, I completed the build on my motor this weekend and the performance is terrific! Before I re-installed the hood I ran the car down my street and when i hit the gas off the line it looked like the motor was going to twist right out of the mounts. The torque is terrific. According to Edelbrock the torque is about 380 ft./lbs. I've received mixed data on horsepower ratings that range from 330hp to 370hp. I estimate at least a net 100hp gain.

I installed the following:
Aluminum 64CC Edelbock Heads
Edelbrock Performer Camshaft
Edelbrock Performer Intake
Double link timing chain
high flow water pump
New stock replacement fuel pump
Edelbrock 650 Thunder series carb.
Mallory Distributor
Crane push rods
Hydraulic lifters
Roller rockers
New valve covers
180 degree thermostat

I purchased all the parts through Jeg's and I am extremely impressed with their 24/7 technical service. I made a lot of calls to them and they answered all my questions and provided explanations that an amateur like me could understand. Also, I was not on Hold more than 30 seconds whenever i called. My local Autozone was also a big help as they provided the tool rentals (no-charge, if returned) I needed to complete the job. You do have to make some slight modifications to get everything to fit properly but nothing major, mainly hose connections and wire routings. In total, I spent 15 to 20 hours tearing the motor down and rebuilding. I hope to post some pictures later today.
If anyone is thinking about rebuilding their motor this may be an option to consider as the car is still a nice driver but make sure you are leaning back in the seat when you hit the gas.

Vette333

 

[garycr14]

Thanks for the info. I did the interior of mine last year, the paint this year, and hopefully the motor is the next big project. Trying to decide to rebuild myself, or go with the crate motor option, so these types of inputs are really good as i am in the data collecting stage.

 

[vette333]

Photos

Can anyone tell me how to import photos. I'll like to provide pictures of the rebuild.

Thanks,
Vette333

 

[garycr14]

In the "post message" toolbar there is an attach file button. It only allows small files, but if you make a jpeg out of your file you should be able to get it in. There is probably another way using a free file server, but I have not done that as of yet.

 

[mikejpss]

Wait a minute !!!

Hey guys, hold on a minute. This is just the thread I was looking for.
I need some more info,please
I replaced my old stock motor from my 81 (auto tranny) with a brand new GM crate stock motor last year. The paperwork said it has approx. 225-250 hp with headers and a 4 barrel. Figured since it has stock headers and the right carb, I should have 225 + hp.This motor was $1200 tax included with a 50k mile warranty.
Now I want something that has a lil more response, and the classic rumble at idle. Can this be had without the head changeout and just by installing a new cam?
What cam do I need. Please be specific if you can. Thanks,