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Edelbrock Performer Pkg

8232 Views 23 Replies 15 Participants Last post by  kellerbj78
Months ago, my Son and I determined my '85 RC 360 block was overly tired. We bought an Edelbrock Performer Pkg from PartsAmerica web-site (SummitRacing is cheaper!), inc cam, intake, HD valve springs, timing set and a newly reman shorty was purchased on which we soon commenced construction.

NOTE: I had my ol' heads inspected, however, both were cracked. I ordered new ones from the same large SoCal reman which came back unworkable with the new HD springs. (Beware: RC heads have "rotator valves"). It took some time to obtain new rotator heads with the HD springs installed. The new roller timing chain is one King Kong couldn't bend. I have a rebuilt, stock Quadrajet on the new intake.

However, I'm not that pleased with end results. Performance is a whole package from stem to stern. The cam has 3 settings, I feel we mistakenly set the mid one. Likely, should have selected lower rpm torque one(?) and, someday later not sooner, may take all that frontal stuff off, again, to re-set.

With BFG 33s' and stock rear-end, Big Blu wants to get up and go at about 70+mph which is cause for several short-comings: Ain't no way this ol' stagecoach has the suspension, brakes, etc.. to safely match that speed in heavy SoCal Fwy traffic. Secondly, an ol' RC above 75-80mph is much like pushing a barn door. Let's face it, the aerodynamics are like a big ol' 747 trying to stay at 400mph in a 300mph headwind. Lastly, because of heavier lead-foot action, mpg is down significantly.

So, dot yur Ayes' and cross yur tees' on this rebuild jazz.....
Not bad overall costs though. I still have an MSD 6-A ign box standing by, along with some Hedmans (illegal in CA). I need to find matching MSD distributor to finalize that end, along with my current problem of replacing shorted out wiring from alternator to coil/distrib.

I'd like to hear from others who've done an Edelbrock. Performer Pkg rebuild on a 318 or 360. Frankly, I'd go with a slightly wilder cam and a LOW rear-end. Hey, the stock 360 is a bullet-proof, hi-torque, lo-rev deal. Not unlike an old over-size (bore vs. stroke) VW engine out of the distant past.
THANKS!
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However, I'm not that pleased with end results. Performance is a whole package from stem to stern. The cam has 3 settings, I feel we mistakenly set the mid one. Likely, should have selected lower rpm torque one(?) and, someday later not sooner, may take all that frontal stuff off, again, to re-set.........

I'd like to hear from others who've done an Edelbrock. Performer Pkg rebuild on a 318 or 360. Frankly, I'd go with a slightly wilder cam and a LOW rear-end. Hey, the stock 360 is a bullet-proof, hi-torque, lo-rev deal.
ok im confused. first you stated the cam was set for more mid range and not as much low end. then you stated you would like to see a WILDER cam. so which one is it? does it need more low end as first stated, or does it need more upper end as stated lastly ???

when you say the cam has three settings do you mean how much advanced or retarded it is?

also it has been noted by several in the past, that the stock cast iron 4 barrel intake is a better piece unless weight is a concern. there has even been instances of a power loss with the performer vs stock intake. chrysler really did there home work when designing the intakes.
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