Unlocking Your Chevy Nova’s Potential: Why the Edelbrock Performer Intake Matters

Installing an Edelbrock Performer intake manifold on a Chevy Nova is one of the most effective upgrades a builder can make. Whether you’re restoring a ’68 SS or building a street-friendly ’73, the manifold serves as the lungs of your small-block. The Edelbrock Performer series is specifically engineered for idle-to-5500 rpm performance – the sweet spot for a daily driver or weekend cruiser. By improving air‑fuel distribution and reducing restriction, this manifold can unlock an additional 15–25 horsepower when paired with a matching cam and carburetor.

But the real value isn’t just peak numbers. The Performer’s dual‑plane design delivers better low‑end torque, crisper throttle response, and a broader power band compared to stock cast‑iron units. Combined with the Nova’s relatively light body, the gains translate into noticeably stronger acceleration from a stoplight or out of a corner. This guide will walk you through the entire installation – from tool selection to final tune‑up – so you can maximize that performance without unnecessary mistakes.

Tools and Materials: What You’ll Need for a Clean Installation

Before wrenching, gather everything in one place. Rushing to the parts store mid‑job wastes time and increases the chance of cross‑threading or dirty surfaces. A complete kit should include:

  • Edelbrock Performer Intake (part number 2101 for standard 283–400 small‑block Chevy; confirm your engine’s deck height and head casting).
  • Intake manifold gasket set – use a high‑quality brand like Fel‑Pro or Edelbrock’s own. For most daily‑driven Novas, a standard paper/fiber gasket works, but a dead‑soft aluminum or graph‑tech gasket offers better sealing on less‑than‑perfect surfaces.
  • RTV silicone gasket maker – a small tube for the front and rear china walls (the triangular corners where the intake meets the block)
  • Thread sealant for the intake bolts that go into coolant passages (often the four center bolts on the Edelbrock Performer).
  • Torque wrench – 3/8‑drive, capable of 15–30 ft‑lbs (the spec for Edelbrock intake bolts is typically 20–25 ft‑lbs, but always verify).
  • Socket set – metric and SAE; the Edelbrock Performer uses 3/8‑inch bolts (9/16″ head).
  • Deep sockets for bolts that may be recessed.
  • Ratchet, extensions, and universal joint for reaching the rear bolts under the distributor.
  • Dead‑blow hammer or rubber mallet to gently tap the manifold into place if necessary.
  • Gasket scraper, razor blade, and brake cleaner for cleaning the block surfaces.
  • Shop rags or paper towels – disposable, lint‑free preferred.
  • Coolant drain pan – you’ll need to drain the radiator.
  • Penetrating oil for stubborn bolts (if applicable).
  • Carburetor and fuel line tools if you’re also swapping or adjusting the carb.

For first‑time installers, having a shop manual or the Edelbrock instruction sheet (part #2101) handy is invaluable. The factory documentation includes specific bolt torque sequences and gasket placement diagrams.

Preparation: Setting Up Your Nova for the Swap

Park the Nova on level concrete, engage the parking brake, and chock the rear tires. Disconnect the negative battery cable – this eliminates spark risk when working near the starter or fuel lines.

Drain the engine coolant at the radiator petcock; collect it in a clean drain pan for recycling. On a Nova, the petcock is typically on the lower passenger side of the radiator. If the coolant is fresh, you can reuse it after the install. If it’s old, now is the perfect time to replace it with a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water.

Remove the air cleaner assembly and set aside. Label and disconnect all vacuum lines at the carburetor and intake. Use masking tape and a marker to tag each line – reinstalling them incorrectly can cause vacuum leaks and poor idle. Disconnect the throttle linkage and kickdown cable (if automatic) at the carburetor. On a Chevy Nova with a TH350 or TH400, the kickdown cable must be re‑adjusted later.

Remove the carburetor itself. Four nuts hold it to the intake. Lift it straight off, cover the open base with a clean rag to prevent debris from falling into the manifold. If you’re also upgrading the carburetor, now is the ideal time.

If your Nova has an EGR system or smog pump, you’ll need to remove those components as well – many Edelbrock Performer intakes for earlier small‑blocks are non‑EGR, so you may need a block‑off plate. Check local emissions laws before removing any pollution control equipment.

Removing the Distributor (If Necessary)

On most small‑block Chevy Novas, the distributor is in the back of the intake and may obstruct removal. To remove it safely:

  1. Note or mark the rotor position relative to the engine (use a white‑out mark on the distributor body and the intake). This saves you from having to re‑time from scratch.
  2. Disconnect the primary and secondary spark plug wires (label them if needed).
  3. Remove the hold‑down bolt and lift the distributor straight out. The rotor will turn slightly as you lift – that’s normal.
  4. Set the distributor aside in a clean, covered area.

Removing the Old Intake Manifold: Step‑by‑Step

With the engine bay cleared, focus on the bolts. Most Chevy small‑block intakes use 12 bolts: four on each side, plus a pair at each end (front and rear). Use a socket with a universal joint to reach the rear bolts near the firewall.

Loosen the bolts in the reverse of the tightening sequence – typically outer bolts first, then inner, to avoid warping the manifold. Remove all bolts. If any bolts are stubborn, apply penetrating oil and wait five minutes.

Carefully lift the old intake straight up. It can be heavy (cast iron units weigh 40–50 lbs), so use a helper or a lifting strap. If the intake is stuck, tap it gently with a rubber mallet on the ends – never pry against the block mating surfaces, as you can damage the cylinder head gaskets.

Once the manifold is off, inspect the valley area. You’ll see the lifter gallery and the two china walls at the front and rear. Clean any old gasket remnants and RTV using a gasket scraper and brake cleaner. Be meticulous – any leftover material can cause vacuum leaks or coolant seepage. Final‑wipe the surfaces with a lint‑free rag and brake cleaner until they are completely dry and oil‑free.

Installing the Edelbrock Performer Intake: Getting It Right

Now for the heart of the installation. The Edelbrock Performer is a dual‑plane design with a relatively low profile, so it fits under most stock Nova hoods – but always test hood clearance before final tightening.

Gasket Placement and Sealing

Apply a thin bead of RTV silicone to the front and rear china walls of the engine block (the triangular, flat sections at each end of the lifter valley). The gaskets themselves should be placed on the intake ports – most Edelbrock kits provide two separate gaskets for each side. Align the gasket tabs with the port openings. Do not use RTV on the port gaskets themselves; they rely on compression for a seal.

Some builders apply a light coat of spray adhesive (like Permatex High Tack) to hold the gaskets in place during manifold installation. This is optional but helpful if you’re working alone.

Lowering the Manifold

Lower the Edelbrock Performer straight down onto the gaskets. It should sit flat without rocking. If it doesn’t, check for gasket misalignment or leftover debris. Never force it down with bolts – you can break a casting.

Install the intake bolts finger‑tight. Edelbrock specifies a torque of 20–25 ft‑lbs for their Performer intake bolts on small‑block Chevy engines. However, always double‑check: if you’re using an aftermarket cylinder head with raised intake ports, the torque may differ. A good rule of thumb is 20 ft‑lbs for cast‑iron heads, 22 ft‑lbs for aluminum heads (but aluminum heads may require a specific pattern and lower torque – consult head manufacturer).

Torque Sequence: The Critical Step

Over‑tightening or uneven torque can warp the manifold. Use the following sequence (E for exhaust side, I for intake side – but essentially center outward):

  1. Start with the two center bolts on each side (positions 1 and 2).
  2. Then move outward to the next pair (positions 3 and 4).
  3. Then the outer bolts on each side (positions 5 and 6).
  4. Finally, the front and rear bolts (positions 7 and 8).

Torque in three stages: first to 10 ft‑lbs, then to 15 ft‑lbs, and finally to the full 20‑25 ft‑lbs. After the final pass, re‑check each bolt in the same sequence.

Important: The four center bolts (two on each side) pass through the intake and into the water jacket. Apply thread sealant to these bolts before installation – otherwise, coolant can seep up through the threads and contaminate the oil. A small dab of Permatex #2 or a dedicated thread sealant works.

Reconnecting Components: Wiring, Hoses, and Linkages

While the manifold is now secured, do not rush. Install the distributor first (if removed). Align the rotor with the mark you made, then drop it in. The oil pump drive may require a slight turn to engage; use a long screwdriver to rotate the pump shaft if needed. Tighten the hold‑down bolt by hand first, then to 15 ft‑lbs.

Reattach the carburetor using a new base gasket. Edelbrock recommends their own gaskets for a proper seal. Tighten the carburetor nuts to 10–12 ft‑lbs – no more. Over‑tightening can warp the throttle body.

Reconnect the throttle linkage and kickdown cable. Adjust the throttle cable so that the carburetor opens fully when the pedal is floored – you may need to tweak the linkage bracket on the intake. For a Nova with a TH350, the kickdown cable should be adjusted per the transmission manual; a too‑tight cable can force the transmission to stay in lower gears.

Reconnect all vacuum hoses. Use a vacuum diagram or your labeling to ensure each line goes to the correct port. Common connections: vacuum advance canister on the distributor (manifold vacuum or ported, depending on your setup), brake booster, PCV valve, and emissions controls (if retained).

Refill the cooling system with the drained coolant (if clean) or a fresh 50/50 mix. Fill through the radiator neck until all air is purged – you may need to remove the upper radiator hose at the thermostat housing to let air escape. Then, start the engine and let it idle to circulate coolant. Watch for leaks at the front and rear china walls and around the intake bolts. With the engine warm, tighten the radiator cap and top off as needed.

Final Steps and Performance Validation

Reconnect the battery. Start the engine – it may need a few cranks to fill the carburetor float bowl. Let it idle for 15 minutes, monitoring for leaks, unusual sounds, or overheating. If you installed a new or different carburetor, initial idle mixture adjustments may be necessary. Set idle mixture screws to about 1½ turns out as a baseline, then fine‑tune after heat cycling.

Check engine timing. With the Performer intake, ignition timing will not change unless you moved the distributor during removal – but always recheck with a timing light. Set to factory spec or your performance preference (typically 10–12 degrees initial on a small‑block Chevy). Adjust the idle speed screw so the engine runs smoothly at 700–800 rpm in park.

Take the Nova for a gentle test drive. Accelerate gradually, feeling for throttle response and any hesitation. The Edelbrock Performer’s dual‑plane design should provide crisp response from idle to 3500 rpm. If you experience a flat spot, verify that the carburetor’s accelerator pump is adjusted correctly (for Edelbrock carbs, the pump stroke should be on the standard or rich setting for the Performer intake).

After the first 100 miles, re‑torque the intake bolts. As the gaskets compress, the torque will drop slightly. Use the same sequence and tighten to 20–25 ft‑lbs. Also check all vacuum line connections – heat cycles can loosen them.

Expected Gains and Real‑World Results

On a typical 350‑cubic‑inch Nova with a stock cam and 2‑barrel carburetor, switching to an Edelbrock Performer intake and matching 4‑barrel carb (like the 1406) can add 20–30 horsepower and similar torque improvements. More importantly, the manifold flattens the torque curve, making the car more responsive in daily driving. Many owners report improved fuel economy on the highway due to better air‑fuel mixing at part throttle.

For maximum benefit, pair the Performer intake with a mild street cam (duration 210–220° @ .050″) and headers. This combination is a proven performer in full‑size Chevy Novas and is well‑documented on enthusiast forums like StevesNova.com and the Chevelle/Nova Forum.

Maintenance Tips for Long Life

After installation, check for coolant leaks weekly for the first month. The china wall seals are the most prone to weep if they were not applied correctly. If a small seep develops, a cautious retorque of the offending bolt may stop it, but if it persists, you may need to re‑seal that area. Always use new gaskets if you ever remove the manifold again – reusing intake gaskets is not recommended.

Inspect the carburetor gasket periodically; heat can cause it to dry out. Replace it if you notice vacuum leaks or hesitation. Also, verify that the secondary vacuum diaphragm (if applicable) on the Edelbrock carb is clean and functioning – a sticking secondary can cause backfiring through the intake.

Conclusion: The Sweet Spot for Your Nova

The Edelbrock Performer intake manifold remains one of the best value‑per‑horsepower upgrades for a Chevy Nova. Its off‑idle torque, ease of installation, and compatibility with most stock components make it a go‑to choice for enthusiasts who want real, usable performance. By following this detailed procedure – from proper gasket alignment to torque sequencing – you’ll avoid common pitfalls and enjoy the full benefit of your new intake. After the swap, take a moment to appreciate the improved throttle response and the subtle rumble of a more effective breathing system. Your Nova will reward you every time you hit the gas.

For more detailed specifications, refer to the official Edelbrock Performer intake installation instructions (PDF).