Cost Breakdown: Adding a Edelbrock Performer Rpm Cam Kit to Your AMC Javelin for $1,200

The AMC Javelin stands as one of the most distinctive American muscle cars from the golden era, offering a blend of aggressive styling and solid performance. For owners looking to wake up their 360 or 401 cubic inch V8, the Edelbrock Performer RPM Cam Kit is a tried-and-true upgrade. This article provides a detailed cost breakdown of installing this cam kit for approximately $1,200, covering parts, labor, and everything in between. Whether you’re planning a weekend wrenching session or handing the keys to a professional shop, understanding where your money goes helps you budget effectively and avoid surprises.

What Is the Edelbrock Performer RPM Cam Kit?

The Edelbrock Performer RPM Cam Kit (part number 2102 for AMC V8s) is a complete valvetrain package engineered for street performance. It replaces the factory camshaft with a more aggressive profile that increases valve lift and duration, resulting in significant horsepower and torque gains in the mid-to-upper RPM range—exactly where you want it for spirited driving. The kit includes the camshaft, hydraulic lifters, timing chain and gears, and the necessary gaskets and seals. Unlike budget “cam-only” options, Edelbrock’s kit is designed as a matched set, ensuring reliable operation and simplified installation.

Full Cost Breakdown

Below is the itemized breakdown for adding the Edelbrock Performer RPM Cam Kit to your AMC Javelin. Prices are based on current market averages from reputable parts suppliers and typical shop rates. Your actual costs may vary depending on location, condition of the engine, and whether you choose to upgrade additional components.

  • Edelbrock Performer RPM Camshaft: $350
  • Lifters (hydraulic flat tappet): $150
  • Timing Chain Set (with gears): $100
  • Gaskets and Seals (full set): $50
  • Professional Labor: $550
  • Total (parts + labor): $1,200

If you install the kit yourself, you can save the $550 labor cost, but you’ll still need basic mechanical skills, a shop manual, and common tools. More on that later.

1. Edelbrock Performer RPM Camshaft – $350

The camshaft is the heart of the kit. Designed for AMC 290, 304, 343, 360, 390, and 401 engines, the Performer RPM cam offers 0.477-inch intake / 0.472-inch exhaust lift with a 224° / 234° duration at 0.050-inch tappet lift. This profile provides a strong mid-range punch and pulls hard to 5,500 RPM, making it ideal for street/strip applications. The cam is a hydraulic flat tappet design, which is compatible with original AMC valvetrains without extensive modifications. For around $350, you’re getting a cam that rivals many custom grinds but with the convenience of a kit that includes matched components.

2. Lifters – $150

Hydraulic lifters are essential to follow the cam lobe profile and maintain zero lash automatically. Edelbrock recommends using new lifters with the new cam to avoid premature wear. A set of high-quality hydraulic flat tappet lifters typically costs between $130 and $170. Skimping on lifters can lead to noise, poor performance, or even catastrophic failure—never reuse old lifters on a fresh cam. The $150 budget covers a well-respected brand like Sealed Power or Edelbrock’s own lifter set.

3. Timing Chain Set – $100

A timing chain set synchronizes the camshaft and crankshaft rotation. The kit includes a chain, crank sprocket, and cam sprocket. For AMC V8s, a double-roller timing chain is recommended for strength and accuracy. Expect to pay around $80 to $120. The stock nylon-toothed gears are prone to failure; upgrading to a steel double-roller set improves reliability and reduces timing variation. This is a relatively inexpensive part that adds peace of mind during a major valvetrain job.

4. Gaskets and Seals – $50

Replacing gaskets and seals ensures the engine doesn’t leak oil or coolant after the cam swap. The kit typically includes a timing cover gasket, oil pan gasket (if needed), valve cover gaskets, and a front seal. A dedicated AMC gasket set runs about $50. It’s wise to also replace the rear main seal while the engine is accessible, though that adds about $15 to $20. For our budget, we stick with the basic set, but if your engine shows signs of leaking, factor in the extra cost.

5. Professional Labor – $550

Installing a cam kit requires removing the radiator, fan, water pump, timing cover, and pulling the intake manifold. For a skilled mechanic, the job takes about 6 to 8 hours. At typical shop rates of $75 to $100 per hour, labor comes to $550. This covers R&R of the old cam, installation of the new cam and lifters, timing chain setup, and reinstallation of all components. Many shops also factor in a valve adjustment or a quick compression check. If you’re doing the work yourself, you’ll save $550, but plan for a full weekend and invest in a repair manual like the 1970-1974 AMC Javelin Service Manual.

What’s Not Included in the $1,200 Figure (Potential Add-Ons)

The $1,200 budget covers the core cam swap, but experienced builders often recommend a few extra upgrades that improve performance and reliability. Here are the most common additions:

  • Valve Springs ($80–$120): The Edelbrock Performer RPM cam’s higher lift may exceed stock valve spring capacity. Upgrading to dual valve springs (like Edelbrock 9776 springs) prevents valve float at high RPM and supports the cam profile. Factor in about $100 for springs and retainers.
  • Pushrods ($60–$100): Depending on your engine’s head gasket thickness and block height, you may need longer or shorter pushrods to achieve correct lifter preload. A set of hardened pushrods costs around $80.
  • Fuel and Timing Tune ($150–$300): After a cam swap, the engine often requires rejetting the carburetor and adjusting ignition timing. A professional dyno tune can add $200–$300, but many enthusiasts do it themselves with a wideband O2 sensor.

If you add springs, pushrods, and a basic tune, your total could climb to $1,500–$1,600. However, the $1,200 figure remains accurate for a straightforward kit installation without these extras.

Installation Considerations for DIYers

If you’re comfortable turning wrenches, installing the Edelbrock Performer RPM Cam Kit is a rewarding weekend project. Here are the key steps and tips:

  1. Gather tools: Socket set, torque wrench, breaker bar, gear puller, and a dial indicator for degreeing the cam (optional but recommended).
  2. Drain coolant and oil: Remove the radiator and water pump for access. Drain the oil to avoid contamination.
  3. Remove the timing cover: Unbolt the timing chain cover, then the old timing set and camshaft.
  4. Clean the lifter bores: Use a magnet or a small brush to ensure no debris remains. Install new lifters with engine assembly lube.
  5. Install the new cam: Coat the cam lobes generously with break-in lube (Edelbrock supplies it in the kit). Slide the cam in carefully, then install the timing chain set with the marks aligned.
  6. Reassemble: Replace gaskets, sealant, and refill fluids. Prime the oil system by cranking with the distributor removed until oil pressure registers.
  7. Break-in procedure: Start the engine and run it at 2,000–2,500 RPM for 20 minutes to seat the lifters. Vary RPM slightly but avoid idle. This step is critical for long cam life.

A good resource is the Edelbrock Tech Support page, which provides detailed instructions and torque specs specific to your cam kit.

Performance Gains: What to Expect

With the Edelbrock Performer RPM Cam Kit installed on a healthy AMC 360 or 401, typical dyno results show a gain of 30 to 50 horsepower and 20 to 30 lb-ft of torque. The power band shifts upward: peak torque moves from around 2,500 RPM to 3,200 RPM, and peak horsepower arrives at 5,000 RPM instead of 4,200. This makes the Javelin respond much more aggressively when you step on the gas, especially from 2,500 to 5,500 RPM. However, expect a slight loss of low-end torque below 1,800 RPM compared to a stock cam. For street driving, this trade-off is barely noticeable with a manual transmission or a stall converter above 2,000 RPM.

The improved exhaust note from the longer duration also gives the Javelin a classic muscle car lope at idle—something many enthusiasts love. Pair the cam with a free-flowing dual exhaust and a high-rise intake manifold (like the Edelbrock Performer RPM intake) to maximize the benefits.

Choosing the Right Supporting Mods

The Edelbrock Performer RPM Cam Kit is a component upgrade, but to unlock its full potential, consider these matching modifications:

  • Intake Manifold: The Edelbrock Performer RPM intake manifold (#7181 for AMC) complements the cam perfectly, adding another 15–20 hp.
  • Carburetor: A 650–750 cfm carburetor, such as the Edelbrock Thunder Series AVS, matches the flow requirements.
  • Ignition System: An HEI distributor or a quality aftermarket unit ensures the spark timing holds up at high RPM.

If you’re on a budget, the cam kit alone will still provide a satisfying performance bump—just don’t expect race-car numbers without the supporting parts.

Alternatives to the Edelbrock Performer RPM Cam Kit

The $1,200 price point is competitive, but a few other options exist for AMC Javelin owners:

  • Comp Cams Xtreme Energy (XE) Kit: Around $400 for the cam and lifters, plus timing set and gaskets (~$150). Total parts ~$550, but labor still applies. The XE series has faster ramps for more mid-range, though it can be harder on valvetrain components.
  • Summit Racing Stock Replacement Cam: Budget option at $150 for the cam, but you’ll want to pair it with Summit’s own lifters and timing set (~$100). Total parts ~$250, but gains are modest.
  • Custom Cam from (e.g., Crower or Isky): $300–$400 for a grind, plus individual parts. Total cost can exceed $1,200 with labor.

The Edelbrock kit remains the most turnkey solution, especially for first-time upgraders. Its wide availability and excellent customer support make it a safe choice.

Where to Buy the Kit and Save Money

The Edelbrock Performer RPM Cam Kit (part number 2102) is available from multiple retailers. Check prices at Summit Racing, JEGS, and Performance Wholesale. Often you can find sales or free shipping on orders over $100. Buying a full kit (cam, lifters, timing set, and gaskets) as a bundle may also lower the overall cost by $50–$100. For the labor portion, consider a local AMC specialist or a forum-recommended mechanic from the AMC Forum.

Final Verdict: Is $1,200 Worth It for Your Javelin?

Adding an Edelbrock Performer RPM Cam Kit to your AMC Javelin for $1,200 is one of the best performance-per-dollar upgrades you can make. The cost is broken down transparently, and the result is a car that feels significantly quicker and more responsive. Whether you cruise the boulevard or hit the drag strip, the improved power band makes the Javelin more fun to drive. For the DIY enthusiast, the savings from installing it yourself can be redirected into springs or a tune. For those who prefer professional installation, the $550 labor charge is a fair price for a detailed job that ensures reliability.

If your Javelin is currently running a tired stock cam, the difference after the swap will be night and day. Plan your budget, gather your parts, and get ready to rediscover why the AMC Javelin remains a legend of the muscle car era.