Introduction: Why Upgrade to an Edelbrock Performer RPM Cam on Your Pontiac 455

The Pontiac 455 is a legendary big-block engine that responds exceptionally well to a performance camshaft swap. The Edelbrock Performer RPM cam (part number 7156 or 7166 depending on your lifter choice) is designed specifically for street performance builds, offering a significant increase in horsepower and torque from 1,500 to 6,500 rpm. With a 234/244-degree duration at 0.050 and 0.490/0.490 lift, this hydraulic flat-tappet cam delivers a strong mid-range punch and a choppy idle that announces your engine’s potential.

Installing this cam yourself can save hundreds of dollars and gives you complete control over the process. While the job requires mechanical aptitude, a weekend of focused work, and proper preparation, the result is a more responsive, powerful Pontiac 455 that will impress on the street or strip. This guide provides detailed instructions, torque specifications, and pro tips to ensure your installation is successful the first time.

Note: This guide assumes you are working on an engine installed in the vehicle with the front accessories removed. If the engine is on a stand, simplify the process accordingly. Always refer to the Edelbrock instruction sheet that comes with your cam and the factory service manual for your specific vehicle.

Tools and Materials Needed

Having everything on hand before you start prevents frustrating interruptions. Beyond the camshaft itself, gather these items:

Must-Have Tools

  • Edelbrock Performer RPM Camshaft (PN 7156 for standard flat-tappet lifters)
  • New hydraulic flat-tappet lifters (do not reuse old ones)
  • Camshaft installation tool (bolt handle or long bolt with large washers)
  • Torque wrench (ft-lb and in-lb ranges)
  • Socket set (metric and SAE, including 15mm, 9/16, 5/8, and 13mm for Pontiac-specific fasteners)
  • Valve spring compressor (dual spring design for 455 heads)
  • Timing chain set (double-roller preferred, e.g., Cloyes or Edelbrock)
  • Gasket set (intake manifold, valve cover, timing cover, water outlet; Fel-Pro recommended)
  • RTV silicone and thread sealant
  • Engine oil (high-zinc break-in oil like Joe Gibbs or Driven)
  • Camshaft break-in lube (moly paste such as Comp Cams or Edelbrock)
  • Assembly lube for lifters
  • Safety glasses, gloves, and a fire extinguisher
  • Degree wheel and dial indicator (to verify cam timing – critical for Pontiac 455)
  • Plastigage for checking bearing clearances
  • Compression tester (to baseline before and after)
  • Primer shaft or oil pump priming tool
  • New timing cover gasket set (including front oil seal)

Preparation Steps

Proper preparation prevents engine damage and simplifies the cam swap. Take your time with these steps.

1. Disconnect and Remove Components

  • Disconnect the battery – always the first step to avoid accidental cranking or electrical shorts.
  • Drain the coolant from the radiator and engine block. Remove the radiator for easier access to the front of the engine.
  • Remove the air cleaner and intake ducting.
  • Remove the carburetor or throttle body and set it aside with a cover over the intake openings.
  • Remove the intake manifold – on Pontiac 455s, this requires removing the valley pan gasket. Mark the distributor position before removal.
  • Remove the distributor and note the rotor orientation for reinstallation.
  • Remove the valve covers. Clean them thoroughly for a clean reassembly.
  • Remove the rocker arms and pushrods. Keep them in order if reusing; label each set.
  • Remove the spark plugs to make engine rotation easier.

2. Drain Fluids and Clean Surfaces

  • Drain the engine oil and replace the oil filter.
  • Clean the lifter valley area of old gasket material and debris using vacuum and lint-free rags. Any debris falling into the oil pan can destroy bearings.
  • Clean the timing cover gasket sealing surfaces on the block and cover.

3. Remove the Timing Cover and Chain

  • Remove the crankshaft hub/pulley and harmonic balancer. Use a puller if necessary; never hammer on it.
  • Unbolt the timing cover (10 bolts on Pontiac V8s). Gently pry it off – it often sticks due to the gasket.
  • Remove the timing chain and cam sprocket bolts. Note the timing marks alignment for reference.

4. Remove Lifters

  • With the intake manifold off, you can access the lifters. Lifters must be removed to extract the camshaft.
  • Use a telescoping magnet or a lifter removal tool. Keep them in order as you remove them – old lifters must go back to the same bore if reused, but for a cam swap it is best to replace them.
  • If any lifter is stuck, soak with penetrating oil and gently work it free. Do not force.

Removing the Old Camshaft

With the timing chain and lifters out, you can now pull the camshaft. This step requires patience to avoid damaging the cam bearings.

1. Remove Cam Retainer Plate

On most Pontiac 455 engines, a retainer plate secures the cam. Remove the two bolts (7/16 or 5/16) and slide the plate off.

2. Extract the Camshaft

  • Install the cam bolt handle or a long 7/16-14 bolt with large washers into the cam snout.
  • Gently rotate the cam as you pull it out. The lobes will pass through the bearings. If resistance is felt, check for burrs or debris.
  • Pull the cam straight out – do not tilt it as this can gouge the bearings.
  • Place the old cam on a clean surface. Inspect the bearing surfaces for wear – if excessive, consider replacing cam bearings.

3. Inspect and Clean

Before installing the new cam, wipe down the lifter bores, cam bearing surfaces, and the block. Use brake cleaner and compressed air. If any cam bearing has spun or has scoring, you must replace bearings now – a costly but essential repair.

Installing the Edelbrock Performer RPM Cam

Now the exciting part. Follow these steps precisely to ensure long cam life.

1. Lubricate the Camshaft

  • Apply a thick layer of camshaft break-in lube (moly paste) to every lobe and the distributor drive gear.
  • Apply assembly lube to the cam bearing journals.
  • Do the same for all lifter faces.

2. Insert the New Cam

  • Slide the cam carefully into the block, rotating slowly to align with bearings.
  • Install the retainer plate and torque the bolts to 15-20 ft-lb (check specs for your year).
  • Install the lifter set into their original bores (or new lifter bores – each lifter must go into the same bore it was intended for after break-in).
  • Install the crankshaft timing sprocket and the cam sprocket loosely.
  • If degreeing: align the cam with a degree wheel on the crank and a dial indicator on a lifter (or the cam’s #1 exhaust lobe). Follow Edelbrock’s instructions for lobe center lines. Adjust sprocket offset if needed by using adjustable timing sets. Most Pontiac 455s will be close to 108 degree lobe separation but verify.
  • If not degreeing: align the timing marks at TDC on #1 cylinder. The dot on the cam sprocket should point to the dot on the crank sprocket when both are straight up.
  • Torque the cam sprocket bolts to 30-35 ft-lb for stock bolts, or 45 if using ARP.
  • Install the double-roller chain (or stock replacement) and set tensioner if equipped.

4. Check Piston-to-Valve Clearance

With the cam installed and timing set, rotate the engine by hand to verify no interference. You can use clay on the pistons to check clearance – a minimum of 0.080 inch for intake and 0.100 inch for exhaust is recommended. If you are using stock or mild aftermarket heads, the Performer RPM cam usually clears fine.

5. Install Valve Springs and Retainers

  • If your cylinder heads have spring seats, use a valve spring compressor to remove old springs and install new ones if upgrading. The stock springs may be fine for the Performer RPM cam, but verify installed height and seat pressure.
  • Install the valve stem seals (new) and then the springs, retainers, and keepers.

Reassembly

With the cam and timing components in place, put the engine back together with care.

1. Install the Timing Cover

  • Apply a thin bead of RTV to the gasket surfaces. Use a new timing cover gasket and a new front oil seal.
  • Install the cover and torque the bolts to 10-15 ft-lb in a crisscross pattern.
  • Install harmonic balancer using the proper installation tool – never hammer it on.

2. Install Pushrods and Rocker Arms

  • With the lifters installed, insert each pushrod into its lifter socket. Ensure the pushrod tips are lubricated.
  • Install rocker arms and adjust lash. For hydraulic lifters, tighten the rocker arm nut until zero lash, then an additional ½ to 1 full turn. Check Edelbrock’s recommendations: typically 0.020-0.060 preload.

3. Install Intake Manifold and Distributor

  • Clean the intake gasket surfaces. Use a new gasket set and apply a bead of RTV at the front and rear china walls.
  • Install the intake manifold and torque in sequence per the service manual (typically center out with 25-30 ft-lb).
  • Install the distributor, aligning the rotor to where it originally pointed. Set initial timing at 8-10° BTDC for break-in.
  • Connect all vacuum lines, plug wires, and sensors.

4. Valve Covers and Fluids

  • Install valve covers with new gaskets (torque to 5-8 ft-lb; do not overtighten).
  • Fill the engine with break-in oil that has high zinc (ZDDP) content. Add a bottle of cam break-in additive if using standard oil.
  • Fill the cooling system with fresh coolant and water mix.
  • Reconnect the battery.

Initial Start-Up and Break-In Procedures

This is the most critical phase for cam life. A flat-tappet cam must be broken in correctly to avoid lobe wear.

1. Prime the Oil System

  • Use a primer tool or a long shaft with a hex bit to spin the oil pump before starting the engine. This ensures oil reaches the lifters and rockers immediately.
  • Rotate the engine a few times by hand after priming to distribute oil.

2. Start the Engine

  • With a helper, start the engine and immediately raise the RPM to 2,000-2,500. Do NOT let it idle for the first 20 minutes.
  • Vary the RPM between 2,000 and 3,000 for at least 20 minutes while checking for leaks, noises, and monitoring oil pressure.
  • Listen for any metallic tapping or knocking – if you hear anything, shut it down immediately and investigate.

3. After Break-In

  • Let the engine cool overnight.
  • Re-torque the intake manifold bolts and valve cover bolts.
  • Check valve lash again (some lifters may settle).
  • Change the oil and filter (break-in oil often has metal particles).
  • Set the final ignition timing and carburetor tuning.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Upgraded Pontiac 455

Installing the Edelbrock Performer RPM cam transforms your Pontiac 455 from a lumbering torque monster into a high-revving horsepower producer. With a proper install and break-in, this cam will deliver reliable, exciting performance for years. After the cam swap, you may want to upgrade the exhaust, carburetor, and ignition to fully exploit the new power band.

For further reading and specifications, consult the Edelbrock Performer RPM cam page and the Summit Racing product listing. For community support, check forums like Pontiac Power or Performance Years for real-world tips.

Always double-check your cylinder head compatibility and piston-to-valve clearance. A few extra hours of careful setup now save engine damage later. Happy wrenching!