Edelbrock Performer and Performer RPM Aluminum Cylinder Heads for Small Block Ford V8s

Important Information

? Please study these instructions carefully before installing your new cylinder heads. If you have any questions or problems, please call our Technical Hotline at: 1-800-416-8628, 7:00 am - 5:00 pm, Pacific Standard Time, Monday through Friday or e-mail us at: edelbrock@edelbrock.com.

Product Description

The Edelbrock Performer, Performer RPM, and Performer 5.0/5.8L Street Cylinder Heads are designed for street high performance use and are interchangeable with original equipment small-block Ford cylinder heads. Performer Ford and Performer 5.0/5.8L heads feature exhaust crossover and air injection passages and are street legal in all 50 states. Contact Edelbrock for the current E.O. number if required for emission validation. Edelbrock cylinder heads offer "out-of-the-box" bolt-on performance with no additional porting required. The performance range is 1500-6500 rpm for great throttle response and top-end horsepower. The intake and exhaust ports are CNC machine "matched" and designed for maximum flow velocity when paired with an Edelbrock Performer or Performer RPM intake manifold, Performer-Plus or Performer RPM cam kit, and Performer Series Carburetors. The Performer RPM Power Package produced 400 horsepower in dyno tests on 351-W engines. These heads are designed to use 1/2" head bolts. On 289-302 engines with 7/16" head bolts, use Edelbrock head bolt bushings with integral washers #9680 and Edelbrock head bolt kit #8552, or stock 7/16" head bolts.

Identification and Applications

These heads are available individually, either bare or assembled, with either 1.90" or 2.02" intake valves for the following applications:

• Performer RPM Ford Head: #60219 (bare, 1.90") or #60249 (bare, 2.02"); #60229 (complete, 1.90") or #60259 (complete, 2.02"). For non-emission-controlled 289, 302, and 351-W V8s with rocker studs and pushrod guideplates (does not accept rail rockers).
• Performer Ford Head: #60319 (bare, 1.90") or #60349 (bare, 2.02"); #60329 (complete, 1.90") or #60359 (complete, 2.02"). For emission-controlled 1965 & later 289, 302, and 351-W with rocker studs and pushrod guideplates (does not accept rail rockers).
• Performer 5.0/5.8L Ford Head: #60369 (bare, 1.90") or #60389 (bare, 2.02"); #60379 (complete, 1.90") or #60399 (complete, 2.02"). For emission-controlled 1982 & later 5.0/5.8L V8s with pedestal mount rocker arms (does not accept rail rockers).

Complete cylinder heads are assembled with stainless steel, one-piece, swirl-polished intake and exhaust valves with under-cut stems for increased flow; 2-ring positive oil control seals; 3/8" rocker studs and 5/16" guideplates; Edelbrock Sure-Seat Valve Spring #5767, retainers #9724, valve keepers #9611. Complete cylinder heads feature hardened valve spring seats and are prepared for installation. Bare cylinder heads include valve guides and seats but require final sizing and a valve job.

Accessories and Recommendations

While Edelbrock Street Cylinder Heads accept OEM components (rocker arms, valve covers, intake manifold, head bolts [351-W only], etc.), premium quality hardware is recommended. Contact Edelbrock for catalog details by calling (800) FUN-TEAM.

Head Bolts or Studs

Use high-quality head bolts or studs with hardened washers to prevent galling of aluminum bolt bosses. Recommended head bolts are ARP #254-3708 for engines with 7/16" head bolt holes (289 and 302). Edelbrock Head Bolt Kit #8552 or stock 7/16" bolts on 289-302 engines require Edelbrock head bolt bushings with integral washers #9680. Engines with 1/2" diameter head bolts (351-W and 302 SVO) use Edelbrock Head Bolt Kit #8553 or stock 351-W bolts with high-quality head bolt washers like ARP #200-8533. For 289-302 engines producing 380+ horsepower or using nitrous oxide, conversion to 1/2" diameter head bolts by a qualified machine shop is recommended for maximum head gasket durability.

Rocker Arms

The supplied valve springs accommodate valve lifts up to .575". Roller rocker arms are required if your camshaft has more than .480" lift. Stock rockers may require longer-than-stock pushrods to clear the valve springs.

Valve Covers

Taller valve covers are usually required for clearance with roller rockers. For heads #60259 and #60359, use Edelbrock Signature Series chrome valve covers #4260 or cast aluminum Classic valve covers #4160. Performer 5.0/5.8L heads (#60379 and #60399) accept stock 5.0/5.8L valve covers.

Intake Manifold

While stock intake manifolds fit, Edelbrock Street Cylinder Heads are matched with Edelbrock Performer or Performer RPM intake manifolds. If hood clearance is an issue, the Edelbrock Torker II manifold (#5021 or #5081) can be used. Any manifold matching Edelbrock gasket #7220 or Fel-Pro gasket #1250 is also compatible.

Exhaust Headers

Any header or manifold designed for original equipment heads will fit. Exhaust ports are CNC-profiled to match Edelbrock #7227 or Fel-Pro #1415 exhaust gaskets. For maximum performance, the exhaust header flange opening should match these gaskets.

Spark Plugs

Use 14mm x 3/4" reach gasketed spark plugs. Heat range varies by application (e.g., Champion RC9YC to RC14YC; RC12YC for RPM applications). Use anti-seize on plug threads and torque to manufacturer's specifications for aluminum heads.

Head Gasket Selection Guide

Head gasket requirements vary by application. Use the following as a guide:

1. Low/Stock Compression (8-10:1): Stock size head bolts (7/16"), stock replacement or performance upgrade without nitrous/forced induction. Use Edelbrock head gasket #7313 or Fel-Pro Head Gasket #9333-PT1.
2. Medium Performance (10-12:1): Increased pre-load cylinder head fasteners (7/16" stud or 1/2" head bolts/studs), not recommended with nitrous/forced induction. Use Edelbrock head gasket #7313 or Fel-Pro Head Gasket #1011-2.
3. High Performance Racing (12:1+): 1/2" cylinder head fasteners for highest pre-load, engines using nitrous or forced induction. Use Fel-Pro Head Gasket #1006 Locwire. NOTE: This gasket requires a groove cut in the cylinder head deck surface by a machine shop to Fel-Pro specifications. See "OTHER ASSEMBLY TIPS".

For applications 1 & 2, Edelbrock Cylinder Head Gasket Set #7364 may also be used, which includes all necessary gaskets.

Installation Procedures

Before final installation, check the following to ensure proper engine operation:

1. Block Deck Check: For 289-302 engines (not 351-W):
   • Late model blocks: Water passages are next to the head bolt location (no drilling required).
   • Early model blocks: Water passages are directly over the cylinder upper deck area; drill 1/8" steam holes as shown in Figure 2.
2. Piston to Valve Clearance: Minimum intake valve clearance should be .080"; minimum exhaust valve clearance should be .110". Clearance is typically measured between 5°-20° ATDC for intake and 20°-5° BTDC for exhaust during valve overlap. For heads #60259, #60359, and #60399, piston top eyebrows may need re-machining. Heads with 1.90" intake valves (#60229, 60329, & 60379) are generally compatible with stock pistons and stock or recommended camshafts.
3. Hydraulic Lifter Pre-Load and Rocker Geometry: For heads #60229, #60259, #60329, and #60359, lifter pre-load is adjustable via the stud/guideplate design. For #60379 and #60399 heads with pedestal mount rockers, shims (Ford SVO #M-6529-A302 or Crane #99170-1) are used for adjustment. Check rocker geometry to ensure the roller/pad contact point remains on the valve tip. Inspect rockers, springs, retainers, and pushrods for improper contact. Pushrod length adjustments may be necessary.

Other Assembly Tips

• Use high-temperature anti-seize compound on spark plug and exhaust manifold threads to prevent damage.
• Torque intake manifold bolts to 16-18 ft./lbs. and lubricate bolt threads.
• For emissions-equipped heads (#60329, #60359, #60379, & #60399), install supplied plugs in the front of the heads to seal air injection passages. The stock air injection manifold installs on the back of the engine.
• If pushrod-to-cylinder head contact occurs, loosen rocker studs and reposition guideplates as needed.
• Installation is similar to original equipment heads. Consult service manuals for specific procedures. Clean block and head surfaces thoroughly with alcohol or lacquer thinner before installation. Apply moly-oil mixture to head bolt threads, washers, and under the head bolt area to prevent galling and ensure proper torque. Torque 7/16" bolts (289/302) to 70 ft./lbs. or 1/2" bolts (351-W) to 100 ft./lbs. in three or four steps following the factory sequence (see Figure 1). Then tighten long (upper) head bolts to 80 ft./lbs. (7/16") or 110 ft./lbs. (1/2"). A re-torque is recommended after initial start-up and cool-down (allow 2-3 hours for cooling).
• Edelbrock offers cylinder heads machined for Fel-Pro Locwire head gaskets: #60259, #60359, #60379, #60399, #60269, #60279, #60289, #60299.

Specifications

Diagram Descriptions

Figure 1 - Head Bolt Tightening Sequence: Illustrates the sequence for tightening head bolts, numbered 1 through 10, showing the pattern across the cylinder head.

Figure 2 - Steam Hole Locations for Early 289 & 302 Engine Blocks: Depicts the location of 1/8" holes drilled into the water jacket on early engine blocks, positioned using the head gasket. It shows hole locations for the #5 Cylinder LH Bank (Driver Side) and #1 Cylinder RH Bank (Pass. Side).