Roaring Twins

When you've been in the high performance business since it basically began, you have the opportunity to learn a thing or two about making power. Whether it is all-out racing power, or mild street power, Edelbrock has had the time to develop a perfect combination. And now they're offering two street small-blocks. One for power and one for torque.

PERFORMER RPM 350
Edelbrock's horsepower motor starts with a GMPP ZZ4 short-block, using all factory GM parts for durability. To that, Edelbrock adds its top end package that's been refined with literally years of dyno tests. The components Edelbrock installs on its Performer RPM engine make it a very reliable streeter. It's not designed for high power, but still makes more power than any small-block you could get in a new car today. Even though it's not their torquiest motor, the Performer RPM 350 still cranks out 325 ft-lb at 2,500 rpm. Peak power comes at 6,500 with 410 hp. That means this engine has a long power band that will pull and pull and pull in a street car with long gears or an overdrive. On top of all that, all Edelbrock crate engines include a 2 year/24,000 mile warranty, so you know you're covered if something goes wrong. See all the details and power results of Edelbrock's Performer RPM 350 later in this story.

383 RPM ENGINE
The torque monster in Edelbrock's small-block line up is the 383-cid RPM. It, too, is based on a GMPP short-block using all factory components. The difference is up top, where Edelbrock installs a few different components to add torque on the street. This stroker combination grunts out exactly 1 ft-lb-per-cid at 2,500 rpm. The rpm band of this engine is all done at 5,500, so it's not a high revving brute either. Peak power is 436 hp at 5,500, but it still carries up to 430 hp by 6,000, so it's got some long legs too.

Edelbrock designed both of...        read full caption Edelbrock designed both of these crate engines with years of dyno research. Here, Kurt Hooker, supervises one of Edelbrock's in-house dyno test sessions.

All of Edelbrock's crate engines...        read full caption All of Edelbrock's crate engines are inspected and assembled in-house at Edelbrock's facility in Southern California.

When shipped, all external...        read full caption When shipped, all external ports are sealed to keep debris out.

Nothing is left out; Edelbrock...        read full caption Nothing is left out; Edelbrock includes a Milodon timing cover, and oil pan, and a stock GM timing pointer, too.

The 383 RPM engine gets a...        read full caption The 383 RPM engine gets a healthy hydraulic roller camshaft. The Performer RPM 350 uses a conventional flat-tappet hydraulic cam.

Both engines use the same...        read full caption Both engines use the same Performer RPM dual-plane intake manifold.

Both engines also use the...        read full caption Both engines also use the same 800-cfm Edelbrock EPS carb.

Full-roller aluminum rockers...        read full caption Full-roller aluminum rockers are part of the Edelbrock package.

A new Edelbrock timing chain...        read full caption A new Edelbrock timing chain comes with the deal as well.

No hardware is left to chance,...        read full caption No hardware is left to chance, so Edelbrock installs its own super-strong-head bolts. The block comes from GMPP with four-bolts mains, so you know it's tough.

The cylinder heads make the...        read full caption The cylinder heads make the package complete. These 170cc runner aluminum heads have all the right parts to make power and live indefinitely on the street.

The intake runners come blended...        read full caption The intake runners come blended from the factory.

The D-shaped exhaust ports...        read full caption The D-shaped exhaust ports help keep velocities high for added power.

Kidney bean shaped 64cc chambers...        read full caption Kidney bean shaped 64cc chambers are the key to making power with these Edelbrock heads.

A GMPP short-block is the...        read full caption A GMPP short-block is the foundation for both of these street killers.

Hypereutectic pistons add...        read full caption Hypereutectic pistons add strength on the street with under 10:1 compression for pump gas.

The 383 engine's hydraulic...        read full caption The 383 engine's hydraulic roller cam uses this factory GM thrust plate to eliminate cam walk, which can destroy an engine in no time.

Edelbrock Performer RPM 350 specs
* 9.5:1 compression GM Performance Parts ZZ4 short-block (Includes four-bolt mains, forged steel crank, hypereutectic pistons, 8-inch dampener, and one-piece rear main seal)
* PN 60899 cylinder heads (170cc intake runners, 64cc chambers, 2.02/1.60 stainless valves)
* PN 7101 RPM intake manifold
* PN 1413 EPS carb (800 cfm)
* PN 7776 aluminum roller rockers
* PN 8550 head bolts
* PN 4153 valve covers
* PN 7102 camshaft (308/318 advance, 234/244 at .050, .488/.510 lift, 112 lobe separation)
* PN 9630 pushrods
* PN 7800 timing chain
* PN 8820 water pump
Other parts included:
* Milodon oil pan and pump system
* Milodon timing cover
* MSD distributor and coil

Edelbrock 383 RPM Engine Specs
* 9.8:1 compression GM Performance Parts short-block (Includes four-bolt mains, forged steel crank, hypereutectic pistons, 8-inch dampener, and one-piece rear main seal)
Edelbrock parts:
* PN 60899 cylinder heads (170cc intake runners, 64cc chambers, 2.02/1.60 stainless valves)
* PN 7101 RPM intake manifold
* PN 1413 EPS carb (800 cfm)
* PN 7776 aluminum roller rockers
* PN 8550 head bolts
* PN 4153 valve covers
* PN 2204 hydraulic roller camshaft (296/304 advance, 234/238 at .050, .539/.548 lift, 112 lobe separation)
* PN 7801 timing chain
* PN 8820 water pump
Other parts included:
* Milodon oil pan and pump system
* Milodon timing cover
* MSD distributor and coil