EDELBROCK PERFORMER SERIES EMISSIONS LEGAL CARBURETOR

® 600cfm, Electric Choke, EGR, Square-Bore Carburetor

Catalog #1400
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
PLEASE study these instructions carefully before beginning this installation. Most installations can be accomplished with common tools and
procedures. However, you should be familiar with and comfortable working on your vehicle. If you do not feel comfortable performing this installation,
it is recommended to have the installation completed by a qualified mechanic. If you have any questions, 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.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Proper installation is the responsibility of the installer. Improper installation
will void your warranty and may result in poor performance and engine or vehicle damage.

DESCRIPTION: Edelbrock Performer Series carburetor #1400 is 50-state street legal for all 1980 and earlier General Motors V8 engines. All Performer
Series Carburetors have been calibrated, factory flow-tested, and preset. Edelbrock Performer Series carburetors are designed to give you excellent
performance, fuel economy, and maintenance-free operation. To ensure that you enjoy these benefits, please read all instructions prior to installation.

NOTE: Edelbrock Performer Series carburetors are not for computer-controlled applications. That includes some 1981 & later GM
vehicles with Q-Jet carburetor and some 1981 & later Ford vehicles with automatic overdrive (AOD) transmissions.

Vehicles equipped with C.E.C. solenoids will require the use of Edelbrocks Idle Compensator Solenoid. Use part #8059.
The factory C.E.C. solenoid will not fit our throttle lever. However, the Edelbrock Idle Compensator Solenoid will allow you to retain
the C.E.C. function and to pass visual emissions inspection in California. See “C.E.C. Function” in the “Adjustments and
Troubleshooting” section for installation and adjustment of the Idle Compensator.

KIT CONTENTS:
❑ 1 Installation instruction sheet ❑ 2 5/32” Vacuum caps ❑ 1 3/16” Internal star washer
❑ 1 Warranty card ❑ 1 5/32” Vacuum “T” ❑ 1 Red choke positive wire
❑ 1 Square-bore, heat-insulating gasket ❑ 1 1/4" NPT pipe plug ❑ 1 Black choke ground wire
❑ 1 Air horn gasket ❑ 1 Throttle cable ball end stud ❑ 1 E.O. Decal
❑ 1 Air cleaner stud ❑ 1 10-32 Hex nut

CHECK THE FOLLOWING BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION

WARNING: WHEN WORKING AROUND GASOLINE, ALWAYS WORK IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA, AND KEEP ALL OPEN FLAMES, SPARKS AND
OTHER SOURCES OF IGNITION AWAY FROM THE WORK AREA. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN RESULT IN A FIRE OR EXPLOSION.
❑ Replace fuel filter. Dirt found in carburetor voids warranty. ❑ Check the intake manifold and cylinder head gaskets for leaks and
❑ Check and replace the air filter, if necessary. replace, if necessary.
❑ Check PCV valve and replace, if clogged. ❑ Check the ignition system: clean and gap or replace spark plugs,
❑ Check all hoses for leaks or cracks and replace, if necessary. plug wires, and adjust ignition timing.
❑ Check fuel pump for proper operation and replace, if necessary.

ACCESSORIES (REVIEW THE FOLLOWING AND USE PARTS AS NECESSARY FOR YOUR APPLICATION)
❑ Carburetor Adapter and Fuel Line Kit #2697 (Used to mount ❑ GM cruise control adapter #1484
Edelbrock carburetors to stock Quadrajet manifolds. Includes ❑ Throttle cable, transmission, and cruise control bracket #8031 or
4-hole carb adapter #2696, fuel filter and fuel line kit #8135 for 8036 (‘79 and earlier) for small-block or big-block Chevy (Some
3/8" and 5/16" OEM steel fuel lines. Both also available separately) applications may require modification to stock bracket)
❑ 90-degree banjo fuel inlet fitting kit #8089 (For use with low profile ❑ EGR adapter #1476 (For Chevy small-block V8’s. Required for all
air cleaner bases), #6 AN fuel inlet fitting #8087, or Inverted Flare EGR applications to provide clearance for Performer Series
fuel line fitting #8090 (3/8") carburetors)
❑ In-line fuel filter #8873 ❑ Universal throttle return spring kit #8005 (If original return spring
❑ Fuel pressure regulator #8190 (If stock fuel pressure is greater than cannot be used)
6.5 psi) ❑ 3/4" Air Cleaner spacer #8092 (For low profile air cleaner bases to
❑ Chevrolet throttle cable stud #8009 (’77 & later) clear electric choke)
❑ Transmission kick-down stud #8018 (TH350 type) ❑ Electrical connectors (For electric choke connection)

Catalog #1400 ©2007 Edelbrock Corporation

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 RECOMMENDED TOOLS
❑ Sockets/wrenches/tubing wrenches ❑ #20 Torx Driver (for electric choke models)
❑ Pliers ❑ Wire crimpers (for electric choke models)
❑ Screwdrivers ❑ Test Meter or Test Light (for electric choke models)
❑ Hacksaw and/or tubing cutter

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

FUEL INLET for 3/8” hose (Except marine IDLE MIXTURE SCREWS
models #1409 & #1410 which use a 3/8” Left side screw for left side of carb
inverted flare fitting) Right side screw for right side of carb

CANISTER VAPOR VENT

(#1400 ONLY)
POWER BRAKE PORT
(Except Marine Models)
Rear lower side, 1/4” NPT
MUST BE PLUGGED WITH
1/4” PIPE PLUG (SUPPLIED)
IF NOT USED

IDLE SPEED
SCREW

PART NUMBER is stamped on 3/16” TIMED VACUUM PORT PCV PORT (For 3/8” hose) 3/16” MANIFOLD VACUUM PORT
pad at front of carburetor (Distributor vacuum advance port for NOT FOR FUEL! (EGR vacuum supply port)
emissions controlled engines)

Figure 1 - Fittings and Vacuum Port Locations

CARBURETOR PREPARATION Black Wire (–); Retaining Screws (3)

1. Install proper throttle and transmission linkage for your particular To Ground
application. Make sure all linkage is properly secured to carburetor and (Carb Body)
works freely.

2. Check and prepare carburetor for proper vacuum fitting installation (EGR,
power brakes, PCV, distributor, transmission, etc.) using supplied
vacuum caps, “T”, and hose when applicable. Before removing old Red Wire (+); To Key-On 12V
carburetor, determine if distributor vacuum advance port is “timed” (no Source (Not Coil or Alternator!) Fig. 2
vacuum present at idle) or “manifold vacuum” (vacuum present at idle),
and use the matching vacuum port on your Edelbrock carburetor (See INSTALLATION OF CARBURETOR
Figure 1). If vacuum port at rear of carb is not used, plug with a 1/4" 1. Disconnect all linkages and lines from old carburetor, noting their
pipe plug. purpose for reassembly on new carburetor.
3. For electric choke hook-up (See Figure 2), remove one choke CAUTION: When disconnecting fuel line, avoid any exposure to
housing retaining screw and install eyelet end of choke ground wire sparks or open flame. Note position of all throttle and transmission
(black) to choke housing and reinstall screw. Connect clip end of linkages and/or cables for reassembly. Remove old carburetor and
choke ground wire to negative (-) spade terminal on choke housing. flange gasket. Do not allow gasket or other material to fall into
manifold.
Connect red wire spade terminal to positive (+) terminal on choke
housing. Connect other end of red wire to an ignition key activated 2. Place new carburetor gasket and adapters (when applicable) on the
12-volt source. DO NOT ATTACH TO COIL OR ALTERNATOR. Ensure manifold. Install carburetor and cross tighten nuts. Be sure not to
this source maintains 12 volts with engine running. overtighten nuts.

Catalog #1400 ©2007 Edelbrock Corporation

Rev. 1/07 - RS/mc Page 2 of 5 Brochure #63-0443
3. Connect all throttle and transmission linkages and throttle return 9. Start the engine and check for any possible fuel or vacuum leaks.
springs. CAUTION: Be alert to carburetor flooding. Flooding can be caused
CAUTION: At this point, make sure all throttle and transmission by dirt, small particles of hose cuttings, floats and inlet needles
linkages operate smoothly from idle to wide open throttle (WOT) which have settled during shipping. When the fuel pump is turned
and check return springs for proper pressure. on or when the engine is first started, watch closely for signs of
flooding. If flooding occurs turn engine off immediately and lightly
4. Connect all vacuum hoses to their proper location on carburetor tap on the side of the carburetor that is flooding, in the rear needle
(See Figure 1). Replace hoses that appear brittle or cracked. and seat area with a rawhide mallet or wooden handle of a
hammer. Start engine and see if flooding continues. If flooding
5. Connect fuel line to carburetor (See Figure 1). Avoid contact with continues, stop the engine. Clean up any raw gasoline and refer to
any sharp edges or areas of extreme heat. For best results, use the “Adjustments and Troubleshooting” section of the
Edelbrock in-line fuel filter #8873 and fuel line kit #8135. Instruction Sheet.
WARNING: NEVER POUR FUEL DIRECTLY DOWN THE
6. Install new air horn gasket and air cleaner stud (supplied). Install CARBURETOR WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE! THIS
air cleaner making sure it does not contact linkage or fuel line and MAY CAUSE A BACKFIRE AND POSSIBLE ENGINE
has proper hood clearance. Extremely low profile air cleaners will COMPARTMENT FIRE, RESULTING IN ENGINE OR VEHICLE
not fit without #8092 (due to choke interference). DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR DEATH.

7. Trim air cleaner stud to proper length. 10. With engine at normal operating temperature and choke fully open,
set idle speed and mixture screws. This procedure is outlined in the
8. Re-check all linkage for smooth throttle operation. Instruction Sheet.

ADJUSTMENTS AND TROUBLESHOOTING

IDLE MIXTURE CALIBRATING THE ACCELERATOR PUMP

The Edelbrock Performer Series carburetor has conventional Idle Mixture If you encounter any hesitations or stumbles that do not seem to be
Screws (IMS) that provide a leaner A/F when turned clockwise and richer related to the basic metering or have not responded to changes in the
A/F when turned counter clockwise. The idle air flow is controlled by a basic metering, move the pump drive link to one of the holes closer to
conventional screw that opens the Primary Throttles. The following the carburetor body. This will increase the stroke length of the plunger
procedure should be used to set the idle mixture and speeds: and result in more pump delivery.
1. Fully warm engine and ensure choke is fully open. FLOAT ADJUSTMENT
2. Air cleaner in place. To properly adjust the floats in the EPS carburetor, two procedures must
3. Set desired speed with the air screw. be followed. First, the metering rod/power piston assemblies should be
4. Adjust the IMS on ONE side to get the maximum possible RPM. Do removed from the top of the carb airhorn. Next, remove the accelerator
not go rich beyond the maximum speed point. pump connecting rod and the choke connec-ting rod. After removing all
5. If the above changed the idle speed more than 40 RPM, then the airhorn retaining screws, turn the airhorn upside down with the
re-adjust the speed. gasket in place (See Figure 3). Use a scale, or a 7/16" drill bit (as
shown) to mea-sure the float level. There should be 7/16" between the
6. Adjust the side OPPOSITE of that in Step 4 to get maximum RPM.
air-horn gasket and the top of the outer end of the float. To adjust the
7. Reset the speed. float level, bend the float lever until the recommended level is attained.
8. Carefully trim each IMS to again get the maximum idle RPM. DO NOT press the needle into the seat when adjusting the float lever.
9. Go leaner just enough to get a 20 RPM drop in speed. Next, you should check the float drop (See Figure 4). Hold the airhorn
10. Reset the speed to the desired RPM. upright and let the floats hang down. There should be 1-1/4" ± 1/4"
between the airhorn gasket and the top of the outer end of the float. To
11. This is a Lean-Best Idle Set. Setting richer than this will not
adjust the float drop, bend the tab on the back until the recommended
improve idle quality or performance, but could tend to foul spark
float drop is attained.
plugs.

WINTER FUEL IDLE SETS

During the winter months (in most parts of the country) the local fuel will Bend Here
Float Level
be a “winter” blend that is very volatile, as an assist to cold-engine (7/16")
starting and driveability during warm-up. However, the high volatility has
the disadvantage of allowing excessive vaporization of the fuel if the
vehicle is operated in a heated area such as a garage. This can result in
problems in the idle-set procedures since the carburetor’s internal vents
will allow this excess vapor to be drawn into the throats and enrichen the
mixture. The idle will be erratic and not seem to be able to hold a set. Fig. 3
To resolve this type of problem, it is advisable to perform the final
settings outdoors after the vehicle has been stabilized with a drive of
several miles.
Catalog #1400 ©2007 Edelbrock Corporation
Rev. 1/07 - RS/mc Page 3 of 5 Brochure #63-0443
 The length of time during which the choke will stay closed is determined
by the position of the choke cap. As the choke cap is turned clockwise,
the choke will stay closed longer. To properly set the choke, turn the
choke cap to the leanest notch on the choke housing, tighten the choke
housing retaining screws, and run the engine until normal operating
temperature is reached. With the engine running, slowly turn the choke
Tab cap clockwise until the choke valve begins to close. Now turn the choke
housing one notch counterclockwise (LEAN) and tighten the choke
Float Drop (1-1/4 ± 1/4") housing retaining screws. Periodic re-adjustment of the choke will be
Fig. 4
required as the temperature changes throughout the year. After each
adjustment, verify that the choke valve opens fully after the engine is
CHOKE ADJUSTMENT warm.
To adjust the choke piston linkage (See Figure 5), open the choke valve and
CAUTION!!!
insert a .026" wire, with a 90-degree bend 1/8" from the end, between the
top of the slot in the choke piston cylinder and the bottom of the slot in the Do not overtighten the small Power Piston Cover screws when
piston. Hold the wire in position and close the choke valve by pressing on servicing metering rods. They should only be tightened to 12
piston lever “A” until resistance is felt. The dimension “C” should be .100" to 17 inch/pounds. Excessive torque will weaken or snap off
between the top edge of the choke valve and the air horn. To adjust, bend the screw heads. If this happens, they may fall into the
rod “B”. carburetor causing serious engine damage. If an inch/pound
torque wrench is not available, snug the screw until it just
touches the plate, then tighten 1/16th turn more.
C (.100")
C.E.C. FUNCTION
Vehicles equipped with C.E.C. solenoids will require the use of
A Edelbrock’s Idle Compensator Solenoid. Use part #8059. The
B factory C.E.C. solenoid will not fit our throttle lever. However,
the Edelbrock Idle Compensator Solenoid will allow you to retain
the C.E.C. function and to pass visual emissions inspection in
.026" Wire California.
Remove front driver’s side carb stud and replace with longer stud
Slot (Piston) supplied in this kit. Place bracket over the stud and install nut and
Fig. 5 washer on stud. Position solenoid in bracket and install large washer
(locking tabs face the solenoid) and locknut. Tighten firmly, but be
careful not to over-tighten due to the large size (1-1/4") of the wrench
To adjust the fast idle linkage (See Figure 6), place the fast idle screw A
used. Bend locking tabs on special washer over flats of the nut to
between the two notches on the cam. Close the choke valve as far as
prevent loosening. Attach the wire from the solenoid to the existing
possible without forcing it. The dimension C should be 3/64" between the
C.E.C. wiring connector.
choke valve and the air horn. To adjust, bend rod B. Fast idle may be
adjusted to manu-facturer’s specifications (usually 1500 rpm) during If the factory connector does not fit, you will need to splice into the wire
normal choke cold operation. The fast idle screw A can be adjusted with from the connector. Use a 1/4" female receptacle and at least 18-20
engine off and throttle held open to allow screw head access. Re-check gauge wire. Some receptacles will require that the locking tab on the
fast idle speed after each adjustment. solenoid be flattened before the receptacle will fit.
ADJUSTMENT
C (3/64") With the Idle Compensator Solenoid disconnected, adjust the Idle
Speed Screw until you reach the desired idle RPM.
With the Idle Compensator Solenoid connected and the ignition in
the “On” position, adjust the solenoid until it just contacts the
throttle lever. Next, start the engine and turn the Idle Speed Screw
B counter-clockwise to make sure the idle speed is maintained by the
solenoid. If necessary, adjust idle speed by turning solenoid plunger
in or out with a 1/2" wrench. Shut off the engine.
Turn the Idle Speed Screw counter-clockwise until the throttle lever
is completely closed and the Idle Speed Screw is not touching the
A throttle lever. Turn the Idle Speed Scruew clockwise until it just
Fig. 6
makes contact with the throttle lever. Continue turing 1/4 turn
more. This will make sure the throttle blades will not bind in the
bore when the solenoid is turned off.

Catalog #1400 ©2007 Edelbrock Corporation

Rev. 1/07 - RS/mc Page 4 of 5 Brochure #63-0443
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

Stumbles or loads up

Engine stalls on hard

(Refer to the chart below for reference)

Pinging at moderate
Carburetor doesn’t

Fuel leaks at shaft

Low fuel economy

Symptoms

cruise just off idle

Carburetor floods

Engine won’t idle

Misses or surges
Internal fuel leak
adjust properly

Lack of power
Hard starting
Rough idle
Backfires

braking
Bogs
Possible Solutions
Check for air leaks. Make sure carburetor and manifold gaskets X X X X X X X X X
seal properly. All outlets must be plugged or connected.
Check ignition system. Replace parts as necessary. Adjust timing to X X X X X X X X
proper specifications.
Check choke adjustment. X X X X X X X
Change carburetor fuel filter and/or in-line fuel filter. X X X X X
Check float level and drop. X X X X X
Check idle mixture screw adjustment. X X X X
Increase accelerator pump stroke. Pump squirter size change may
X X
be needed.
Off-road vehicle may need spring-loaded needle and seat kit X X
Check for dirt or metal in needles and seats. Needles and seats
X X X
may need replacement.
Check for dirt blocking the low speed circuit. Clean unit and apply
X X X X
air pressure. Install in-line fuel filter #8873.
Check floats for leakage. Replace, if necessary. X X X X
Check air horn gasket. Replace, if deterioration or breakage is
X X X X
present.
Fuel is boiling due to excessive under hood temperature. X X X
Fuel pressure too high. Fuel regulator may be needed. X X X X
Fuel pressure too low. Check fuel system. X X
Check secondary latching device and rod for proper movement. X
Lower float level from 11/32” to 7/16”. X

Catalog #1400 ©2007 Edelbrock Corporation

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 ®

Edelbrock Corporation • 2700 California St. • Torrance, CA 90503

Tech-Line: 800-416-8628 • E-Mail: Edelbrock@Edelbrock.com

Catalog #1400 ©2007 Edelbrock Corporation

Rev. 1/07 - RS/mc Brochure #63-0443