Small Block Chevy RPM Air Gap Manifold - Installation Instructions - Catalog #7516

Oct 28, 2026

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Installation instructions for the Edelbrock RPM Air-Gap intake manifold #7516 for 262–400 cu. in. small-block Chevy V8 engines with Vortec-style cylinder heads. The guide lists kit contents, carburetor and throttle bracket recommendations, gasket and sealing requirements, and intake bolt tightening with threadlocker and torque sequence. It also covers EGR compatibility limits, thermostat bypass routing for certain Vortec blocks, and tuning notes for power, ignition timing, and cam/header compatibility.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

Kit Contents

Description and Compatibility

EGR System Restrictions

Carburetor Recommendations

Throttle Brackets

Gaskets and Sealing

Installation Steps

Intake Gasket and Surface Prep

End Seals and RTV Application

Bolt Installation and Torque

Special Notes and Tuning

Thermostat Bypass Routing

Prelminary Prep and Power Tuning

Camshaft and Headers Compatibility

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS Small Block Chevy RPM Air Gap Manifold For 262-400 c.i.d. V8 with Vortec style cylinder heads Catalog \#7516 􀂃 Please study these instructions carefully before installing your new intake manifold. 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](us at edelbrock@edelbrock.com)[ edelbrock@edelbrock.com](us at edelbrock@edelbrock.com). Kit Contents 3 – 3/8”-18 Pipe Plugs 1 – 3/8” Pipe to 5/8” dia. Nipple Fitting 1 – 7” Length of 5/8” Black Heater Hose 1 – 3/8”-5/8” Hose Clamp 􀂃 DESCRIPTION: The Edelbrock RPM Air-Gap \#7516 intake manifold has been designed for 262-400 c. i.d. small-block Chevy engines equipped with Vortec style cylinder heads. The manifold accepts late model water neck, air conditioning, alternator and H.E.I. ignition systems. Use the recommended electric or manual type choke square bore carburetors only. This intake manifold is recommended for street high performance and race vehicles only. The RPM Air Gap manifold provides good low rpm response for street performance vehicles while providing increases in horsepower and torque up to 6500 RPM. When used with any mix of aftermarket equipment designed for this operating range, the performance increases will be even greater. 􀂃 EGR SYSTEMS: This manifold will not accept stock EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) equipment or exhaust-heated chokes. EGR systems are used on some 1972 and later model vehicles and only in some states. Check local laws for requirements. This manifold is not legal for use on any emissions controlled vehicle where such equipment is required. 􀂃 ACCESSORIES & INSTALLATION ITEMS: Major recommendations are listed below. However, due to the variety of years, makes and models to be covered, please review each part listed in the Installation Items section of the Edelbrock catalog to decide whether more items are required for your specific vehicle than are mentioned in these instructions. See our catalog for details. To order a catalog, call (800) FUN-TEAM. 􀂃 CARBURETOR RECOMMENDATIONS: | CARBURETOR | REFERENCE | PARTS REQUIRED FOR INSTALLATION | | --- | --- | --- | | Performer \#1407 (750 cfm) | A, I, K, O | | | Performer \#1411 (750 cfm) | A, I, K | | | Performer \#1412 (800 cfm) | A, I, K, O | | A – Carburetor will work with non-EGR or pre-emission control system. I – Carburetor has no provisions for evaporative canister. K – Carburetor requires \#8008 or \#8024 stud, washer and nut kit. Determine proper length for your carb to manifold gasket thickness and your accessory mounting requirements. O – Carburetor comes with manual choke. It can be converted to electric choke using kit \#1478 . 􀂃 THROTTLE BRACKETS: Due to the design of Vortec style intake manifolds, throttle brackets designed to fit at the intake manifold bolt bosses on a standard small block Chevy will not work. A throttle bracket that attaches to the carburetor or carb flange will need to be used. This type of bracket is available from some aftermarket suppliers. 􀂃 GASKETS: Use only an original equipment intake gasket set GM \#12529094 when installing an Edelbrock 7516 intake manifold. INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 1) Use only a GM \#12529094 intake gasket set when installing this intake manifold. 2) Fully clean the cylinder head intake flanges and the engine block end seal surfaces. 3) Install the intake gaskets to the cylinder head intake flanges. Two dowels on the intake manifold gasket will locate into dowel holes in the cylinder head. Do not use any type of gasket sealer on the intake gaskets. The O-rings are designed to seal without chemical sealers. 4) Do not use cork or rubber end seals. Use RTV silicone sealer instead. Apply a ¼” high bead across each block end seal surface, overlapping the intake gasket at the four corners. This method will eliminate end seal slippage and deterioration

FAQs

What engines and cylinder heads is the #7516 RPM Air-Gap manifold designed for?

It is designed for 262–400 cu. in. small-block Chevy V8 engines equipped with Vortec-style cylinder heads.

Is the #7516 manifold compatible with stock EGR equipment?

No. It will not accept stock EGR equipment or exhaust-heated chokes, and it is not legal for emissions-controlled vehicles where such equipment is required.

What gasket and sealing method is required during installation?

Use only the GM #12529094 intake gasket set. Do not use cork or rubber end seals; apply RTV silicone sealer with a 1/4" bead across each block end seal surface and do not use gasket sealer on the intake gaskets.

Oct 28, 2026

Upload by OmBimo