2009-2022 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep 300, Challenger, Charger 5.7L V8 16V OHV W/MDS
• Engine Family Name: Chrysler “Gen III” HEMI Classic
🔥 Purpose & Identity
The Red Line Vortex 218/224 is the ultimate street/strip camshaft for 5.7L HEMI VVT engines. Designed for aggressive sound, crisp throttle response, and hard midrange pull, this cam wakes up modern Mopar powerplants like few others can.
Whether it’s a Charger, Challenger, 300C, or Ram truck, this cam gives your HEMI that signature Red Line sound — sharp, commanding, and unmistakably real. It transforms a mild-mannered car into a torque-charged street machine with power that keeps coming past 6,000 rpm.
⚙️ Camshaft Specifications
Engine Fitment: Chrysler / Dodge / Jeep 5.7L HEMI V8 (2009–2022)
Fitment Note: For VVT models only — does not fit early non-VVT applications
Camshaft Type: Hydraulic Roller
Duration @ .050" – 218° Intake / 224° Exhaust
Advertised Duration: 274° / 282°
Lobe Lift: .338" Intake / .346" Exhaust
Valve Lift (1.65 Rockers): .558" / .571"
Lobe Separation Angle (LSA): 110°, 112°, 114°
Standard LSA: 114° (Installed 4° advanced → 110° ICL)
RPM Range: 1,800 – 6,000 rpm
Idle Character: Deep, rhythmic tone; hard lope on 110°, smooth authority on 114°
📊 Valve Timing Events @ .050" (Cam Installed 4° Advanced)
LSA 110° (ICL 106° / ECL 114°)
Intake Opens 3° BTDC • Intake Closes 35° ABDC • Exhaust Opens 45° BBDC • Exhaust Closes 3° ATDC • Overlap ≈ 6°
LSA 112° (ICL 108° / ECL 116°)
Intake Opens 1° BTDC • Intake Closes 37° ABDC • Exhaust Opens 47° BBDC • Exhaust Closes 1° ATDC • Overlap ≈ 2°
LSA 114° (ICL 110° / ECL 118°) (Standard)
Intake Opens 1° ATDC • Intake Closes 39° ABDC • Exhaust Opens 49° BBDC • Exhaust Closes 1° BTDC • Overlap ≈ −2°
⚖️ LSA Power & Idle Characteristics
110° LSA: Maximum lope and throttle response — strongest torque, most aggressive tone.
112° LSA: Excellent balance of power, sound, and street manners — ideal for mixed-use cars.
114° LSA (Standard): Broad torque curve, smoothest idle, and best vacuum — perfect for daily-driven or heavy vehicles that still demand performance.
🏁 Performance Behavior
With the Vortex 218/224, your 5.7L HEMI finally sounds as mean as it performs. Expect hard torque right off idle, a strong midrange surge, and relentless top-end power to 6,000 rpm.
Tighter LSAs (110°, 112°) add chop and bark, while the 114° grind keeps things refined and deadly smooth. On a tuned setup with long-tube headers and cold-air intake, you’ll typically see 35–50 rear-wheel horsepower gains and stronger torque across the curve.
⚙️ Required Components & Installation Notes
This camshaft requires the following for proper installation and performance:
Custom ECU tuning
MDS system disabled in tune
Non-MDS lifters required (replaces factory collapsing lifters)
Phaser Limiter (CCA-5761) or Phaser Lock Kit (CCA-5760)
Upgraded valve springs and hardened pushrods
Degreeing recommended (Install at 4° advanced = 110° ICL)
Failure to follow these requirements can result in piston-to-valve contact, improper phasing, or unstable VVT operation.
🎯 Recommended Applications & Build Setup
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1 – 10.5:1 (works with stock pistons)
Induction: Stock or ported intake; 85–95mm throttle body
Exhaust: Long-tube headers or performance mid-pipe
Gearing: 3.08 – 3.92 rear gears
Converter / Clutch:
Automatic: 2,400 – 2,800 rpm stall converter
Manual: Street/strip clutch rated ≥ 500 lb-ft
🔧 Valvetrain & Component Recommendations
Valve Springs: COMP PAC-1219 or equivalent beehive spring
Seat ≈ 135 lb @ 1.800"
Open ≈ 350 lb @ .580"
Coil Bind Height ≈ 1.090" (maintain ≥ .060" clearance)
Retainers & Locks: Steel or titanium retainers with 7° locks
Pushrods: 5/16" hardened chromoly (measure +0.050" typical)
Lifters: Non-MDS hydraulic roller lifters only
Rocker Arms: Stock 1.65:1 or upgraded trunnion set
Timing Set: Billet adjustable timing set (recommended for degreeing)
Valve Seals: Positive Viton-style
🧠 Installation & Tuning Notes
Disable MDS in ECU tuning (mandatory)
Install phaser limiter or lockout before degreeing
Use high-ZDDP oil for break-in and early operation
Confirm piston-to-valve clearance when milling heads or increasing lift
ECU tuning required to adjust idle, spark, and fuel tables for cam profile
💡 Why Choose the 218/224 Vortex
For HEMI owners ready to ditch the stock tame personality and unleash real V8 tone, this cam does it all. The Vortex 218/224 delivers the perfect mix of torque, sound, and street performance — transforming your modern Mopar into something that sounds alive.
Refined when you need it, savage when you want it.
🏆 The Red Line Cams Advantage
Red Line Cams brings over 35 years of professional camshaft design and engine-building experience.
Every Red Line camshaft is crafted from OEM-quality cam cores, precision-ground and individually inspected for accuracy, durability, and repeatable power. When you buy Red Line, you’re buying from the people who design, build, and stand behind every cam we sell.