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 Torquer is built for real street HEMI enthusiasts — the ones who want the torque to slam you back in the seat, crisp throttle response, and that subtle Red Line lope that lets everyone know it’s not stock.
Designed for VVT 5.7L HEMI engines, this grind delivers maximum low- and mid-range power without sacrificing daily drivability. It’s the perfect choice for Challenger, Charger, 300C, or Ram owners looking to wake up their build with instant response, stronger acceleration, and a deep, controlled idle tone.
 
⚙️ Camshaft Specifications
Engine Fitment: Chrysler / Dodge / Jeep 5.7L HEMI V8 (2009–2022)
Fitment Note: Fits VVT-equipped engines only (non-VVT requires separate profile)
Camshaft Type: Hydraulic Roller
Duration @ .050" – 218° Intake / 218° Exhaust
Advertised Duration: ~274°
Lobe Lift: .326"
Valve Lift (1.65 Rockers): .538"
Lobe Separation Angle (LSA): 110°, 112°, 114°
Standard LSA: 112° (Installed 4° advanced → 108° ICL)
RPM Range: 1,500 – 5,800 rpm
Idle Character: Smooth to mild lope; crisp and clean throttle response
 
📊 Valve Timing Events @ .050" (Cam Installed 4° Advanced)
LSA 110° (ICL 106° / ECL 114°)
Intake Opens 6° BTDC • Intake Closes 32° ABDC • Exhaust Opens 46° BBDC • Exhaust Closes 2° ATDC • Overlap ≈ 8°
 
LSA 112° (ICL 108° / ECL 116°) (Standard)
Intake Opens 4° BTDC • Intake Closes 34° ABDC • Exhaust Opens 48° BBDC • Exhaust Closes 0° ATDC • Overlap ≈ 4°
 
LSA 114° (ICL 110° / ECL 118°)
Intake Opens 2° BTDC • Intake Closes 36° ABDC • Exhaust Opens 50° BBDC • Exhaust Closes 2° BTDC • Overlap ≈ 0°
 
⚖️ LSA Power & Idle Characteristics
110° LSA: Noticeable lope, tighter midrange — great for spirited street cars.
112° LSA (Standard): Smoothest torque curve and balanced manners — ideal for daily use or towing.
114° LSA: Cleanest idle, widest torque band, and excellent vacuum for heavy cars or highway cruising.
 
🏁 Performance Behavior
The Vortex 218 Torquer turns your mild-mannered 5.7L into a torque animal. On the street, it hits hard down low, surges in the midrange, and carries power to nearly 6,000 rpm. It’s a driver’s cam — aggressive enough to be heard, refined enough to live with every day.
With proper tuning and bolt-ons, you can expect gains of 25–35 rear-wheel horsepower and a significant torque increase across the usable range.
 
⚙️ Required Components & Installation Notes
This camshaft requires:
Custom ECU tuning (mandatory for all VVT HEMI cams)
MDS delete (non-MDS lifters required)
Phaser Limiter Kit (CCA-5761) or Phaser Lock Kit (CCA-5760)
Upgraded valve springs and hardened pushrods
Degreeing required (Install at 4° advanced = 108° ICL)
⚠️ Failure to use limiter/lockout or disable MDS may result in phasing errors, unstable idle, or valve interference.
 
🎯 Recommended Applications & Build Setup
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1 – 10.5:1
Induction: Stock or ported intake, 85–95mm throttle body
Exhaust: Long-tube or performance mid-pipe strongly recommended
Gearing: 3.08 – 3.92 rear gears
Converter / Clutch:
Automatic: 2,200 – 2,600 rpm stall converter
Manual: Performance clutch rated ≥ 500 lb-ft
🔧 Valvetrain & Component Recommendations
Valve Springs: COMP PAC-1219 or equivalent beehive spring
Seat ≈ 130 lb @ 1.800"
Open ≈ 340 lb @ .570"
Coil Bind Height ≈ 1.090" (maintain ≥ .060" clearance)
Retainers & Locks: Steel or titanium retainers with 7° locks
Pushrods: 5/16" hardened chromoly (+0.050" typical)
Lifters: Non-MDS hydraulic roller lifters only
Rocker Arms: Stock 1.65:1 or upgraded trunnion system
Timing Set: Billet adjustable timing set recommended
Valve Seals: Positive Viton-style
 
🧠 Installation & Tuning Notes
Disable MDS in ECU tune.
Install phaser limiter/lock kit before degreeing.
Verify piston-to-valve clearance (especially with milled heads).
Use high-ZDDP oil during break-in and early operation.
Tune idle speed and cam phasing tables to optimize drivability and response.
 
💡 Why Choose the 218 Torquer
For builders who want that first step into real HEMI performance, the Vortex 218 Torquer is the gateway. It offers crisp sound, real torque you can feel, and the unmistakable Red Line tone.
It’s engineered for real-world street power — not dyno numbers or hype — and built by a company that’s been grinding cams for over three decades.
 
🏆 The Red Line Cams Advantage
Red Line Cams brings over 35 years of professional camshaft design and engine-building experience. Every camshaft is crafted from OEM-quality cam cores, precision-ground and individually inspected to deliver the consistency, accuracy, and torque-driven power that defines the Red Line name.