Chrysler / Dodge / Jeep 6.1L HEMI V8 (2005–2010, Non-VVT)
 
🔥 Purpose & Identity
The Red Line Vortex 218/224 Phantom is for those who want to keep it low-key but lethal.
This grind was designed to transform the 6.1L HEMI into a sharper, more responsive powerplant while keeping street manners fully intact.
It idles with a subtle, rhythmic lope — not obnoxious, but unmistakably performance-bred. On the road, it hits with smooth low-end torque and a hard midrange pull that feels factory-refined until you bury the throttle — then the Phantom shows its true face.
If you want a cam that moves in silence but hits with authority, this is it.
 
⚙️ Camshaft Specifications
Engine Fitment: Chrysler / Dodge / Jeep 6.1L HEMI V8 (Non-VVT, Non-MDS)
Camshaft Type: Hydraulic Roller
Duration @ .050" – 218° Intake / 224° Exhaust
Advertised Duration: ~274° / 280°
Lobe Lift: .326" Intake / .330" Exhaust
Valve Lift (1.65 Rockers): .538" / .545"
Lobe Separation Angle (LSA): 110°, 112°, 114°
Standard LSA: 112° (Installed 4° advanced → 108° ICL)
RPM Range: 1,400 – 5,900 rpm
Idle Character: Smooth at cruise, soft lope at idle — stealth performance tone
 
📊 Valve Timing Events @ .050" (Cam Installed 4° Advanced)
LSA 110° (ICL 106° / ECL 114°)
Intake Opens 8° BTDC • Intake Closes 30° ABDC • Exhaust Opens 45° BBDC • Exhaust Closes 3° ATDC • Overlap ≈ 11°
 
LSA 112° (ICL 108° / ECL 116°) (Standard)
Intake Opens 6° BTDC • Intake Closes 32° ABDC • Exhaust Opens 47° BBDC • Exhaust Closes 1° ATDC • Overlap ≈ 7°
 
LSA 114° (ICL 110° / ECL 118°)
Intake Opens 4° BTDC • Intake Closes 34° ABDC • Exhaust Opens 49° BBDC • Exhaust Closes 1° BTDC • Overlap ≈ 3°
 
⚖️ LSA Power & Idle Characteristics
110° LSA:
Sharper throttle, noticeable chop, and a harder torque hit — great for lighter cars and manual setups.
112° LSA (Standard):
Balanced tone and powerband — crisp response with enough idle character to sound alive.
114° LSA:
Smoothest idle, best vacuum, and wide torque curve for heavy or automatic-equipped cars.
 
🏁 Performance Behavior
The 218/224 Phantom focuses on driveable aggression — torque right where you use it, fast rev pickup, and a confident tone that doesn’t compromise comfort.
In a tuned 6.1L with headers and intake, expect 25–40 rear-wheel horsepower gains with a noticeable bump in torque across the lower and middle range.
The tighter 110° version hits like a hammer; the 114° variant delivers smoother, factory-like behavior with hidden power underfoot.
Perfect for street cars that want a sleeper edge — quiet in the background, lethal on command.
 
⚙️ Recommended Setup & Components
Compression Ratio: 10.3:1 – 10.8:1 (works great on stock pistons)
Induction: Ported or stock intake, 85–90mm throttle body
Exhaust: Long-tube headers, free-flowing duals
Gearing: 3.06 – 3.73 rear gears
Converter / Clutch:
Automatic: 2,200 – 2,600 rpm stall converter recommended
Manual: Performance clutch rated ≥ 500 lb-ft
 
🔧 Valvetrain & Component Recommendations
Valve Springs: COMP 26918 or PAC-1218 beehive springs
Seat ≈ 125 lb @ 1.800"
Open ≈ 320 lb @ .550"
Coil Bind Height ≈ 1.090" (maintain ≥ .060" clearance)
Retainers & Locks: Steel or titanium retainers with 7° locks
Pushrods: 5/16" hardened chromoly (verify length, +0.050" typical)
Lifters: OEM hydraulic rollers or Johnson performance set
Rocker Arms: Stock 1.65:1 or trunnion-upgraded sets
Timing Set: Billet adjustable timing set (recommended)
Valve Seals: Positive Viton-style
 
🧠 Installation & Tuning Notes
Degree cam to verify intake centerline advance.
Verify pushrod length and lifter preload at zero lash.
Use high-ZDDP oil for break-in and early operation.
ECU tune mandatory for fueling, spark, and idle stability.
Idle speed range: 725–775 rpm (110°–112° LSA).
 
💡 Why Choose the 218/224 Phantom
For the builder who prefers power in the shadows, the Vortex 218/224 Phantom is the ultimate sleeper grind.
It gives the 6.1L that perfect split personality — calm and controlled at idle, vicious when provoked.
It’s refined, balanced, and lethal — a street cam with a soul.
 
🏆 The Red Line Cams Advantage
With over 35 years of professional camshaft design and engine machining experience, Red Line Cams delivers the accuracy, reliability, and tone that real street racers demand.
Every cam is crafted from OEM-quality cam cores, precision-ground, and inspected for surface finish and lobe symmetry — because performance starts with precision.