REDLINE CAMS – 252/260 STREET TORQUE H.F.T.
Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft | Dodge/Chrysler Small Block 273–360 (1964–1991)
Unleash the hidden torque in your Mopar Small Block with the REDLINE CAMS 252/260 Street Torque H.F.T. Designed for 273, 318, 340, and 360 small block Chrysler engines (1964–1991), this camshaft delivers the low-end grunt and midrange punch that Mopar street enthusiasts demand.
Operating in the 1,500–4,250 RPM range, this cam is perfect for daily drivers, weekend cruisers, and street/strip builds that need more muscle without sacrificing drivability or vacuum for power brakes. A true Stage 1 street cam, it offers the classic lope and sound of a performance cam while maintaining the manners to cruise comfortably.
🔧 Camshaft Specifications
Advertised Duration: 252° / 260°
Duration @ .050": 206° / 212°
Valve Lift (with 1.5 rocker arms): .420" / .440"
Lobe Separation Angle (LSA): 106° standard
Options: 108°, 110°, 112°, 114°
RPM Range: 1,500 – 4,250 RPM
Valve Lash: .000" intake / .000" exhaust (hydraulic design – zero lash)
📊 LSA Options – How They Affect Performance
LSA | Powerband Behavior | Idle Quality | Vacuum / Accessories | Best For |
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106° (Standard) | Hard-hitting low-end, max torque response | Rough lope | Lower vacuum | Muscle cars, street rods wanting sound & punch |
108° | Strong torque, slightly smoother idle | Noticeable lope | Moderate vacuum | Street/strip use |
110° | Balanced torque & midrange power | Mild lope | Good vacuum | Street performance builds |
112° | Broader RPM range, better top-end | Smooth idle | Strong vacuum | Daily-driven Mopars, power brakes |
114° | Softest low-end, smoothest power delivery |
✅ Recommended Upgrades
Performance valve springs (rated for lift)
New lifters (required with flat tappet cams)
High-zinc (ZDDP) break-in oil & moly assembly lube
Dual exhaust or headers for better breathing
3.23–3.73 rear gears for spirited street driving
Upgraded timing set & hardened pushrods
🚦 Best Used For
Classic Dodge Darts, Demons, Dusters & A-bodies
Mopar B- & F-bodies with 318 or 360 power
Street builds that need strong low-end torque
Daily drivers with power brakes
Weekend cruisers that want a classic lopey sound
⚡ Why Choose REDLINE CAMS?
✔ Mopar-specific lobe designs for real-world torque
✔ Wide LSA tuning options for any build style
✔ Reliable performance for street and strip
✔ Built on decades of camshaft engineering expertise
252/260 STREET TORQUE H.F.T. Dodge/Chrysler Small Block 273–360 (1964–1991)
🛠 Installation Instructions – REDLINE CAMS Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft
Application: Dodge/Chrysler Small Block V8 (273, 318, 340, 360 – 1964–1991)
⚠️ Important Notes Before You Begin
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Always use new lifters with a new flat tappet camshaft.
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Use high-zinc break-in oil (ZDDP) and moly assembly lube.
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Verify valve spring pressures are compatible with cam specs.
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Always check retainer-to-seal clearance, pushrod length, and piston-to-valve clearance.
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Recommended valve lash: .000” intake / .000” exhaust (hydraulic zero lash).
🔧 Step-by-Step Installation
1. Preparation
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Disconnect battery and drain coolant.
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Remove radiator, fan, belts, valve covers, intake manifold, timing cover, and timing set.
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Remove distributor and mark rotor position for correct re-installation.
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Remove old camshaft and lifters. Inspect cam bearings and journals for wear.
2. Camshaft Installation
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Apply assembly lube generously to cam lobes and journals.
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Carefully slide new camshaft into block, avoiding nicks or scratches.
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Install new camshaft thrust plate (if applicable) and torque to spec.
3. Timing Set & Degreeing
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Install new double-roller timing chain set.
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Align timing marks:
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Dot-to-Dot method (crank dot at 12 o’clock, cam dot at 6 o’clock).
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Torque cam gear bolts to spec with thread locker.
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If possible, degree the camshaft to verify proper installation.
4. Lifters & Pushrods
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Coat new hydraulic lifters with assembly lube.
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Install lifters into their bores.
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Insert pushrods and rocker arms.
5. Valve Lash / Preload
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Rotate engine to TDC firing position for #1 cylinder.
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Adjust hydraulic lifters to zero lash (tighten rocker nut until pushrod just stops spinning freely).
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Add 1/4–1/2 turn preload to each rocker.
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Repeat for all cylinders following the firing order (1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2).
6. Reassembly
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Reinstall timing cover, intake manifold, valve covers, water pump, belts, radiator, and accessories.
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Reinstall distributor, setting timing near initial spec (10–12° BTDC is a good starting point).
7. Camshaft Break-In Procedure (Critical!)
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Fill engine with high-zinc break-in oil.
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Prime oiling system before startup.
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Start engine and immediately hold at 2,000–2,500 RPM for 20–30 minutes.
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Vary RPM slightly during break-in; do not let the engine idle.
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Monitor oil pressure, coolant temp, and check for leaks.
8. Post Break-In
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Change oil and filter after 30 minutes.
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Refill with high-zinc oil for the first 500 miles.
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Recheck ignition timing and adjust as needed.
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Verify idle vacuum and make carburetor/EFI adjustments.
✅ Recommended Supporting Upgrades
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Performance valve springs matched to cam lift/duration
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High-flow timing set
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Hardened pushrods & steel retainers
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Headers & free-flowing exhaust
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Performance ignition timing (initial ~12–16° BTDC, total ~34°)
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