Vortex 252 Torker – Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft
Ford Small Block V8 (260 / 289 / 302 ) SMALL BLOCK FIRING ORDER
🔥 Purpose & Identity
When you want that raw seat-of-the-pants torque and clean street manners in your Ford small block, the Vortex 252 Torker is the cam that gets it done. Designed for maximum throttle response, effortless low-end torque, and a subtle but unmistakable idle pulse, this grind gives your classic Ford that responsive, mechanical heartbeat gearheads live for.
Built for street machines, weekend cruisers, and daily drivers that still want real torque, the 252 Torker wakes up your 260–02 without sacrificing drivability or vacuum. It’s small, mean, and all muscle.
 
⚙️ Camshaft Specifications
Duration @ .050" – 206° / 206°
Advertised Duration – 252° / 252°
Valve Lift – .420" / .420" (≈ .448" with 1.6 rockers)
Lobe Separation Angle (LSA) –  108°, 110°, 112°, 114°
Standard LSA: 108° (installed 4° advanced → 104° ICL)
RPM Range: 1,200 – 5,000 rpm
Idle Character: Smooth with a light performance lope (choppier with 108°)
 
📊 Valve Timing Events @ .050" (Cam Installed 4° Advanced)
 
LSA 108° (ICL 104° / ECL 112°) (Standard)
Intake Opens 3° BTDC • Intake Closes 27° ABDC • Exhaust Opens 35° BBDC • Exhaust Closes 5° BTDC • Overlap ≈ −2°
 
LSA 110° (ICL 106° / ECL 114°)
Intake Opens 5° BTDC • Intake Closes 29° ABDC • Exhaust Opens 37° BBDC • Exhaust Closes 3° BTDC • Overlap ≈ +2°
 
LSA 112° (ICL 108° / ECL 116°)
Intake Opens 7° BTDC • Intake Closes 31° ABDC • Exhaust Opens 39° BBDC • Exhaust Closes 1° BTDC • Overlap ≈ +6°
 
LSA 114° (ICL 110° / ECL 118°)
Intake Opens 9° BTDC • Intake Closes 33° ABDC • Exhaust Opens 41° BBDC • Exhaust Closes 1° ATDC • Overlap ≈ +10°
 
⚖️ LSA Power & Idle Characteristics
106° LSA: Tight and aggressive. Sharp torque hit, choppier idle, lower vacuum — the choice for street cars that want that classic rough tone.
108° LSA (Standard): Balanced torque and idle tone; excellent throttle response and smooth enough for daily driving.
110° LSA: Slightly broader torque curve, cleaner idle, and more vacuum for power brakes.
112° LSA: Smoother idle, steady vacuum, and broad pull across rpm — great for EFI or cruiser builds.
114° LSA: Widest band, calm idle, and excellent street manners — perfect for heavy vehicles or those needing strong vacuum.
 
🏁 Performance Behavior
The 252 Torker is designed to wake up smaller displacement Ford small blocks with instant torque and crisp throttle feel. It’s strong right off idle and pulls through the midrange, giving you that punchy, mechanical powerband without the harsh idle or tuning headaches.
Ideal for street use, it keeps your car comfortable to drive while delivering the torque response that makes every stoplight feel like a challenge.
 
🎯 Recommended Applications & Build Setup
Compression Ratio: 8.0:1 – 9.5:1
Induction: Dual-plane intake; 500–650 CFM carb or EFI
Exhaust: Headers or free-flowing manifolds
Gearing: 3.00 – 3.55 rear gears
Converter / Clutch:
Automatic: 1,800 – 2,200 rpm stall
Manual: Street clutch rated ≥ 400 lb-ft
🔧 Valvetrain & Component Recommendations
Valve Springs: COMP 26918-16 or equivalent single spring
Seat ≈ 110 lb @ 1.800"
Open ≈ 280 lb @ .450"
Coil Bind Height ≈ 1.120" (maintain ≥ .060" clearance)
Retainers & Locks: COMP 742-16 retainers + 611-16 locks
Pushrods: 5/16" hardened chromoly (verify length)
Lifters: Premium hydraulic flat tappet lifter set
Rocker Arms: 1.6:1 roller rockers for stability and lift gain
Valve Seals: Positive Viton-style seals
Assembly Notes: Confirm installed height, spring pressure, and coil-bind clearance
 
🧠 Installation & Break-In Notes
Always use new lifters. Degree the cam for accurate ICL (4° advanced). Use high-ZDDP break-in oil; run engine at 2,000–2,500 rpm for 20–30 minutes. Verify pushrod geometry, preload, and spring pressures before final torque.
 
💡 Why Choose the 252 Torker
The Vortex 252 Torker is your ticket to effortless torque and crisp throttle response. It’s small enough to drive every day, yet aggressive enough to let everyone know your Ford isn’t stock. For classic street machines and weekend cruisers, this cam delivers that perfect balance of attitude and reliability.
 
🏆 The Red Line Cams Advantage
Red Line Cams brings over 35 years of real-world camshaft design and engine-building experience. Every Red Line camshaft is crafted from OEM-quality cam cores, precision-ground and individually inspected for consistency, durability, and repeatable power — the kind that keeps real gearheads loyal.