For GM LS Engines: LS1 · LS2 · LS3 · LS6 · LQ4 · LQ9 · LS-based 5.3L & 6.0L
 
💥 Overview
 
The Vortex 218 Torquer is the street-level powerhouse of the Vortex lineup — engineered for maximum low-end torque, rapid throttle response, and that hard-hitting idle that LS owners love. Designed for both trucks and performance street cars, this cam delivers relentless bottom-end punch and strong midrange power without sacrificing reliability or everyday drivability.
With 218°/218° duration @ .050" and a versatile range of lobe separation angles (106°–114°), the 218 Torquer lets you custom-tailor your LS build for exactly the driving style you want — from tight, lopey street aggression to smooth, high-vacuum EFI refinement.
Whether your goal is a tire-twisting street truck, a cammed weekend cruiser, or a daily-driven sleeper, the Vortex 218 Torquer delivers torque you can feel.
 
⚙️ Camshaft Specifications
 
Duration @ .050": 218° Intake / 218° Exhaust
Advertised Duration (@ .006"): ~248° Intake / ~248° Exhaust
Lobe Lift: .326" Intake / .326" Exhaust
Valve Lift (1.7:1 Rockers): .554" Intake / .554" Exhaust
Available Lobe Separation Angles: 106° · 108° · 110° · 112° · 114°
Installed Intake Centerline (ICL): 4° advanced (LSA – 4°)
RPM Range: 1200 – 5800 RPM
Idle Quality: Varies by LSA (From Choppy to Smooth)
Ideal Use: Street / Street-Strip / Torque-Biased Builds
 
🧭 Valve Timing Events @ 0.050" Lift
 
106° LSA (ICL = 102°)
Intake Opens: 10° BTDC
Intake Closes: 28° ABDC
Exhaust Opens: 39° BBDC
Exhaust Closes: 9° ATDC
Overlap: ≈19°
Character: Extremely choppy idle, brutal torque hit, strongest midrange — best for strip builds or light cars
 
108° LSA (ICL = 104°)
 
Intake Opens: 8° BTDC
Intake Closes: 30° ABDC
Exhaust Opens: 37° BBDC
Exhaust Closes: 7° ATDC
Overlap: ≈15°
Character: Aggressive idle, fast throttle response, ideal for torque-heavy street/strip builds
 
110° LSA (ICL = 106°)
 
Intake Opens: 6° BTDC
Intake Closes: 32° ABDC
Exhaust Opens: 35° BBDC
Exhaust Closes: 9° ATDC
Overlap: ≈11°
Character: Balanced street cam — lopey, responsive, and perfectly streetable
 
112° LSA (ICL = 108°)
 
Intake Opens: 4° BTDC
Intake Closes: 34° ABDC
Exhaust Opens: 33° BBDC
Exhaust Closes: 11° ATDC
Overlap: ≈7°
Character: Smooth idle, high vacuum, excellent drivability and EFI tune stability
 
114° LSA (ICL = 110°)
 
Intake Opens: 2° BTDC
Intake Closes: 36° ABDC
Exhaust Opens: 31° BBDC
Exhaust Closes: 13° ATDC
Overlap: ≈3°
Character: Cleanest idle, widest powerband, best for boosted or daily EFI builds
 
🔩 Recommended Valvetrain Components
 
Valve Springs: 130–140 lbs seat / 360 lbs open minimum
(PAC 1218 or Comp 26918 recommended)
Pushrods: Hardened 5/16" chromoly (length matched to setup)
Lifters: GM LS7 or Johnson short-travel hydraulic roller lifters
Rocker Arms: Stock 1.7 acceptable; trunnion upgrade recommended
Timing Set: Adjustable double-roller for precise ICL advance
Valve Seals & Guides: Positive seals with .560"+ clearance minimum
 
🏁 Recommended Torque Converter & Gearing
 
Street/Strip (106°–108° LSA)
Converter Stall: 2600–3200 RPM
Rear Gear: 3.73–4.10
Character: Hardest launch and torque hit, aggressive lope
 
Street Performance (110° LSA)
Converter Stall: 2200–2600 RPM
Rear Gear: 3.42–3.73
Character: Perfect street balance of idle sound and torque
 
Street EFI / Boost (112°–114° LSA)
Converter Stall: 2000–2200 RPM
Rear Gear: 3.23–3.55
Character: Smooth idle, high vacuum, ideal for daily-driven EFI or mild forced induction setups
 
🔧 Best Applications
5.3L, 6.0L, and 6.2L LS street or strip builds
Perfect for trucks, muscle cars, and hot street sleepers
Works great with stock or ported cathedral-port heads
Compatible with EFI or carb conversions
Ideal compression: 9.0:1 – 10.5:1
Supports nitrous, turbo, or supercharged combos
 
The Vortex 218 Torquer –
Street torque. Race sound. Real-world performance.