Vortex 227 MidLope Hydraulic Roller Camshaft
 
For 1997–2006 GM LS Engines – 3-Bolt Core
 
📋 Technical Specifications
Engine Compatibility: LS1 / LS6 / LS2 (Cathedral-Port)
Camshaft Type: Hydraulic Roller
Duration @ .050": 227° Intake / 227° Exhaust
Lobe Lift: .330" Intake / .330" Exhaust
Valve Lift (with 1.7:1 Rockers): .561"
Standard Lobe Separation Angle (LSA): 110°
Optional LSAs: 107°, 108°, and 112°
Operating RPM Range: 2,400 – 6,600 RPM
Idle Character: Mid-lope to aggressive, depending on LSA
Cam Core: OEM-Quality 8620 Billet Steel Core
Lifter Type: Hydraulic Roller
 
⏱️ Valve Timing Events @ .050" Lift
107° LSA (ICL 104°)
• Intake Opens: 12.5° BTDC
• Intake Closes: 34.5° ABDC
• Exhaust Opens: 45.5° BBDC
• Exhaust Closes: 1.5° ATDC
• Overlap: 14°
 
108° LSA (ICL 105°)
• Intake Opens: 11.5° BTDC
• Intake Closes: 35.5° ABDC
• Exhaust Opens: 44.5° BBDC
• Exhaust Closes: 2.5° ATDC
• Overlap: 13°
 
110° LSA (ICL 107°)
• Intake Opens: 10.5° BTDC
• Intake Closes: 36.5° ABDC
• Exhaust Opens: 43.5° BBDC
• Exhaust Closes: 3.5° ATDC
• Overlap: 14°
 
112° LSA (ICL 109°)
• Intake Opens: 8.5° BTDC
• Intake Closes: 38.5° ABDC
• Exhaust Opens: 41.5° BBDC
• Exhaust Closes: 5.5° ATDC
• Overlap: 10°
🧮 All events calculated at .050" tappet lift. Overlap represents the period near TDC where both valves are open, influencing scavenging, idle, and sound characteristics.
 
🚀 Performance Highlights
 
Standard 110° LSA: Delivers the perfect street/strip balance — strong torque, crisp throttle, and that signature mid-lope idle.
107° Option: Tightest separation, producing maximum chop, increased midrange torque, and the nastiest idle note.
108° Option: Slightly broader torque curve with still-aggressive idle and quicker throttle response.
112° Option: Smoothest vacuum and idle quality with excellent street manners for automatic applications.
Ideal for naturally aspirated or mild nitrous setups up to 150 HP shot.
Works best with ported LS6 heads, long-tube headers, and free-flowing intake/exhaust.
ECU tuning required to fully realize performance potential.
 
🛠 Recommended Valve Train & Torque Converter Upgrades
 
Valve Train Setup
Valve Springs: Dual or beehive hydraulic roller spring set rated for .600"+ lift
Seat Pressure: 150–160 lbs @ installed height
Open Pressure: 400–420 lbs @ .600" lift
Coil Bind Clearance: .060"–.080" minimum (target ~.090")
Retainers: Tool-steel or titanium
Pushrods: 5/16" or 3/8" Chromoly, one-piece (length checked)
Lifters: LS7 or equivalent high-performance hydraulic roller
Rocker Arms: Factory 1.7:1 with trunnion upgrade kit recommended
Install Notes: Always verify piston-to-valve and retainer-to-seal clearance during degreeing
 
Torque Converter / Drivetrain Match
Automatic (street/strip): 2,600–3,400 RPM stall (tight for daily, higher for drag)
Automatic (107°–108° LSA): 3,200–3,600 RPM stall for more aggressive response
Manual Transmission: Lightweight flywheel and high-clamp clutch for sharp engagement
Recommended Gearing: 3.73+ for best acceleration and power delivery
ECU tuning required for idle, fueling, and spark optimization
 
💪 Why Choose the Vortex 227 MidLope
The Vortex 227 MidLope bridges the gap between mild street cams and full-race grinds — aggressive sound, real drivability, and big top-end power.
Balanced 227°/227° duration creates smooth torque transition with that unmistakable lopey idle.
Available in multiple LSA options so you can tailor sound and performance to your build.
Hydraulic roller profile ensures quiet operation, reliability, and extended life.
Perfect for 5.3L–6.2L LS cathedral-port builds targeting 400+ RWHP with supporting mods.
 
🧰 Recommended Applications
Street/strip LS builds seeking 400+ RWHP
Engines with high-flow heads and long-tube headers
Manual or auto cars with higher stall converters
Mild nitrous builds up to 150 HP shot
Compatible with LS1, LS6, LS2 (cathedral), 5.3L and 6.0L iron blocks
 
🏎️ Fitment
Engines: LS1 • LS6 • LS2 (cathedral-port) • 5.3L & 6.0L iron blocks
Vehicles:
1997–2004 Chevrolet Corvette (C5)
1998–2002 Camaro SS / Z28
1998–2002 Pontiac Firebird / Trans Am
2004–2006 Pontiac GTO (LS1 or LS2 with cathedral heads)
LS-swapped cars, trucks, and off-road builds
 
Always verify piston-to-valve clearance and retune ECU after installation.
 
🏆 Why Buy from RedLine Cams
35+ Years of Proven Experience: RedLine has been engineering and testing performance camshafts since 1989.
OEM-Quality Cores: Each camshaft is ground from premium 8620 billet steel for durability and precision.
Complete Engine Packages: We offer every part you need — springs, lifters, pushrods, rockers, and more — all precision-matched.
In-House Expertise: Built and tested by seasoned engine builders specializing in LS performance.
Custom Grinds Available: Need something tailored? RedLine can design a cam for your compression, boost, or power goals.
Customer Support: Call us for a full build quote — we stand behind every cam we sell.
 
🔗 Visit RedLineEngineBuilders.com for full LS cam packages, tuning recommendations, and tech support.