VORTEX 218 TORQUER — Small Block Chevy Hydraulic Roller Billet Camshaft
218°/218° @ .050 • .326" Lobe Lift • .522" Valve Lift w/1.6 Rockers
112° / 110° / 108° LSA Options
Overview
The Vortex 218 Torquer is a torque-biased hydraulic roller profile engineered for small block Chevy street performance applications that demand improved low-speed torque, throttle response, and midrange acceleration.
Using modern hydraulic roller lobe geometry, this camshaft increases effective cylinder pressure and provides a strong torque curve from right off idle through the 5,800 RPM range — ideal for daily drivers, trucks, cruisers, and mild street/strip combinations.
The 218° @ .050 duration keeps the valvetrain stable and controllable while the .326” lobe lift (.522” with 1.6 rockers) delivers excellent airflow without pushing spring requirements into aggressive territory.
Available in 108°, 110°, and 112° LSA, the 218 Torquer can be tailored for everything from crisp, lopey street behavior to smooth EFI-friendly drivability.
Camshaft Specifications
Duration
Duration @ .050": 218° intake / 218° exhaust
Advertised Duration (@ .006"): ~246° / ~246°
Lift
Lobe Lift: .326" / .326"
Valve Lift:
1.5:1 rockers: .489"
1.6:1 rockers: .522" (recommended)
Valve Events @ .050"
108° LSA
IO: 4° BTDC
IC: 34° ABDC
EO: 43° BBDC
EC: 3° ATDC
Overlap: ~7°
Characteristics: sharpest throttle response, noticeable lope, strongest torque hit
110° LSA (Standard Street)
IO: 2° BTDC
IC: 36° ABDC
EO: 41° BBDC
EC: 5° ATDC
Overlap: ~3°
Characteristics: balanced idle quality, broad torque curve, best all-around street behavior
112° LSA
IO: 0° BTDC
IC: 38° ABDC
EO: 39° BBDC
EC: 7° ATDC
Overlap: ~0°
Characteristics: smooth idle, high vacuum, ideal for EFI & overdrive applications
RPM Operating Range
1400 – 5800 RPM
Designed for street-driven SBC combinations requiring strong part-throttle torque.
Performance Characteristics
Idle Quality
Distinct street-performance lope
Clean vacuum on 110°/112° LSA
Very stable with modern hydraulic roller lifters
Torque & Power Delivery
Exceptional low-speed torque for heavier vehicles or tall gearing
Strong midrange acceleration with quick throttle recovery
Roller lobes increase area under the curve for improved drivability and responsiveness
Drivability
Excellent street manners with proper tune
Works with power brakes and mild converters
Very EFI-friendly with 112° LSA
Recommended Valvetrain Components
Valve Springs: Dual springs 120–130 lbs seat / 310–330 lbs open
(PAC-1218, Comp 986-16, or equivalent)Lifters: Retrofit hydraulic roller tie-bar lifters
Pushrods: 5/16" or 3/8" chromoly, .080–.105 wall
Rocker Arms: 1.6:1 full roller (1.7 optional with proper spring/clearance checks)
Retainer-to-Seal Clearance: .540" minimum
Recommended Converter & Gearing
110° LSA (Balanced Street Setup)
Stall: 2000–2400 RPM
Gears: 3.31–3.73
Use: Daily drivers / mild performance builds
108° LSA (Street Torque / Hot Rod)
Stall: 2400–2800 RPM
Gears: 3.55–4.10
Use: Light cars, trucks, hot rods needing a harder torque hit
112° LSA (EFI / Overdrive)
Stall: 1800–2000 RPM
Gears: 3.08–3.55
Use: TBI, TPI, carb-to-EFI conversions, highway cruisers
Best Engine Applications
350 & 383 stroker street engines
305 & 307 torque builds
327 & 302 hot rods
Truck and SUV applications needing improved low-end torque
Carbureted or EFI systems
8.5:1 – 10.0:1 compression ratios
Compatible with small nitrous kits & mild boosted setups