Vortex 218 Torquer – Hydraulic Roller Camshaft
 
For Small Block Ford Engines: 221 · 255 (4.2L) · 260 · 289 · 302 (5.0L) · Boss 302
(For engines NOT originally equipped with roller camshafts)
 
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💥 Overview
 
The Vortex 218 Torquer is engineered to deliver the kind of instant low-end grunt and midrange pull that makes a street car feel alive. Designed for Ford’s small block roller engines, this camshaft transforms ordinary builds into torque-rich, throttle-snapping machines that leap off the line and keep pulling through the midrange.
 
With 218°/218° duration @ .050” and a tightly controlled lobe design, the 218 Torquer maximizes cylinder pressure and throttle response — all while maintaining streetable vacuum and idle quality. Available in 108°, 110°, and 112° LSA options, this cam gives builders the flexibility to tune their setup for maximum torque, balanced drivability, or EFI-friendly smoothness.
 
It’s the ideal choice for daily drivers, hot rods, and muscle cars that need to feel powerful everywhere in the rev range — not just on the dyno sheet.
 
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⚙️ Camshaft Specifications
• Duration @ .050”: 218° intake / 218° exhaust
• Advertised Duration (@ .006”): ~246° intake / ~246° exhaust
• Lobe Lift: .326” intake / .326” exhaust
• Valve Lift (1.6:1 Rockers): .522” intake / .522” exhaust
• Available Lobe Separation Angles: 108° · 110° · 112°
• Installed Intake Centerline (ICL): Typically 106°–108° depending on LSA
• RPM Range: 1400 – 5800 RPM
• Idle Quality: Distinct Lope / Street-Performance Sound
• Ideal Use: Street Performance, Cruisers, Towing & Torque-Oriented Builds
 
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🧭 Valve Timing Events @ 0.050” Lift
 
108° LSA
• Intake Opens: 4° BTDC
• Intake Closes: 34° ABDC
• Exhaust Opens: 43° BBDC
• Exhaust Closes: 3° ATDC
• Overlap: ≈7°
• Character: Strongest low-end torque, lopey idle, reduced vacuum
 
110° LSA (STANDARD)
• Intake Opens: 2° BTDC
• Intake Closes: 36° ABDC
• Exhaust Opens: 41° BBDC
• Exhaust Closes: 5° ATDC
• Overlap: ≈3°
• Character: Balanced torque curve and idle; best overall street profile
 
112° LSA
• Intake Opens: 0° BTDC
• Intake Closes: 38° ABDC
• Exhaust Opens: 39° BBDC
• Exhaust Closes: 7° ATDC
• Overlap: ≈0°
• Character: Smoothest idle, strong vacuum, EFI compatible
 
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🔩 Recommended Valvetrain Components
• Valve Springs: Dual springs, 120–130 lbs seat / 320 lbs open minimum
(Comp Cams 986-16 or equivalent)
• Pushrods: Hardened chromoly 5/16” or 3/8” wall
• Lifters: Hydraulic roller lifters (RETROFIT tie-bar style)
• Rocker Arms: 1.6:1 roller rockers recommended (1.7 optional for additional lift)
• Valve Seals & Guides: Positive seals with .540” lift clearance minimum
 
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🏁 Recommended Torque Converter & Gearing
 
Street Performance (110° LSA)
• Converter Stall: 2000–2400 RPM
• Rear Gear: 3.31–3.73
• Character: Excellent throttle response and real-world drivability
 
Street Torque / Hot Rod (108° LSA)
• Converter Stall: 2400–2800 RPM
• Rear Gear: 3.55–4.10
• Character: Aggressive torque hit, great for light cars or heavy street machines
 
EFI / Overdrive (112° LSA)
• Converter Stall: 1800–2000 RPM
• Rear Gear: 3.08–3.55
• Character: Smooth idle, high vacuum, ideal for fuel injection and power brakes
 
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🔧 Best Applications
• 289 / 302 roller engines with stock or mild aftermarket heads
• 5.0L Mustang and street truck builds
• Excellent for carbureted or EFI combinations
• Ideal for 8.5:1–10.0:1 compression engines
• Works with mild nitrous or small blower systems
 
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The Vortex 218 Torquer –
Instant torque. Classic lope. Everyday power.