VORTEX 226/234 UNDERCOVER — Small Block Chevy Hydraulic Roller Billet Camshaft
Fits SBC 262 · 265 · 267 · 283 · 302 · 305 · 307 · 327 · 350 · 383 · 400
(Retrofit hydraulic roller tie-bar lifters required for non-roller blocks)
💥 Overview
The Vortex 226/234 Undercover is a stealth-style hydraulic roller profile built for SBC street/strip engines that need an aggressive midrange punch, a strong torque curve, and a lopey street idle — all while maintaining the drivability required for real street use.
With 226°/234° @ .050" and modern roller lobe geometry, this cam dramatically improves cylinder fill and exhaust scavenging, waking up 350s, 383 strokers, 327 hot rods, and even performance-built 305/307 engines. The split-duration design targets the exhaust-biased flow characteristics of typical Small Block Chevy heads, improving torque and high-RPM breathing.
Available in 108°, 110°, and 112° LSA, the Undercover can be tailored for hard street lope, balanced street/strip manners, or smooth EFI-friendly operation. Its 2000–6400 RPM powerband and broad torque spread make it an exceptional choice for naturally aspirated or mild power-adder builds running pump gas.
If you want real SBC street power with a controlled, aggressive idle — this is it.
⚙️ Camshaft Specifications
Duration
@ .050" Lift: 226° intake / 234° exhaust
Advertised (@ .006"): ~256° intake / ~266° exhaust
Lift
Lobe Lift: .328” intake / .349” exhaust
Valve Lift:
1.5:1 rockers: .492” / .524”
1.6:1 rockers: .525” / .558” (recommended)
LSA Options
108° · 110° · 112°
Installed Intake Centerline
107° (installed 4° advanced on all LSAs)
RPM Operating Range
2000 – 6400 RPM
Idle Quality
Aggressive Street / Street-Lopey
Best Use
Street/Strip • NA or Mild Power Adders • Performance SBC Builds
🧭 Valve Timing Events @ .050" Lift
108° LSA — Hardest Hit
IO: 5° BTDC
IC: 41° ABDC
EO: 52° BBDC
EC: 2° ATDC
Overlap: ~11°
Behavior: strongest midrange torque, hardest lope, reduced vacuum
110° LSA — Balanced Street/Strip
IO: 3° BTDC
IC: 43° ABDC
EO: 50° BBDC
EC: 4° ATDC
Overlap: ~7°
Behavior: crisp torque curve, great street manners, strong drivability
112° LSA — EFI/High Vacuum
IO: 1° BTDC
IC: 45° ABDC
EO: 48° BBDC
EC: 6° ATDC
Overlap: ~3°
Behavior: smoothest idle, best EFI stability, strongest vacuum
🔩 Recommended Valvetrain Components (SBC)
Valve Springs: ~130 lbs seat / ~350 lbs open
(Comp 986-16, PAC-1218, 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 clearance check)
Seal Clearance: Minimum .550” retainer-to-seal clearance
🏁 Recommended Torque Converter & Rear Gearing
110° LSA — Street Performance
Stall: 2500–2800 RPM
Gear: 3.55–3.73
Benefit: excellent throttle response & street drivability
108° LSA — Street/Strip
Stall: 2800–3200 RPM
Gear: 3.73–4.11
Benefit: hardest launch, strongest midrange
112° LSA — EFI / Overdrive
Stall: 2200–2500 RPM
Gear: 3.31–3.55
Benefit: smooth idle, high vacuum, best EFI stability
🔧 Best SBC Applications
350 & 383 street/strip engines
327 hot rods wanting a rowdy but controlled idle
305 & 307 performance builds needing real midrange torque
Great with carbureted or EFI setups
Ideal for 9.5:1–11.0:1 compression
Compatible with small nitrous kits or mild blowers
Excellent for muscle cars, street trucks, and weekend race cars
Vortex 226/234 Undercover — SBC
Hidden aggression. Street-smart torque. Real-world performance.