The Vortex 252 Torker BB is a torque monster made for heavy hitters—classic big-block Fords that demand shove off idle, clean manners, and a confident pulse at the stoplight. It’s the perfect foundation for street machines and trucks that need to move now.
 
⚙️ Camshaft Specifications
Duration @ .050": 206° / 206°
Advertised Duration: 252° / 252°
Valve Lift: .420" / .420"
Lobe Separation Angle (LSA): 106° standard; also 107°, 108°, 110°, 112°, 114°
Intake Centerline: LSA − 4° (typically 102° ICL on 106 LSA)
RPM Range: 1,000 – 4,800 rpm
Idle Character: Smooth with authoritative lope
 
📊 Valve Timing Events @ .050" (cam installed 4° advanced)
LSA 106° (ICL 102° / ECL 110°)
Intake Opens 1° BTDC • Intake Closes 25° ABDC • Exhaust Opens 33° BBDC • Exhaust Closes 7° BTDC • Overlap ≈ −6°
 
 
LSA 108° (ICL 104° / ECL 112°)
Intake Opens 1° ATDC • Intake Closes 27° ABDC • Exhaust Opens 35° BBDC • Exhaust Closes 9° BTDC • Overlap ≈ −10°
 
LSA 110° (ICL 106° / ECL 114°)
Intake Opens 3° ATDC • Intake Closes 29° ABDC • Exhaust Opens 37° BBDC • Exhaust Closes 11° BTDC • Overlap ≈ −14°
 
LSA 112° (ICL 108° / ECL 116°)
Intake Opens 5° ATDC • Intake Closes 31° ABDC • Exhaust Opens 39° BBDC • Exhaust Closes 13° BTDC • Overlap ≈ −18°
 
LSA 114° (ICL 110° / ECL 118°)
Intake Opens 7° ATDC • Intake Closes 33° ABDC • Exhaust Opens 41° BBDC • Exhaust Closes 15° BTDC • Overlap ≈ −22°
 
🏁 Performance Behavior
Delivers brutal off-idle torque, keeps vacuum for power brakes, and pulls clean through the midrange. It sounds serious without being obnoxious—perfect for big cars and trucks that get driven.
 
🎯 Recommended Applications & Build Setup
Compression: 8.0–9.5:1
Induction: Dual-plane intake; 650–750 CFM carb
Exhaust: Headers or free-flowing manifolds
Gearing: 2.90–3.55 rear
Converter / Clutch: Auto 1,800–2,200 stall • Manual performance clutch rated ≥ 500 lb-ft
 
🔧 Valvetrain & Component Recommendations
Valve Springs: COMP-style dual such as 26915-16 or equivalent
• Seat ≈ 115 lb @ ~1.900" • Open ≈ 300 lb @ ~.450" • Coil-bind ≈ 1.120" (maintain ≥ .060" clearance)
Retainers / Locks: Matched steel retainers (e.g., 742-16) and 7° locks (e.g., 611-16)
Pushrods: 3/8" hardened chromoly (measure for length)
Lifters: Quality hydraulic flat tappet set
Rocker Arms: 1.73 ratio roller rockers recommended
Seals: Positive valve-stem seals
 
🧠 Installation & Break-In Notes
Use new lifters and ZDDP-rich break-in oil. Degree the cam to target ICL. Verify coil-bind and retainer-to-rocker clearance. Perform break-in at 2,000–2,500 rpm for 20–30 minutes.
 
💡 Why Choose the 252 Torker BB
Because nothing feels like raw big-block torque that hits hard right off idle. 252 Torker is built for drivers who demand grunt, vacuum, and longevity in equal measure—the backbone of a street build that moves like a muscle car should.
 
🏆 The Red Line Cams Advantage
Red Line Cams brings 35+ years of real-world camshaft design and engine-building experience. Every Red Line cam is built from OEM-quality cam cores, precision-ground and inspected for accuracy, durability, and the performance that keeps Red Line ahead.