Vortex 218 Torquer
LS Hydraulic Roller Performance Camshaft For GM LS Engines: LS1 · LS2 · LS3 · LS6 · LQ4 · LQ9 · LM7 · LS-based 5.3L / 6.0L SMALLER BACE CIRCLE
💥 Overview
The Vortex 218 Torquer is the street-level torque monster of the Vortex lineup — engineered to deliver massive low-end torque, instant throttle response, and the aggressive cammed idle LS owners love. Designed for both street trucks and performance LS builds, the 218 Torquer provides relentless bottom-end power and strong mid-range acceleration while maintaining excellent reliability and everyday drivability.
With 218°/218° duration @ .050" and a wide range of LSA options from 106° to 114°, this cam allows builders to tailor the engine’s personality — from a tight, lopey street cam to a smooth EFI-friendly daily driver.
Whether you're building a tire-shredding street truck, cammed weekend cruiser, or sleeper LS swap, the Vortex 218 Torquer delivers real-world torque you can feel the moment you touch the throttle.
⚙️ Camshaft Specifications
Camshaft Type Hydraulic Roller
Duration @ .050" 218° Intake / 218°
Exhaust Estimated Advertised Duration (@ .006") 278° Intake / 278°
Exhaust Valve Lift (1.7:1 Rocker Ratio) .500" Intake / .500" Exhaust
Available Lobe Separation Angles 106° · 108° · 110° · 112° · 114° Recommended Intake Centerline (ICL) Installed 4° advanced (LSA – 4°)
Typical Powerband 1,200 – 5,800 RPM Idle Quality Varies by LSA (choppy to smooth) Ideal Use Street / Street-Strip / Torque-focused builds
🧭 Valve Timing Events @ .050"
106° LSA (ICL 102°)
Intake Opens: 7° BTDC
Intake Closes: 31° ABDC
Exhaust Opens: 31° BBDC
Exhaust Closes: 7°
ATDC Overlap: 14°
Character: Extremely aggressive idle, strongest torque hit, tightest power curve. Best suited for lighter vehicles or strip-focused street builds.
108° LSA (ICL 104°)
Intake Opens: 5° BTDC
Intake Closes: 33° ABDC
Exhaust Opens: 33° BBDC
Exhaust Closes: 5°
ATDC Overlap: 10°
Character: Strong lope, fast throttle response, and excellent mid-range torque. Ideal for torque-heavy street and street/strip builds.
110° LSA (ICL 106°)
Intake Opens: 3° BTDC
Intake Closes: 35° ABDC
Exhaust Opens: 35° BBDC
Exhaust Closes: 3° ATDC
Overlap: 6°
Character: Balanced street cam with a noticeable lope, strong throttle response, and excellent drivability.
112° LSA (ICL 108°)
Intake Opens: 1° BTDC
Intake Closes: 37° ABDC
Exhaust Opens: 37° BBDC
Exhaust Closes: 1° ATDC
Overlap: 2°
Character: Smooth idle, excellent vacuum, and very stable EFI tuning. Ideal for daily drivers and heavier vehicles.
114° LSA (ICL 110°)
Intake Opens: 1° ATDC
Intake Closes: 39° ABDC Exhaust
Opens: 39° BBDC
Exhaust Closes: 1° BTDC
Overlap: 0°
Character: Smoothest idle and broadest powerband. Best choice for boosted engines or EFI-focused builds.
🔩 Recommended Valvetrain Components To ensure reliability and performance:
Valve Springs 130–140 lbs seat pressure 360 lbs open pressure minimum (PAC 1218 or COMP 26918 recommended)
Pushrods Hardened 5/16" chromoly (7.400-7.500”)
Lifters GM LS7 lifters (INCLUDED)
Rocker Arms Factory 1.7 rockers acceptable Trunnion upgrade strongly recommended
Timing Set Adjustable double-roller timing set recommended
Valve Seals / Guide Clearance Minimum clearance for .560"+ lift
🏁 Recommended Converter & Gearing
Aggressive Street / Strip (106°–108° LSA) Converter Stall: 2600 – 3200 RPM Rear Gear: 3.73 – 4.10 Produces the hardest launch and most aggressive idle.
Street Performance (110° LSA) Converter Stall: 2200 – 2600 RPM Rear Gear: 3.42 – 3.73 Excellent street balance of sound, torque, and drivability.
Street EFI / Boost (112°–114° LSA) Converter Stall: 2000 – 2200 RPM Rear Gear: 3.23 – 3.55 Smooth idle with excellent vacuum and stable EFI tuning.
🔧 Best Applications • 5.3L, 6.0L, and 6.2L LS builds • Performance street trucks • LS-swapped muscle cars • Cathedral-port or rectangular-port head combinations • Naturally aspirated or mild boosted builds Ideal Compression Ratio: 9.0:1 – 10.5:1 Vortex 218 Torquer Street torque. Cammed attitude. Real LS performancece.