VORTEX 227 MIDLOPE — RETROFIT HYDRAULIC ROLLER
 
Small Block Chevy 262–400 CID
The .328" lobe lift design produces up to .525" valve lift when paired with recommended 1.6 ratio rocker arms, allowing excellent airflow and strong upper RPM performance while remaining stable with properly matched street valvetrain components.
The included Johnson short-travel retrofit roller lifters improve high-RPM hydraulic stability, reduce pump-up tendencies, and maintain excellent valve control compared to conventional hydraulic roller lifters.
Available in 108°, 110°, and 112° LSA configurations, the Vortex 227 MidLope can be tailored for an aggressive lopey street machine, balanced street/strip combination, or smoother EFI-friendly cruiser setup.
If you want your Small Block Chevy to sound aggressive, hit hard in the midrange, and still maintain excellent street drivability, the Vortex 227 MidLope delivers the perfect balance
 
227°/227° @ .050
• .328" Lobe Lift
• .492"/.525" Valve Lift
108° / 110° / 112° LSA Options
 
Overview
The Vortex 227 MidLope Retrofit Hydraulic Roller package is engineered for traditional Small Block Chevy 262–400 cubic inch engines originally equipped with flat tappet camshafts but upgraded to modern hydraulic roller valvetrain technology.
 
This package combines a precision-ground cast hydraulic roller camshaft with premium Johnson 2116SBR Short Travel Link-Bar Lifters to deliver aggressive idle characteristics, strong midrange torque production, crisp throttle response, and clean upper RPM power while maintaining excellent real-world drivability.
 
With 227°/227° duration @ .050", the MidLope profile is designed as the perfect middle-ground street/strip camshaft — producing a commanding exhaust note and strong torque curve without sacrificing street manners or vacuum stability. The modern hydraulic roller lobe design increases area under the curve compared to traditional flat tappet profiles, improving cylinder filling and throttle response throughout the RPM range.
 
 
Package Includes
Cast Retrofit Hydraulic Roller Camshaft
Johnson 2116SBR Short Travel Link-Bar Lifters
Camshaft specification card
Compatible with traditional Small Block Chevy 262–400 CID engines
 
Camshaft Specifications
Duration
Duration @ .050": 227° intake / 227° exhaust
Advertised Duration (@ .006"): ~260° / ~260°
 
Lift
Lobe Lift
.328" intake / .328" exhaust
 
Valve Lift
1.5 Rockers
.492" intake / .492" exhaust
 
1.6 Rockers (Recommended)
.525" intake / .525" exhaust
 
Valve Timing Events @ .050"
108° LSA
IO: 5° BTDC
IC: 42° ABDC
EO: 51° BBDC
EC: 3° ATDC
Overlap: ~8°
Characteristics
Deepest idle lope
Hardest throttle hit
Strongest midrange torque production
Best for aggressive street/strip combinations
 
110° LSA (Standard Street)
IO: 3° BTDC
IC: 44° ABDC
EO: 49° BBDC
EC: 5° ATDC
Overlap: ~6°
Characteristics
Balanced power curve
Excellent street manners
Crisp throttle response
Best all-around street/strip option
 
112° LSA
IO: 1° BTDC
IC: 46° ABDC
EO: 47° BBDC
EC: 7° ATDC
Overlap: ~2°
Characteristics
Smoothest idle quality
Strongest vacuum production
Excellent EFI compatibility
Ideal for power brakes and overdrive applications
 
RPM Operating Range
2000–6500 RPM
 
Designed for aggressive street performance, strong midrange acceleration, and clean upper RPM power.
 
Performance Characteristics
Idle Quality
Aggressive mid-level street lope
Strong exhaust presence without excessive instability
Stable idle quality on 110° and 112° LSA configurations
Johnson short-travel lifters improve idle consistency and valve control
 
Torque & Power Delivery
Strong midrange torque production
Excellent throttle response
Broad usable powerband
Pulls hard through the upper RPM range
Modern roller lobe design improves airflow and cylinder filling compared to traditional flat tappet profiles
 
Drivability
Excellent street/strip manners
Compatible with power brakes on 110° and 112° LSA setups
Works well with carbureted or EFI systems
Stable hydraulic roller operation at elevated RPM
Excellent part-throttle response and street drivability
 
Recommended Valvetrain Components
Valve Springs
Recommended:
130–140 lbs seat pressure
~350 lbs open pressure
Examples:
Comp 987-16
PAC-1218
Equivalent dual springs
 
Lifters
Included:
Johnson 2116SBR Short Travel Link-Bar Lifters
Benefits:
Short-travel hydraulic design
Improved high-RPM valve stability
Reduced hydraulic pump-up
Excellent oil control
Premium USA-made construction
 
Pushrods
Recommended:
5/16" or 3/8" chromoly
.080"–.105" wall thickness
 
Rocker Arms
Compatible With:
1.5:1 full roller rockers
1.6:1 full roller rockers (recommended)
1.7:1 optional with proper clearance verification
 
Minimum Clearances
Retainer-to-seal clearance: .550" minimum
Verify piston-to-valve clearance on all builds
Verify pushrod length during final assembly
 
Recommended Converter & Gearing
110° LSA — Balanced Street Setup
Stall Converter: 2500–2800 RPM
Rear Gear: 3.55–3.73
 
Best Use
Street/strip combinations
Muscle cars
Weekend performance builds
 
108° LSA — Aggressive Street/Strip
Stall Converter: 2800–3200 RPM
Rear Gear: 3.73–4.10
Best Use
Aggressive street cars
Lightweight performance builds
Hard-launching street/strip combinations
 
112° LSA — EFI / Overdrive
Stall Converter: 2200–2500 RPM
Rear Gear: 3.31–3.55
Best Use
EFI-equipped vehicles
Highway cruisers
Overdrive street combinations
 
Best Engine Applications
Small Block Chevy 262–400 CID
Retrofit hydraulic roller conversions
Carbureted or EFI systems
9.5:1–11.0:1 compression ratios
Street/strip muscle cars
Weekend race cars
Mild nitrous or blower combinations
Aggressive pump-gas street builds
 
Why Choose Red Line Cams?
At Red Line Cams, every camshaft is ground in-house using proven lobe designs developed for real street-driven performance engines. Unlike generic shelf grinds, we offer multiple LSA options so you can tailor idle quality, vacuum, throttle response, and power delivery to your exact combination.
With over 35 years of camshaft grinding experience, Red Line Cams delivers real-world performance, premium valvetrain compatibility, and direct support from the people who actually manufacture your camshaft.