Take your Small Block Chevy to the next level with the Redline 280 hydraulic flat tappet camshaft — a high-performance grind designed for serious street/strip applications. With a hard-hitting lope, a strong mid-to-upper RPM charge, and LSA options to match your build, this cam brings raw sound and race-inspired performance to your garage. Whether you're after maximum chop, balanced power, or street-friendly vacuum, Redline gives you full control.
📐 Camshaft Specs:
Engine Fitment: Chevy Small Block V8 – 262 to 400 CID
Camshaft Type: Hydraulic Flat Tappet
Advertised Duration:
Intake: 280°
Exhaust: 280°
Duration @ .050":
Intake: ~230°
Exhaust: ~230°
Valve Lift:
Intake: ~.475"
Exhaust: ~.475"
RPM Operating Range: 2,500 – 6,200+ RPM
Idle Quality: Aggressive lope (varies by LSA)
🔧 Available Lobe Separation Angles (LSA):
➤ 108° LSA – Maximum Attitude
Lopey, choppy idle with deep exhaust note
Stronger low- and mid-range torque
Less vacuum — best with manual brakes or vacuum canisters
Great for lightweight cars, strip-focused builds, and sound-first hot rods
➤ 110° LSA – Balanced Powerband
Good mix of mid-range torque and top-end pull
Healthy lope with better vacuum than 108°
Ideal for muscle cars, weekend warriors, and street/strip combos
Most versatile choice for modified SBCs
➤ 112° LSA – Smoother Idle, More Vacuum
Tames down idle chop for better street manners
Increased vacuum for power brakes and accessories
Slightly broader powerband with better drivability
Great for daily-driven SBCs and heavier cars
🔥 Performance Highlights:
Choppy Idle with Attitude: That unmistakable cammed sound that screams performance
Strong Mid-to-Top Range Power: Pulls hard from 2,500 all the way past 6,000 RPM
Tunable with LSA Options: Match the cam’s personality to your car’s needs
Works Best With:
9.5:1 to 11:1 compression
650–850 CFM carbs
Dual-plane or single-plane intakes
Aftermarket or ported heads
Headers and free-flowing exhaust
2,500–3,200+ stall converter
3.73+ rear gears
🧰 Installation Notes:
Use new hydraulic flat tappet lifters (sold separately)
Requires performance valve springs rated for .480” lift
Always break in with ZDDP-rich oil
Proper cam break-in procedure is critical — follow with 20–30 minutes at 2,000–2,500 RPM
Degreeing the cam is strongly recommended for max performance
📦 Product Details:
Brand: Redline Cams
Camshaft Grind: Redline 280
Cam Type: Hydraulic Flat Tappet
Fitment: Chevy Small Block V8 (262–400 CID)
Lobe Separation Angle Options: 108°, 110°, 112°
Included: Camshaft only (lifters and accessories sold separately)
Condition: Brand New
Made in the USA
💡 Why Choose the Redline 280?
When you’re ready to leave “mild” in the dust and build a Small Block that roars, the Redline 280 delivers. With your choice of choppy 108°, balanced 110°, or streetable 112° LSA, this cam gives you the sound, power, and customization hardcore builders demand. It’s the perfect cam for strip-ready muscle cars, aggressive street builds, and anyone chasing that true cammed idle with the pull to back it up.
Small Block chevy V8 262–400 cid 280 IDLE THREAT H.F.T.
🔧 INSTALLATION GUIDE
Small Block Chevy V8 – H.F.T. 268 Street Performer Camshaft
⚠️ Before You Begin
This camshaft is a Hydraulic Flat Tappet — proper break-in is critical.
Always use new lifters with a new camshaft. Never reuse old flat tappet lifters.
Use a high-zinc (ZDDP) break-in oil and proper assembly lube.
Verify your valvetrain geometry, valve spring pressure, and coil bind clearance before installation.
Recommended supporting mods: upgraded valve springs, double roller timing chain, performance intake, headers, and a 2000+ stall converter.
📦 Tools & Supplies Needed
Torque wrench
Camshaft installation tool (or long bolts in front of cam)
Cam degree kit (optional but recommended)
Timing cover gasket set
Assembly lube & break-in oil
New lifters (required)
Double roller timing chain set
RTV silicone sealant
🛠️ Step-By-Step Installation
1. Preparation
Disconnect the battery.
Drain coolant and remove radiator for clearance.
Remove intake manifold, distributor, water pump, timing cover, and old camshaft/timing set.
Carefully remove lifters and keep pushrods organized if reusing.
2. Camshaft Installation
Coat cam lobes and journals with assembly lube.
Gently slide the new camshaft into the block, supporting its weight to avoid journal/bearing damage.
Install new timing set (verify dot-to-dot alignment at TDC).
Torque cam sprocket bolts to 20–25 ft-lbs with thread locker.
3. Lifter & Pushrod Installation
Coat new lifter bottoms with moly paste assembly lube.
Insert lifters into lifter bores.
Reinstall pushrods and rocker arms.
4. Valve Adjustment (Hydraulic Flat Tappet)
Rotate engine so each cylinder is at TDC compression stroke.
For each cylinder, tighten rocker nut until pushrod has zero lash (no vertical movement but still spins).
Turn nut an additional 1/2 to 3/4 turn to preload the lifter.
5. Reassembly
Reinstall timing cover, water pump, and oil pan (if removed).
Install intake manifold with new gaskets and RTV at end rails.
Reinstall distributor (initial timing set to ~12–16° BTDC).
Refill cooling system and check all connections.
🔥 Camshaft Break-In Procedure
Use break-in oil with ZDDP and a primed oiling system and use Zinc oil for the life of the engine.
Start engine and immediately raise RPM to 2,000–2,500.
Run engine at varying RPM between 2,000–3,000 for 20–30 minutes.
Do NOT let engine idle during break-in.
After break-in, change oil & filter.
✅ Final Notes
Recheck valve lash after break-in.
Retorque intake manifold and header bolts after first heat cycle.
Recheck ignition timing; fine-tune advance curve for performance.