VORTEX 218/226 TWISTER — 5.0/5.7L Vortec Chevy CAST HYDRAULIC ROLLER
💥 Overview
The Vortex 218/226 Twister is a torque-rich hydraulic roller profile engineered for Small Block Chevy street performance combinations that need strong low-end response, crisp midrange acceleration, and a noticeable performance idle — without sacrificing real-world drivability.
With 218°/226° duration @ .050", the Twister provides excellent cylinder fill and scavenging, producing a wide, usable torque curve ideal for 350s, 383 strokers, 305 performance builds, and street-driven 327/302 combinations. The split-duration design favors exhaust flow, improving efficiency on typical SBC heads and street exhaust systems.
Available in 108°, 110°, and 112° LSA, this cam can be tailored for aggressive off-line snap, balanced street manners, or EFI-friendly idle quality and vacuum.
Perfect for daily drivers, weekend hot rods, and pump-gas street machines needing power from 1600 to 6000 RPM.
⚙️ Camshaft Specifications
Duration
@ .050": 218° intake / 226° exhaust
Advertised (@ .006"): ~248° intake / ~256° exhaust
Lift
Lobe Lift: .320" intake / .334" exhaust
Valve Lift:
1.5:1 rockers: .480" intake / .501" exhaust
1.6:1 rockers: .512" intake / .534" exhaust (recommended)
Lobe Separation Options
108° • 110° • 112°
Installed Intake Centerline
Typically 106°–108°, depending on LSA selection
RPM Range
1600 – 6000 RPM
Idle Quality
Choppy street idle with stable vacuum on 110°–112° LSA.
🧭 Valve Timing Events @ .050" Lift
108° LSA (Aggressive Street/Strip)
IO: 4° BTDC
IC: 34° ABDC
EO: 47° BBDC
EC: 1° ATDC
Overlap: ~9°
Character: strongest midrange hit, deeper lope, least vacuum
110° LSA (Balanced Street — STANDARD SBC)
IO: 2° BTDC
IC: 36° ABDC
EO: 45° BBDC
EC: 3° ATDC
Overlap: ~5°
Character: best street manners, broad torque, crisp throttle response
112° LSA (EFI / Highway / Overdrive)
IO: 0° BTDC
IC: 38° ABDC
EO: 43° BBDC
EC: 5° ATDC
Overlap: ~1°
Character: smoothest idle, strongest vacuum, EFI-friendly
🔩 Recommended Valvetrain Components (SBC)
Valve Springs: 120–130 lbs seat / 310–340 lbs open
(PAC-1218, Comp 986-16, or equivalent)Lifters: hydraulic roller lifters (INCLUDED)
Pushrods: .080–.105 wall 5/16" or 3/8" chromoly
Rocker Arms: 1.5 or 1.6:1 full roller recommended
Retainer-to-Seal Clearance: Minimum .540"+
🏁 Recommended Torque Converter & Gearing
110° LSA — Street Performance (recommended)
Stall: 2200–2500 RPM
Gears: 3.31–3.73
Character: best overall torque & drivability
108° LSA — Street/Strip
Stall: 2500–2800 RPM
Gears: 3.55–4.10
Character: hardest hit, aggressive idle
112° LSA — EFI / Overdrive
Stall: 2000–2200 RPM
Gears: 3.08–3.55
Character: highest vacuum, smoothest idle, ideal for TBI/TPI/EFI swaps
🔧 Best SBC Applications
Excellent for carbureted or EFI setups
Works great with 9.0:1 – 10.5:1 compression
Suitable for small nitrous kits or mild blowers
Perfect for daily-driven muscle cars, cruisers, and street trucks
Vortex 218/226 Twister — Small Block Chevy
Explosive midrange. Quick throttle response. Street-friendly hydraulic roller performance.