🌀 Vortex 218/226 Twister – Hydraulic Roller Camshaft
 
For Small Block Ford Engines: 221 · 255 (4.2L) · 260 · 289 · 302 (5.0L) · Boss 302
(For engines NOT originally equipped with roller camshafts)
 
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💥 Overview
 
The Vortex 218/226 Twister is built for torque-hungry street and performance enthusiasts who demand instant throttle response, explosive midrange pull, and a crisp lopey idle — all without sacrificing street manners. Designed for Ford’s small block roller platforms, this grind is the next step up from stock performance profiles, delivering the kind of seat-of-the-pants acceleration that twists tires and raises eyebrows.
 
With 218°/226° duration @ .050”, the Twister is optimized for strong low- to midrange torque while carrying power cleanly into the upper RPM band. Available in 108°, 110°, and 112° LSA options, it lets builders tailor the balance between vacuum, idle character, and powerband width for their specific setup — from daily-driven 5.0Ls to weekend drag strip warriors.
 
Compact valve timing and a wide torque plateau make this cam perfect for naturally aspirated and mild power-adder engines running pump gas and street gears.
 
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⚙️ Camshaft Specifications
• Duration @ .050”: 218° intake / 226° exhaust
• Advertised Duration (@ .006”): ~248° intake / ~256° exhaust
• Lobe Lift: .320” intake / .334” exhaust
• Valve Lift (1.6:1 Rockers): .512” intake / .534” exhaust
• Available Lobe Separation Angles: 108° · 110° · 112°
• Installed Intake Centerline (ICL): 106°–108° depending on LSA
• RPM Range: 1600 – 6000 RPM
• Idle Quality: Choppy Street / Mild-Performance Lope
• Ideal Use: Street Performance, Hot Rods, EFI or Carb Builds
 
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🧭 Valve Timing Events @ 0.050” Lift
 
108° LSA
• Intake Opens: 4° BTDC
• Intake Closes: 34° ABDC
• Exhaust Opens: 47° BBDC
• Exhaust Closes: 1° ATDC
• Overlap: ≈9°
• Character: Strongest midrange and throttle snap, deep lope, reduced vacuum
 
110° LSA (STANDARD)
• Intake Opens: 2° BTDC
• Intake Closes: 36° ABDC
• Exhaust Opens: 45° BBDC
• Exhaust Closes: 3° ATDC
• Overlap: ≈5°
• Character: Best all-around street profile; crisp response with moderate idle
 
112° LSA
• Intake Opens: 0° BTDC
• Intake Closes: 38° ABDC
• Exhaust Opens: 43° BBDC
• Exhaust Closes: 5° ATDC
• Overlap: ≈1°
• Character: Smoothest idle, high vacuum for EFI, excellent drivability
 
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🔩 Recommended Valvetrain Components
• Valve Springs: Dual springs rated at 120–130 lbs seat / 320–340 lbs open
(Comp Cams 986-16 or equivalent)
• Pushrods: Hardened chromoly 5/16” or 3/8” wall
• Lifters: Hydraulic roller lifters (RETROFIT tie-bar style)
• Rocker Arms: 1.6:1 roller rockers recommended (1.7 optional for more lift)
• Valve Seals & Guides: Positive seals with .540”+ clearance minimum
 
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🏁 Recommended Torque Converter & Gearing
 
Street Performance (110° LSA)
• Converter Stall: 2200–2500 RPM
• Rear Gear: 3.31–3.73
• Character: Excellent street manners, strong torque curve
 
Street/Strip (108° LSA)
• Converter Stall: 2500–2800 RPM
• Rear Gear: 3.55–4.10
• Character: Aggressive off-line power, ideal for lighter cars
 
EFI Street (112° LSA)
• Converter Stall: 2000–2200 RPM
• Rear Gear: 3.08–3.55
• Character: Smoothest idle, best for fuel-injected 5.0L setups and vacuum accessories
 
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🔧 Best Applications
• 289 / 302 roller block street performance engines
• 5.0L Mustang or early Ford builds with aftermarket heads & headers
• Excellent for carb or EFI combinations
• Works best with 9.0:1–10.5:1 compression
• Compatible with mild nitrous or blower setups
 
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The Vortex 218/226 Twister –
Lightning-fast throttle. Street manners. That unmistakable Vortex sound.