Chrysler / Dodge / Jeep 6.1L HEMI V8 (2005–2010, Non-VVT)
 
🔥 Purpose & Identity
The Red Line Vortex 218 Torquer is the ultimate “first-step” performance camshaft for the 6.1L HEMI. Designed for real-world torque and crisp throttle response, it transforms your SRT8 into a harder-hitting, more responsive street machine — without sacrificing driveability.
This grind delivers a clean, confident idle with just enough attitude to make the car sound alive, while pulling strong from low rpm through the midrange. If you daily your 6.1L but want that unmistakable Red Line tone, this is your go-to cam.
Refined, responsive, and ready to pull hard — the 218 Torquer is pure usable power.
 
⚙️ Camshaft Specifications
Engine Fitment: Chrysler / Dodge / Jeep 6.1L HEMI V8 (Non-VVT, Non-MDS)
Camshaft Type: Hydraulic Roller
Duration @ .050" – 218° Intake / 218° Exhaust
Advertised Duration: ~274°
Lobe Lift: .326"
Valve Lift (1.65 Rockers): .538"
Lobe Separation Angle (LSA): 110°, 112°, 114°
Standard LSA: 112° (Installed 4° advanced → 108° ICL)
RPM Range: 1,400 – 5,800 rpm
Idle Character: Mild lope, smooth throttle, excellent vacuum
 
📊 Valve Timing Events @ .050" (Cam Installed 4° Advanced)
LSA 110° (ICL 106° / ECL 114°)
Intake Opens 8° BTDC • Intake Closes 30° ABDC • Exhaust Opens 44° BBDC • Exhaust Closes 4° ATDC • Overlap ≈ 12°
 
LSA 112° (ICL 108° / ECL 116°) (Standard)
Intake Opens 6° BTDC • Intake Closes 32° ABDC • Exhaust Opens 46° BBDC • Exhaust Closes 2° ATDC • Overlap ≈ 8°
 
LSA 114° (ICL 110° / ECL 118°)
Intake Opens 4° BTDC • Intake Closes 34° ABDC • Exhaust Opens 48° BBDC • Exhaust Closes 0° ATDC • Overlap ≈ 4°
 
⚖️ LSA Power & Idle Characteristics
110° LSA: Strongest torque and tightest chop — aggressive street sound, instant throttle.
112° LSA (Standard): Smooth, broad torque curve — ideal for daily driving and spirited cruising.
114° LSA: Clean idle and strong vacuum for heavier cars or automatic setups; excellent for highway use.
 
🏁 Performance Behavior
The 218 Torquer gives the 6.1L HEMI something it never had stock — that instant throttle hit and off-idle muscle you can feel.
This cam pulls cleanly through the rev range, makes traffic driving easy, and adds that subtle lope every gearhead notices.
With supporting mods (headers, intake, tune), you can expect gains of 25–35 rear-wheel horsepower and a much stronger torque curve across the usable rpm range.
Perfect for daily-driven SRT builds that need more punch — without compromise.
 
⚙️ Recommended Setup & Components
Compression Ratio: 10.3:1 – 10.8:1 (stock-friendly)
Induction: Factory or ported intake, 85–90mm throttle body
Exhaust: Long-tube headers or high-flow midpipe
Gearing: 3.06 – 3.73 rear gears
Converter / Clutch:
Automatic: Stock converter acceptable; 2,200–2,400 rpm stall ideal
Manual: OEM or light performance clutch
 
🔧 Valvetrain & Component Recommendations
Valve Springs: COMP 26918 or PAC-1218 beehive springs
Seat ≈ 125 lb @ 1.800"
Open ≈ 320 lb @ .550"
Coil Bind Height ≈ 1.090" (maintain ≥ .060" clearance)
Retainers & Locks: Steel retainers with 7° locks
Pushrods: 5/16" hardened chromoly; verify length (usually stock or +0.050")
Lifters: OEM or high-quality hydraulic roller lifters
Rocker Arms: Stock 1.65:1 or upgraded trunnion system
Timing Set: Billet adjustable timing set recommended for precise degreeing
Valve Seals: Positive Viton-style
 
🧠 Installation & Tuning Notes
Always degree cam to confirm ICL advance.
Verify pushrod preload and lifter travel at zero lash.
Use high-ZDDP break-in oil during initial startup.
ECU tuning is required for optimal idle, timing, and fueling.
Recommended idle speed: 725–775 rpm for 112° LSA.
 
💡 Why Choose the 218 Torquer
For 6.1L owners who want an easy-to-live-with cam that makes a real difference, the Vortex 218 Torquer is the ideal upgrade.
It keeps everything that’s great about the factory HEMI — refinement, reliability, and response — and adds the torque, tone, and excitement that make a street car fun to drive.
It’s not a race cam — it’s the cam that makes your HEMI feel alive again.
 
🏆 The Red Line Cams Advantage
Red Line Cams brings over 35 years of real-world experience in camshaft design and engine machining.
Every camshaft is ground from OEM-quality cam cores, precision-profiled, and individually inspected to ensure the best surface finish, lift symmetry, and long-term reliability.
When you buy Red Line, you’re buying direct from the people who build them — not someone reading off a parts list.