Ford 351W (5.8 L), 302 (5.0L), 302 SVO & 351
Not for engines that came stock with roller camshafts
💥 Overview
The Vortex 227 MidLope is the ultimate balance between street manners and race-bred intensity. Designed for Ford’s small block roller engines, this cam delivers that unmistakable mid-level lope that turns heads at idle — while maintaining vacuum and drivability for real-world use.
With 227°/227° duration @ .050" and a .328" lobe lift, the MidLope produces strong cylinder pressure, crisp throttle response, and a wide, usable powerband that stretches from the midrange to the top end. Available in 108°, 110°, and 112° LSA options (each installed 4° advanced), this cam can be tailored for everything from a sharp street cruiser to a weekend strip contender.
If you’re building a street machine that needs to sound as mean as it runs, the Vortex 227 MidLope is your perfect middle ground — refined, responsive, and unmistakably Vortex.
⚙️ Camshaft Specifications
Duration @ .050": 227° intake / 227° exhaust
Advertised Duration (@ .006"): ~260° intake / ~260° exhaust
Lobe Lift: .328" intake / .328" exhaust
Valve Lift (1.6:1 Rockers): .525" intake / .525" exhaust
Available Lobe Separation Angles: 108° · 110° · 112°
Installed Intake Centerline (ICL): 4° advanced (104°, 106°, 108° respectively)
RPM Range: 2000 – 6500 RPM
Idle Quality: Aggressive / Mid-Level Lope
Ideal Use: Street/Strip, NA or Mild Power-Adder Applications
🧭 Valve Timing Events @ 0.050" Lift
108° LSA (ICL = 104°)
Intake Opens: 5° BTDC
Intake Closes: 42° ABDC
Exhaust Opens: 51° BBDC
Exhaust Closes: 3° ATDC
Overlap: ≈8°
Character: Deep lope, strongest midrange torque, sharp throttle hit
110° LSA (ICL = 106°)
Intake Opens: 3° BTDC
Intake Closes: 44° ABDC
Exhaust Opens: 49° BBDC
Exhaust Closes: 5° ATDC
Overlap: ≈6°
Character: Balanced idle and torque curve, excellent all-around performance
112° LSA (ICL = 108°)
Intake Opens: 1° BTDC
Intake Closes: 46° ABDC
Exhaust Opens: 47° BBDC
Exhaust Closes: 7° ATDC
Overlap: ≈2°
Character: Smoothest idle, best vacuum and drivability, EFI-friendly
🔩 Recommended Valvetrain Components
Valve Springs: Dual springs, 130–140 lbs seat / 350 lbs open minimum
(Comp Cams 987-16 or equivalent)
Pushrods: Hardened chromoly 5/16" or 3/8" wall
Lifters: Hydraulic roller lifters (RETROFIT-ROLLER tie-bar style)
Rocker Arms: 1.6:1 roller rockers recommended (1.7 optional for extra lift)
Valve Seals & Guides: Positive seals with .550" lift clearance minimum
🏁 Recommended Torque Converter & Gearing
Street Performance (110° LSA)
Converter Stall: 2500–2800 RPM
Rear Gear: 3.55–3.73
Character: Strong launch, crisp acceleration, perfect street/strip balance
Street/Strip (108° LSA)
Converter Stall: 2800–3200 RPM
Rear Gear: 3.73–4.10
Character: Aggressive lope, hard midrange pull, high-RPM potential
Street EFI (112° LSA)
Converter Stall: 2200–2500 RPM
Rear Gear: 3.31–3.55
Character: Smooth idle, high vacuum, EFI and power-brake compatible
🔧 Best Applications
289 / 302 roller block street and strip combinations
5.0L Mustang or classic Ford builds with aftermarket heads and headers
Works with both carbureted and EFI setups
Ideal for 9.5:1–11.0:1 compression engines
Great with mild nitrous or supercharger systems
The Vortex 227 MidLope –
That perfect middle ground: crisp, confident, and ready to run.