The Dino Test of 350 Chevy Motor with Comp HR265 Camshaft has long been celebrated as one of the most versatile and dependable powerplants in the world of automotive performance. Whether it’s for muscle cars, hot rods, or off-road vehicles, this engine offers a solid foundation for both performance upgrades and daily driving. One of the most popular performance modifications for the Chevy 350 is the installation of a camshaft, particularly the Dino Test of 350 Chevy Motor with Comp HR265 Camshaft. This article delves into the dino test of a 350 Chevy motor fitted with this specific camshaft, exploring how it impacts performance, fuel efficiency, and driving dynamics.
Overview of the Dino Test of 350 Chevy Motor with Comp HR265 Camshaft
Before we dive into the dino test results, it’s essential to understand what makes the Dino Test of 350 Chevy Motor with Comp HR265 Camshaft such an iconic engine. Introduced in 1967, this small-block V8 engine quickly gained popularity due to its reliability, power potential, and ease of modification. The 350 has been a go-to choice for enthusiasts seeking to build powerful street and race engines.
Key Characteristics of the Chevy 350 Engine:
- Displacement: 350 cubic inches (5.7 liters)
- Cylinder configuration: V8
- Bore: 4.00 inches
- Stroke: 3.48 inches
- Horsepower: Typically ranges between 145 HP (stock) to 400+ HP (modified)
- Torque: 255 lb-ft to 400+ lb-ft, depending on the build
Introduction to the Dino Test of 350 Chevy Motor with Comp HR265 Camshaft
The Dino Test of 350 Chevy Motor with Comp HR265 Camshaft is a popular choice for Chevy 350 engine upgrades due to its ideal balance between street performance and high-end horsepower. Designed for hydraulic roller lifters, this camshaft provides a significant improvement in engine breathing, which enhances performance across the RPM range without sacrificing streetability.
Notable Features of the Dino Test of 350 Chevy Motor with Comp HR265 Camshaft:
- Advertised duration: 265° intake/275° exhaust
- Duration at 0.050″ lift: 210° intake/218° exhaust
- Lift: 0.487″ intake/0.495″ exhaust
- Lobe separation: 110 degrees
This camshaft is designed to work well with a wide range of modifications, including ported heads, aftermarket exhaust systems, and larger carburetors. It’s also compatible with higher compression ratios, allowing it to be paired with performance pistons and heads for a more aggressive build.
Preparing for the Dino Test: The 350 Chevy Motor Build
To properly assess the impact of the Dino Test of 350 Chevy Motor with Comp HR265 Camshaft, it’s important to understand the other components involved in this particular engine build. The dino test was performed on a Chevy 350 that had the following upgrades:
Engine Specifications:
- Cylinder heads: Aluminum heads with 2.02″ intake and 1.60″ exhaust valves
- Intake manifold: Dual-plane aluminum intake
- Carburetor: 750 CFM Holley carburetor
- Exhaust: 1-5/8″ headers with a full 2.5″ exhaust system
- Compression ratio: 9.5:1
These modifications are aimed at maximizing airflow and combustion efficiency, providing an ideal test bed to evaluate the performance of the Dino Test of 350 Chevy Motor with Comp HR265 Camshaft.
Dino Test Setup and Conditions
The dino test was performed on a SuperFlow 902 engine dynamometer, which is known for its precision and repeatability. All tests were carried out in a controlled environment to ensure that external factors, such as temperature and humidity, did not skew the results. The engine was fully warmed up before each run to ensure accurate performance measurements.
Key Test Conditions:
- Ambient temperature: 72°F
- Barometric pressure: 29.92 inHg
- Humidity: 50%
- Fuel: 91-octane pump gas
These conditions closely simulate real-world driving, making the results applicable to street-driven vehicles.
Initial Results: Horsepower and Torque Gains
The primary goal of the dino test was to evaluate the increase in horsepower and torque that the Dino Test of 350 Chevy Motor with Comp HR265 Camshaft provided. Below is a detailed breakdown of the results:
Horsepower Output:
- Peak horsepower (before camshaft install): 320 HP at 5,200 RPM
- Peak horsepower (after camshaft install): 375 HP at 5,600 RPM
The camshaft provided a noticeable improvement in peak horsepower, with an additional 55 horsepower gained at higher RPMs. This gain can be attributed to the improved airflow and valve timing that the HR265 camshaft offers, allowing the engine to breathe more efficiently.
Torque Output:
- Peak torque (before camshaft install): 360 lb-ft at 4,000 RPM
- Peak torque (after camshaft install): 385 lb-ft at 4,400 RPM
The torque figures also saw a significant improvement, with an increase of 25 lb-ft. The camshaft’s design helps to enhance mid-range torque, making the engine feel more responsive during acceleration and providing a stronger pull in real-world driving scenarios.
Mid-Range and Low-End Performance: Real-World Usability
One of the most important considerations when upgrading to a performance camshaft is whether it impacts low-end drivability. With some aggressive camshaft profiles, the engine can become “peaky,” with all the power coming in at higher RPMs, which can make driving less enjoyable in everyday conditions.
Mid-Range Power:
The Dino Test of 350 Chevy Motor with Comp HR265 Camshaft shines in the mid-range, delivering a solid punch of power between 3,000 and 5,000 RPM. During the dino test, the engine maintained over 300 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque across this range, making it ideal for street and light track applications.
Low-End Performance:
While the HR265 is more focused on mid-range and top-end power, the engine still managed to maintain decent low-end torque. At 2,500 RPM, the engine produced 300 lb-ft of torque, making it quite usable for stop-and-go traffic or cruising around town. The idle quality was slightly rougher than a stock camshaft, but still smooth enough for daily driving.
Fuel Efficiency Considerations
Performance upgrades often come with a trade-off in fuel efficiency. However, the Dino Test of 350 Chevy Motor with Comp HR265 Camshaft is designed to offer a balance between power and fuel economy. During the testing phase, the fuel consumption was carefully monitored under different driving conditions.
City Driving:
In a simulated city driving environment, the Chevy 350 equipped with the HR265 camshaft achieved approximately 14 MPG, which is in line with typical performance builds. While this figure is lower than that of a stock 350 engine, it is a reasonable trade-off considering the significant horsepower and torque gains.
Highway Driving:
On the highway, fuel economy fared better. At cruising speeds of 65-70 MPH, the engine managed 18 MPG, thanks to the more efficient combustion process at steady RPMs. The dual-plane intake manifold and camshaft design helped maintain decent mileage during long-distance driving.
Sound and Exhaust Note
One of the intangible benefits of upgrading to a performance camshaft like the Comp HR265 is the change in exhaust note. During the dino test, the engine’s tone was noticeably more aggressive, with a deeper rumble at idle and a sharper, more pronounced roar at wide-open throttle.
The HR265 camshaft gives the engine a mild lope at idle, which many enthusiasts appreciate for its classic muscle car vibe. However, it’s not overly aggressive, making it suitable for daily driving without being too loud or obnoxious.
Tuning and Maintenance
After installing the Comp HR265 camshaft, the engine required a retune to optimize its air/fuel ratios and ignition timing. This tuning process is crucial to unlocking the camshaft’s full potential and ensuring that the engine runs smoothly across the RPM range.
Key Tuning Adjustments:
- Carburetor jets: The carburetor needed to be rejetted to provide the correct fuel mixture for the increased airflow.
- Ignition timing: The ignition timing was advanced by 2 degrees to account for the camshaft’s altered valve timing.
- Valve lash: The hydraulic roller lifters were adjusted to ensure proper valve lash, preventing any potential engine damage.
Once these adjustments were made, the engine performed flawlessly, delivering consistent power and smooth operation.
Final Thoughts: Is the Dino Test of 350 Chevy Motor with Comp HR265 Camshaft Worth It?
The Dino Test of 350 Chevy Motor with Comp HR265 Camshaft demonstrates a substantial improvement in performance, particularly in horsepower and mid-range torque. The camshaft strikes an excellent balance between street drivability and high-end power, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts looking to enhance their Chevy 350 without sacrificing everyday usability.
Pros:
- Significant horsepower and torque gains
- Strong mid-range performance
- Mild lope at idle with an aggressive exhaust note
- Good balance of power and fuel efficiency
Cons:
- Slightly rougher idle compared to stock
- Requires tuning and maintenance after installation
If you’re looking to take your Dino Test of 350 Chevy Motor with Comp HR265 Camshaft is definitely worth considering. It provides the extra performance needed for spirited driving and track use while still being manageable enough for daily driving.
