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Compression vs Detonation vs Gas

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Old Jul 26, 2009 | 03:49 PM
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Default Compression vs Detonation vs Gas

Originally Posted by billla
You really don't need to worry too much about detonation until you get up past 9.5:1 with premium gas.
I didn't wanna hijack the head thread, so I'm starting here. What kind of compession ratio is considered "safe" with pump gas, for that matter "regular" pump gas?

The partial engine (427 SBC) I'm looking at for Phase II - claims 10.1 and will run on pump gas. I was already a little skeptical and the above post seems to confirm this. What's the safe compression for regular gas?

-W
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Old Jul 26, 2009 | 04:14 PM
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Assume when you say "regular" gas your talking 87 octane!? If yes then I think 9.5:1 may be a problem. I have 10:1 and run fine on 93 Gasahol with gobs of advance in my 383....but wouldn't try anything less.

What's the safe compression for regular gas?
My guess would be 9:1 or less.....I'm sure more expert opinions will follow.

Last edited by CheezMoe; Jul 26, 2009 at 04:17 PM.
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Old Jul 26, 2009 | 04:35 PM
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The kind of cam you are running, plays a big role in this, so it is impossible to say without knowing all the details of the engine in question.
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Old Jul 26, 2009 | 04:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Belgian1979vette
The kind of cam you are running, plays a big role in this, so it is impossible to say without knowing all the details of the engine in question.

I'm not running *any* cam yet... I'm looking at the World Products 427 SBC and I'm kinda skeptical of thier claims at 10.1 / 1

Note that I'm a long way from Phase II, I just want to learn early to get a plan on paper.

-W

Last edited by Clams Canino; Jul 26, 2009 at 04:49 PM.
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Old Jul 26, 2009 | 04:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Belgian1979vette
The kind of cam you are running, plays a big role in this, so it is impossible to say without knowing all the details of the engine in question.
yup.....
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Old Jul 26, 2009 | 04:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Clams Canino
I'm not running *any* cam yet... I'm looking at the World Products 427 SBC and I'm kinda skeptical of thier claims at 10.1 / 1

Note that I'm a long way from Phase II, I just want to learn early to get a plan on paper.

-W
alumnum head disipating heat much faster then iron, modern updated shaped combustion chambers won't need as much advance it will handle it no problem.

Last edited by Little Mouse; Jul 26, 2009 at 04:58 PM.
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Old Jul 26, 2009 | 05:04 PM
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Cam plays a major role in it. Ihave seen 11:1 motors on pumps gas with no problems. I have also seen iron headed 9.5:1 motors rattle like crazy. I run a 10.7:1 AFR aluminum heads with a big solidcam with no problem on pump gas. There is no set compression that is safe. To many variables.
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Old Jul 26, 2009 | 05:27 PM
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with above comments about alloy heads and cam.

You can generally run about 0.5 ratio more with aluminium heads over cast heads for starters....

Also, as cam duration increases, you can run higher compression ratios.

The compression ratio stated on engine buildups is the static compression. The issue with detonantion is related to the dynamic compression ratio.... that is, the actual compression achieved when the motor is rotating, and the bleed off during the overlap phase is taken into account.

Also, higher octane fuel allows for more compression too.

so choose your engine buildup depending on what your primary design goals are.

cheers
tom
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Old Jul 26, 2009 | 05:41 PM
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Tom that is one very fast little pickup truck.

edit-Sorry for the momentary hyjack.

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Old Jul 26, 2009 | 06:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Clams Canino
I'm not running *any* cam yet... I'm looking at the World Products 427 SBC and I'm kinda skeptical of thier claims at 10.1 / 1

Note that I'm a long way from Phase II, I just want to learn early to get a plan on paper.

-W
My original roller cammed 427 SBC was something like 10.4 with 64 cc heads. I always ran the local 91 octane. My present 434 is 11.7 and it run fine on 91 with a larger roller cam.
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