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Compression test

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Old Feb 12, 2012 | 11:20 AM
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Default Compression test

I just did a compression test on my newly aquired 81. All my cylinders are within 5 psi of one another, which is great. But what is a typical reading for good compression? I was getting between 170 and 175 pounds.
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Old Feb 12, 2012 | 11:29 AM
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I dont have the spec sheet for an 81 but that sounds correct for a low compression motor. Check this link.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...st-1981-a.html

Last edited by MelWff; Feb 12, 2012 at 11:33 AM.
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Old Feb 13, 2012 | 12:04 PM
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I think it's high.... Which is cool!!! The cam has a lot to do with static compression. My 10.5:1 runs 185.... My jeep with 8.5:1 runs 145.....
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Old Feb 13, 2012 | 04:46 PM
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Somebody has been in there. 140-150 is typical. 175 is probably a rebuild with flat top pistons and/or smaller chamber heads or a cam swap to a more modern lobe design with an earlier actual intake closing point. Within 5 PSI is awesome.
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Old Feb 14, 2012 | 06:38 PM
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that's high for an 81. Good for you!!! Now if you want a cam swap ,it might work well compared to others who tried on a low compression smog box
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