C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Compression test

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 12, 2012 | 11:20 AM
  #1  
Mgrad92's Avatar
Mgrad92
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 390
Likes: 1
From: Livonia MI
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.
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2012 | 11:29 AM
  #2  
MelWff's Avatar
MelWff
Race Director
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,598
Likes: 2,540
Default

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.
Reply
Old Feb 13, 2012 | 12:04 PM
  #3  
pauldana's Avatar
pauldana
Race Director
Supporting Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 409
From: California
Default

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.....
Reply
Old Feb 13, 2012 | 04:46 PM
  #4  
63mako's Avatar
63mako
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 121
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Default

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.
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2012 | 06:38 PM
  #5  
hugie82's Avatar
hugie82
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
Default

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
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Compression test





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:39 AM.

story-0
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-1
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-20 17:58:41


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-3
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

Slideshow: 10 things C8 Corvette owners hate, but won't tell you.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-01 18:36:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

Slideshow: Should you add one of these incredible Corvettes to your garage?

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-01 18:14:05


VIEW MORE
story-7
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Slideshow: Every Corvette Grand Sport explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-26 07:13:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

Slideshow: Breaking down the 2027 Grand Sport, Grand Sport X, Stingray, and LS6 V8.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-26 13:48:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

Slideshow: 5 reasons bad drivers crash sports cars & 5 ways to avoid a costly shame!

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-25 16:32:55


VIEW MORE