C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

How much compression on pump gas?

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Old Jan 29, 2007 | 09:53 AM
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Default How much compression on pump gas?

I just got a smoking deal on a 388 stroker from a friend and was planning on putting it in my 86, but I think I may have to swap out the heads. It currently has cast iron vortec heads (64cc) and the compression ratio is 10.6:1 . Is this too much compression for a reliable daily driveable tpi car. The other heads I was looking at were either edelbrock performer rpms (70cc) 9.89:1 comp ration or AFR street 180s (74cc) comp ratio for around 9.51:1 . I am looking at smaller heads because I want to build a killer street engine with tons of low end torque and a max rpm of about 5000. The cam I am planning on using is very mild non roller comp cams #12-239-3 X4262H intake 218 exhaust 226 @.050 and 111° separation. The intake side is now stock tpi that I will eventually have all ported or switch to a super ram and the injectors are 24lb/hr. I am not sure which compression ratio is the best for the street or if any of the heads are much better than the others. This will be a close to daily driver car with a rpm range of about 1000-5000rpm. Thanks
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Old Jan 29, 2007 | 10:26 AM
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I certainly wouldn't be afraid of those ratios. If you decide to change the heads do yourself a favor...search here for posts on the AFR heads before you go that route.
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Old Jan 29, 2007 | 10:45 AM
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Any of those ratios will be fine.
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Old Jan 29, 2007 | 11:59 AM
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I haven't worked with TPI much, but I would think 10.6 is ok. I had an 11.3 LT1 and it was fine.
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Old Jan 29, 2007 | 12:54 PM
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I would think you would run fine on 92 or 93 with 10.6:1 compression. If it's tuned right you should be fine.
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Old Jan 29, 2007 | 01:30 PM
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The only one that could be a problem is the 10.6 with cast iorn you should be alright but that is about the limit for cast iorn heads. Aluminum disapates heat better and allows for a cooler combustion chamber. I would opt for aluminum heads and bump the compresson to 11.0-11.6
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Old Jan 29, 2007 | 02:08 PM
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yep, 10.6 is boderline with the cast iron heads. also check out the trick flows 23 degree heads they are aluminum and are affordable.
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Old Jan 29, 2007 | 05:33 PM
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If the engine was built with good quench, this will give you more leeway on the CR too. Good quench improves combustion efficiency thus helping to prevent detonation.
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Old Jan 29, 2007 | 05:47 PM
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Default TOO much compression

. Aluminum disapates heat better and allows for a cooler combustion chamber. I would opt for aluminum heads and bump the compresson to 11.0-11.6[/QUOTE]

NOT!!! That's big numbers to run ON THE STREET. 11.0/1 would be max if you want be able to drive the car EVERYWHERE. Better to stay a little low, (11.6 is fairly radical) for a street car and be able to get gas in the smallest town around without pinging.......

Just my 2 cents worth, been there done that!!
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Old Jan 31, 2007 | 12:17 AM
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After looking around and talking to other people I feel a little uncomfortable running the cast iron vortecs at that high of compression. So I guess i will be looking for a good set of aluminum heads, I know a smaller port would work best for the kind of rpm and torque I am looking for. Now I am not sure what is an ideal compression ratio for aluminum heads, I know that high usually means more power, but I want something that runs good and is very reliable. I am looking at either edelbrock 170s (9.89:1) or the afr 180s (9.51:1) and I cant descide if the afrs are worth the extra money especially since I am not building a high rpm motor. I want a nice broad torque curve, oh well looks like I may have to break down and get desktop dyno or something.
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