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

max Compression on 93 Octane

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Old Apr 22, 2010 | 07:25 PM
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Default max Compression on 93 Octane

While I have my LT4 out I am considering milling the heads to increase the CR slightly. Yes, I will mill the intake too.

How high can I go on 93 octane?
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Old Apr 22, 2010 | 07:30 PM
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There's not enough info here, it's all about quench and your dynamic CR; not static CR
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Old Apr 22, 2010 | 08:13 PM
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503 cam?
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Old Apr 22, 2010 | 08:22 PM
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Originally Posted by cuisinartvette
503 cam?
Yes. Let's keep this simple.How much can I mill off the LT4 heads?
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Old Apr 22, 2010 | 11:09 PM
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Originally Posted by MK 82
While I have my LT4 out I am considering milling the heads to increase the CR slightly. Yes, I will mill the intake too.

How high can I go on 93 octane?
Given the valve timing on that cam and the duration, you could increase your compression slightly without any problems.

If it were me, I wouldn't bother. If you're still running the factory bottom end you're at 10.8:1. Lets say some time down the road you end up decking the block and need to mill the heads, then you would really be pusing it for streetability and would be forced to change heads.

Bottom line is you do have room to increase compression and still run on pump gas without any issues. You could bump it around 11.25 without worrying most likely, but you're not going to gain a whole lot.
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Old Apr 22, 2010 | 11:33 PM
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The top guys running for 1/4 mile times are willing to go into the lower 11's (static),,,possibly higher. For the ones I ran the DCR for, they were usually in the 8.2-8.5 range -- which is consider fine. (Escecially if you keep your running temps in the 180-210 range).

I'm thinking you'll only gain about 1-1.5hp/cc.

BTW: Mass engine builders don't recommend going over 10.25:1"ish" -- unless you have a great build and good reason -- because they don't want to assume the extra risk.

Last edited by GREGGPENN; Apr 22, 2010 at 11:36 PM.
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Old Apr 22, 2010 | 11:40 PM
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Whats the difference in compression ratios that are static and regular compression ratios? What is usually listed from the manufacturer?
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Old Apr 23, 2010 | 12:52 AM
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Originally Posted by dogfish246
Whats the difference in compression ratios that are static and regular compression ratios? What is usually listed from the manufacturer?
Static Compression is what is given by manufacturers and can be calculated by measuring the actual components (ie head chambers, quench, bore, etc). This is the "theoretical" compression ratio.

The Dynamic Compression is what the "Actual" compression is. If you think about it, the piston starts to move up in the compression stroke before the intake valve is all the way closed. Technically you are not building compression until it closes all the way. This form of compression takes into account the valve timing on the camshaft and that is why a cam is used to calculate compression. This number is the one that matters when worrying about knock. Typically one does not want to go above 8.75 MAX DCR.

Hope this helps!
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