i'm getting 140 on my 156k engine. Its very consistent (between 135-140 on each one.) but i'm a little worried that i'm being robbed of the potential i should be at. Some have told me i'm very low and i'm losing a lot of power, others tell me i'm ok as long the numbers are consistent i'm ok. Everyone with good knowledge on this please post your thoughts and tell me if i should replace my engine, how much hp i'm probably losing with the low compression, etc. thanks

At what point/price is it beneficial to start all over again with a newer engine?

 

Bump Ga Dammit!

 

Minimum is 142 with no more than 14pisi difference in each cylinder.

You are below that and definetely losing potential power through the band.

Replace it with another engine, at this time of the maxima legacy, the 4th gen engines are available at a dime a dozen.

Dixit

 

i thought that you need for all the cylinders to read close to one another? but i dont really know so...

 

Consistency is key and from what I've read, testing with a warm motor is the correct way of doing it. On a cold motor the numbers may be slightly lower.


Dave

 

What part of no more than a 14psi difference between any cylinders did you miss?

He said they were all in the 135-140 range.

 

Sell the car and get something new....that's what I'm doing...STi


-Tony

 

my friend that helped me with compression just bought a new kit and did compression and got 30 more pressure than before. He's going to help me do compression again. If its 140 and u guys really feel that 140 is too low, i may get engine replaced with tranny....

 

Let me ask you this, how does the engine feel? Does it still feel nice and strong like it has the past few years? As you know consistency is the key, but along with consistency you don't want to drop below the minimum. I would think if you were below the minnimum it will also be associated with a power problem. If you're NOT having any driveability/power problems why change the motor regardless of what readings you're getting.

Here are my suggestions
1)Put the car on a chassis dyno and see what you're getting at the wheels. If the numbers show no significant power lost thru-out the power band pay your dyno bill and enjoy your car for many years to come.
2)Dyno pulls cost a lot less than parts/labor for a engine change.
3)If you're still concerned about your compression readings find someone who can do a leak down test.
4)The problem with doing only a compression test is that they're too many varibles that can effect your readings, as you're finding the different gauges you're using
5)A leak down test takes more time but if along with compression test you will definately know how efficient your cylinders and combustion chambers are.


MIKE

 

Listen to this guy