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How much do cams affect compression test?

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electrohead

15+ Year Contributor
78
40
Mar 5, 2011
Atlanta, Georgia
I just tested my compression today and got 130 psi (+-5) across the board. Engine has Brian Crower stage 2 NA cams with the exhaust cam set -4°. I do have 160,000 miles on engine. Also, wet test brought my compression up to 160psi.
How much will the cams affect compression? Is the overlap getting me lower compression numbers, or is it just my engine being tired?
 
Being as your numbers improved with a wet test that much, your piston rings are likely worn a decent amount resulting in your lower numbers dry, cams will lower your numbers to an extent, but oil in the bore wouldn't improve them by that much if thats all that was going on.
 
Yes and no. Yes it affects. No not that much. The overlap is probably not the cause of your case.
Also, wet test brought my compression up to 160psi.
I think you just found the answer for your own question. The wet test gave you more than 20% higher numbers. Since all cylinders have similar number, most likely time to overhaul with new rings/re-hone.
Anyways make sure if the mechanical timing is fine and do a leak down test.
 
Looks like, if all goes to plan, I might start the rebuild next month (or at least start getting theparts). Since top end has been done, block looks to be refreshed as well. And I have a Hahn stage 2 kit sitting around, begging to be installed. Haha. It's just going to have to have the intercooler pipes modified to line up to the AMMFAB intake manifold.
 
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