Your donations help keep this valuable resource free and growing. Thank you.
|
compression question |
Post Reply | Page 12> |
Author | |
Ralph G.
AMC Apprentice Joined: Apr/06/2016 Location: Cincinnati Status: Offline Points: 185 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Posted: Oct/26/2016 at 8:20pm |
I'm having the engine rebuilt in my '68 390 AMX. It has the close-ratio 4-speed with 3.15 gears. I want to be able to safely use readily available premium pump gas (91-92 octane) in it. Can I safely do this with the stock 10.25 compression? (I hear the AMC V8 is not overly compression sensitive.) The engine will be stock except for a slightly more aggressive hydraulic lifter cam. Or should I use lower-compression pistons? Thanks in advance.
|
|
SKeown
AMC Addicted Joined: Jul/30/2009 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 3085 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
With the cam and correct ignition timing I wouldn't hesitate to run 10.25 CR on 92 gas. Don't increase the quench by resorting to thicker head gaskets though. SKeown
|
|
ccowx
AMC Addicted Joined: Nov/03/2010 Location: Yukon Status: Offline Points: 3510 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Like SKeown said. I have about 10.4:1 static compression if you take into account the overbore and it runs on 91 octane. Make sure you have the timing set right for your driving and available fuel. I would also suggest that you check with the cam manufacturer for their thoughts, cam selection can make a big difference to engine detonation.
Thanks! Chris
|
|
AMXFSTBK390
AMC Addicted Joined: Oct/22/2013 Location: SF Bay Area Status: Offline Points: 3489 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Highest octane at the pump here is 91. So, I went with 73 dog-leg heads which lower the stock compression from 10.25 to about 9.6 on a 390 V8 bored .30 over. I also installed a very mild cam often referred to as a RV cam. Also running '73 free flow exhaust manifolds.
|
|
Questions are powerful tools...what's in your toolbox?
|
|
rockAMX
AMC Addicted Joined: Sep/16/2011 Location: Lethbridge AB Status: Offline Points: 985 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Hardened valve seats on the heads as well for the unleaded gas. Otherwise you can use a fuel additive every time you fill up to keep the valves lubricated.
|
|
DWR
1968 AMX |
|
FSJunkie
AMC Addicted Joined: Jan/09/2011 Location: Flagstaff, AZ Status: Offline Points: 4742 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
If you cut corners on the seats and guides you will pay for it later down the road. The faster you drive, the sooner you will pay for it. I didn't put hardened guides and hardened seats into my 232 when I rebuilt it and it pounded out its exhaust seats 15,000 miles later.
|
|
1955 Packard
1966 Marlin 1972 Wagoneer 1973 Ambassador 1977 Hornet 1982 Concord D/L 1984 Eagle Limited |
|
AMXFSTBK390
AMC Addicted Joined: Oct/22/2013 Location: SF Bay Area Status: Offline Points: 3489 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Summit Racing has a Compression Calculator on their website. Get accurate compression without the guess work. Info needed is: bore, stroke, cylinder head volume, effective dome volume, deck clearance, compressed gasket thickness, number of cylinders. Then the calculator determines compression ratio and total displacement.
|
|
Questions are powerful tools...what's in your toolbox?
|
|
needafasterAMX
AMC Addicted Joined: Feb/20/2008 Location: TLH,Florida Status: Offline Points: 724 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
If you plan on driving it a lot, I would lower the compression.
I had a stock 390 and it was a problem with stock compression. |
|
74 AMX, 401
Viper spec T56 6 speed trans Hydroboost brakes with rear disks from a Avenger 3:73 TG rear,now Trutrac with 3:15 A Turbo is in my future. |
|
Ralph G.
AMC Apprentice Joined: Apr/06/2016 Location: Cincinnati Status: Offline Points: 185 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Thanks for the input, guys. I'll check with the builder and see what he thinks. I'm thinking somewhere in the mid to high 9's might be a good compromise.
|
|
uncljohn
AMC Addicted Joined: Jan/03/2013 Location: Peoria AZ Status: Offline Points: 5394 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Having spent the last 20 years of my life building AMC engines for myself on 91 octane gasoline, I would not build one over 9:1 compression. They are safe and you can tune the heck out of them. I got tired of buying octane boost trying to run greater compression.
|
|
70 390 5spd Donohue
74 Hornet In restoration 76 Hornet, 5.7L Mercury Marine Power 80 Fuel Injected I6 Spirit 74 232 I-6, 4bbl, 270HL Isky Cam |
|
Post Reply | Page 12> |
Tweet
|
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |