how do you build the compression up on a car?

Question

i have a ford escort wagon

Answer 1

No offense intended, but if it's high horsepower you're looking for, you have the wrong car. The compression ratio can be raised by shaving the heads which reduces the combustion chamber volume or by putting in pistons that extend further up into the combustion chamber which also reduces the volume. Raise it too high and you'll have detonation (pinging) problems and you'll be buying $5 a gallon avaition fuel to keep the engine from self destructing.

Answer 2

You Dont tell me why you want more compression so I will give you some basics.If the engine is old only thicker oil and or new rings on the piston will help .If you want to recondition it for performance start with new rings main bearings and con rod bearings you could get oversize pistons also if they are not already used this would require boring out the cylinder block quite expensive if you choose to do that ,then you can think about having the head shaved larger valves put in the head the head could be ported and polished then add extractors to enhance the performance of all these modifications .if you just need more compression to run and not performence just have the head shaved and new piston rings.Think I have covered it all best of luck.

Answer 3

gonna hot rod ur escort?? dome pistons and shaved head...for what 10 to 20 hp gain? trade it for a acura or Mercedes Benz of porshe wagon...u DON"T want to spend 2000 on hopping up that thing..

Answer 4

As long as the compression is in balance for all pistons.cylinders... Thats all the compression your gona get...