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Why high compression?

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Old Aug 15, 2005 | 10:57 PM
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Default Why high compression

Why are our cars such high compression and most new cars. From what i've read on engine compression going up a point in compression is only about 10hp give or take. Is 10hp worth the extra 20 cents a gallon or am i just missing something.
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Old Aug 15, 2005 | 11:11 PM
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You might want to try this in the internal engine section as I know I do not have an answer for you.
James
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Old Aug 16, 2005 | 09:09 PM
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It's right out of the Physics book, compression = Power.
The number I have always heard is 1 point compression = 5% HP
On a 400 hp engine, an increase of 10:1 to 11:1 = 20hp
You will need high octane fuel.
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Old Aug 16, 2005 | 09:14 PM
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I would actually consider 91 octane rioght know. I once checked for knock retard on a competitors Ta and he has tons of knock retard on that regular sam's club gasoline.
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Old Aug 16, 2005 | 09:16 PM
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Higher compression makes a motor more efficient. More efficient means better fuel economy. If our motors were only 9.0 to 1, we might only be getting 24 mpgs, but with 11 to 1, we can get 26-30 mpgs. That's usually worth the bump to premium fuel, plus you get lots more torque to pull you around town. Heck, diesel engines have sky high compression and look at the great fuel economy they get. Efficiency, efficiency.
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