LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

96 LT1 compression test

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Old Jan 13, 2022 | 10:50 AM
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Default 96 LT1 compression test

I want to run a compression test before i get too carried away with this newly acquired LT1. (Sitting on a stand in my garage) I have a book coming but hoping you guys could help in the meantime. It is supposed to be completely stock, has pretty much everything in place to my knowledge (ECU, wiring, all sensors etc) I know to take all plugs out and block the throttle body wide open. I am also going to fill the oil pan with oil as it is currently drained. Also there is no fuel source.

My question is, is there anything I need to do to protect electronics, like ground out the ignition or anything? I am thinking there will be no spark anyway but just want to make sure as I am not familiar with LT1. I am going to bump start using starter motor and trigger bump starter. Also is there anything else I need to do to perform this test correctly?
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Old Jan 13, 2022 | 02:32 PM
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From: Jackstandican
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Remove the PCM fuse from the panel that is on the dash next to the drivers door. That will cut fuel and spark.
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Old Jan 13, 2022 | 02:35 PM
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Originally Posted by SS RRR
Remove the PCM fuse from the panel that is on the dash next to the drivers door. That will cut fuel and spark.
Donor car is not in my possession, only the motor, ecu and harness. So i should be able to go ahead and let it rip?

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Old Jan 13, 2022 | 04:35 PM
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From: Jackstandican
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I'd keep the harness out of it and put power only to the starter.
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Old Jan 13, 2022 | 05:01 PM
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Originally Posted by SS RRR
I'd keep the harness out of it and put power only to the starter.
ok does this look right?



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Old Jan 14, 2022 | 09:28 AM
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From: Jackstandican
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Just remembered something, is there also a jumper wire (stock) that ties the "big post" to the "R" post?
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Old Jan 14, 2022 | 09:53 AM
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I am not sure to be honest. Will check in a few hours when I get home. Will respond shortly
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Old Jan 14, 2022 | 10:20 AM
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From: Jackstandican
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I also have a starter I can take a pic of that you can use for reference.
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Old Jan 14, 2022 | 01:14 PM
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Originally Posted by SS RRR
I also have a starter I can take a pic of that you can use for reference.
Here she is. Will prob get a new one before it is put back on the road.


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Old Jan 14, 2022 | 02:20 PM
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From: Jackstandican
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There it is. So yeah, battery power on big post and bump start trigger on small one.
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Old Jan 14, 2022 | 02:25 PM
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Originally Posted by SS RRR
There it is. So yeah, battery power on big post and bump start trigger on small one.
ok i was just going to unplug the coil to dist. To prevent frying anything. Should i unplug anything else?


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Old Jan 14, 2022 | 02:28 PM
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Motor is on a stand, i have ecu and most engine wiring intact.
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Old Jan 14, 2022 | 02:48 PM
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From: Jackstandican
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If you're only going to apply power to the starter I don't see the need to unplug anything else since the PCM will not be getting power.
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Old Jan 14, 2022 | 02:50 PM
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Originally Posted by SS RRR
If you're only going to apply power to the starter I don't see the need to unplug anything else since the PCM will not be getting power.
Awesome thanks I'll give it a shot

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Old Jan 14, 2022 | 06:40 PM
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Plugs out,
Give each hole just fine spritz of oil if it hasn't run in a while.
a Leakdown will tell far more than just the compression test.
And you can use a leak down tester for both checks.
Just turn with the starter, and I would make sure there is oil in the engine..
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Old Jan 15, 2022 | 06:04 AM
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Originally Posted by pdxmotorhead
Plugs out,
Give each hole just fine spritz of oil if it hasn't run in a while.
a Leakdown will tell far more than just the compression test.
And you can use a leak down tester for both checks.
Just turn with the starter, and I would make sure there is oil in the engine..
When you say spritz of oil, do you mean like fogging oil? I thought oil/dry yielded different results. Which way is correct.
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Old Jan 17, 2022 | 11:42 AM
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From: Jackstandican
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I wouldn't worry about using oil for the cylinders at first. If you run into a bad cylinder you can then use an oil pump can and put in a few squirts into the cylinder to see if compression rises. If it does it's most likely the rings are worn. If not then you may have valve/top end issues. Also if there's a manifold and throttle body on this engine, block open the throttle blades.
Worn out cylinders are usually on the bottom side of the cylinder from both gravity and piston thrust. That's why straight angle engines last a bazillion miles. The cylinders wear evenly. When you put in oil gravity will take it exactly where it needs to go.
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Old Jan 17, 2022 | 11:47 AM
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Originally Posted by SS RRR
I wouldn't worry about using oil for the cylinders at first. If you run into a bad cylinder you can then use an oil pump can and put in a few squirts into the cylinder to see if compression rises. If it does it's most likely the rings are worn. If not then you may have valve/top end issues. Also if there's a manifold and throttle body on this engine, block open the throttle blades.
Worn out cylinders are usually on the bottom side of the cylinder from both gravity and piston thrust. That's why straight angle engines last a bazillion miles. The cylinders wear evenly. When you put in oil gravity will take it exactly where it needs to go.
Thanks for the response. I am hoping to give it a go on Tuesday. Do you know what good numbers would be? Motor is all stock PO claims 97k


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Old Jan 17, 2022 | 11:53 AM
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From: Jackstandican
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If I were to guess with a stock cam it'd be maybe in the 180 to 200ish area? I remember doing one on my car when it had about 30K miles on it with a 211/219 cam and LPE heads and it was in the 205-210lb area. Did one again with the same heads and a GM847 cam at 90Kish miles and all cylinders were right around 180. What is also important is that all cylinders are within 10% of eachother.
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Old Jan 17, 2022 | 12:04 PM
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Originally Posted by SS RRR
If I were to guess with a stock cam it'd be maybe in the 180 to 200ish area? I remember doing one on my car when it had about 30K miles on it with a 211/219 cam and LPE heads and it was in the 205-210lb area. Did one again with the same heads and a GM847 cam at 90Kish miles and all cylinders were right around 180. What is also important is that all cylinders are within 10% of eachother.
Ok thanks for the response. I know readings can vary from tester to tester. I do have a good screw in type with various adapters.
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