1. What is Compression Height?

Compression Height (CH) is the distance from the centerline of the wrist pin to the top of the piston. It's a critical measurement in engine building that affects compression ratio, quench, and overall engine performance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Wallace Racing formula:

Where:

• \( Block\ Deck\ Height \) — Distance from crank centerline to deck surface (in)
• \( Rod\ Length \) — Center-to-center length of connecting rod (in)
• \( Stroke \) — Crankshaft stroke length (in)
• \( Deck\ Clearance \) — Piston position relative to deck at TDC (in)

Explanation: The formula calculates the required piston compression height based on other engine dimensions and desired deck clearance.

3. Importance of Compression Height

Details: Proper compression height ensures correct piston placement in the cylinder, affects compression ratio, influences quench/squish area, and impacts valvetrain geometry in some engines.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all dimensions in inches. Measure block deck height accurately from crank centerline to deck surface. Deck clearance is typically 0.000"-0.040" for most performance builds.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical compression height range?
A: For small block Chevys: 1.000"-1.600", big block Chevys: 1.270"-1.800", but varies by application.

Q2: How does compression height affect compression ratio?
A: Higher CH (with same deck clearance) reduces combustion chamber volume, increasing compression ratio.

Q3: What if my calculated CH isn't available?
A: You may need custom pistons or to adjust deck clearance/rod length.

Q4: Does this work for all engine types?
A: Yes, the formula is universal for any piston engine configuration.

Q5: How precise should measurements be?
A: Measure to 0.001" precision for best results, especially in high-performance applications.