Low compression reading, engine rebuild guide ?

[garfy1981]

Carried out a compression test out of interest and the results are in; bit 2 ways really, part of me is disspointed, but other part of me is happy because engine can be rebuilt so i know exactely whats going on inside. As the original engine came from japan, sat on a pallet for about 3 years and then got fitted, ive never really known the history or condition as ive not opened it up, only put on a cambelt and water pump and dropped it straight in.

Anyhow, i tried it twice, 2nd time i really let engine get a good long run before testing but the readings remained the same.

Top left bank 145
Top middle bank 160
Top right bank 145
Bottom left bank 130
Bottom middle bank 140
Bottom right bank 135

So next quest is what parts to fit now engine is coming out, I have KLDE valve springs and retainers, thinking about colt cams, cam belt, water pump, head gasket, a good port and polish, upgraded rods,
any more suggestions ??? or reasons why readings could be low?.

[MrMazda92]

This, at a minimum:
Water pump
Timing Belt(tensioners too, might as well)
Bearings/Rings
Full Gasket Set
DE ValveSprings/Retainers
Valve Stem-seals
Clean your stock oil pump well

If you're going for more performance, great! I'd start with this:
Colt Cams(Your choice: 210, 218, Tri-Flow[210/218 staggered intake] are the basic options)
You don't really need to mess with the rods, you could spend thousands for almost no benefit(unless you're going FI)
Having a quality port job done on the intake side, and a mild port/polish for the exhaust side would be beneficial, but could cost quite a bit. It depends on how deep your pockets are!

Last but not least, MegaSquirt is your friend. You'll be able to fully benefit from the cams, and actually fine tune YOUR engine to YOUR needs. My PnP MegaSquirt allows for removal of the VAF, and the use of CoilPacks, you could build/buy one similar, and free up a little more power yourself.

[garfy1981]

Cheers mate, I did read a good post in the f&q which in fairness I should have looked first.
Gonna re try with another tester and perhaps try the oil trick to see what happens.
The engine is coming out anyhow so I want to spend a bit of dollar giving it a new lease of life. I've had it about 8 years. Tho it's done hardly any miles it's taken some abuse!.
I will leave the rods and I don't have any intention going FI but if I did it would be 7psi max, prob with m62 charger.
I'm swayed by tri flow cams from colt. however only seen them on you tube on the odd probe.

[garfy1981]

Oh I've got megasquirt ready and waiting.

[MrMazda92]

Good idea!

Yeah, unless the stock rods are damaged they'll be perfectly fine for any NA build. As for boost, they'd probably be fine at 5-7 too, according to what I've seen others do...

I like the look of the tri-flows as well, even if the powerband isn't wider, it should promote swirl in the combustion chamber, and that alone would be worth it. The idea is sound, but I've never been able to drive a tri-flow equipped KL.

As for MegaSquirt, awesome! That'll tie the rest of it together quite nicely.