What should compression be in a 88 5.0?

LT1 Z28 · 03-14-2002, 02:46 PM

I am looking at an 88 5.0 and I want to do a compression test on it before I buy. What should the numbers be for a motor in good shape?

Thank you.

Marc

LT1 Z28 · 03-14-2002, 07:55 PM

84LX89GT · 03-14-2002, 10:11 PM

Depending on how you do it, maybe between 150psi and 180psi (that's a ballpark estimate) they should all be within 75% of each other according to Ford (any more differance indicates a large problem). Make sure to do the test with the engine warm, all plugs out, and with wide open throttle. Hope this helps.

PKRWUD · 03-14-2002, 10:42 PM

I'd say shoot for 150psi, but as previously stated, it really does depend on several things. Most important is that the results are uniform. The highest reading shouldn't be more than 20% higher than the lowest reading. Also as mentioned, make sure the engine is warm, all plugs are removed for the entire test, the throttle is blocked at WOT, and the coil is disabled.

Take care,
-Chris

03-14-2002, 02:46 PM	#1
LT1 Z28 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Ottawa, ON, CA Posts: 142	What should compression be in a 88 5.0? I am looking at an 88 5.0 and I want to do a compression test on it before I buy. What should the numbers be for a motor in good shape? Thank you. Marc

03-14-2002, 07:55 PM	#2
LT1 Z28 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Ottawa, ON, CA Posts: 142	So?

03-14-2002, 10:11 PM	#3
84LX89GT Mustangs Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 1,938	Depending on how you do it, maybe between 150psi and 180psi (that's a ballpark estimate) they should all be within 75% of each other according to Ford (any more differance indicates a large problem). Make sure to do the test with the engine warm, all plugs out, and with wide open throttle. Hope this helps. __________________ 2005 Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300-R 1980 Ford Thunderbird - 255 V8 ported heads, 5.0L ported stock headers, O.R. H-pipe and Flowmaster 2-chambers, dual roller timing chain hi-po Mack Truck hood emblem 1985 Mustang GT 5.0L T5, F-303, GT40p, headers, off-road h, flowmasters, MSD stuff, etc. Sold 02/06/04 1989 Mustang GT ET: 13.304@102.29 mph (5-24-03) Sold - 1998 Mustang Cobra coupe, 1/4 mile - street tires: 13.843@103.41 (bone stock)

03-14-2002, 10:42 PM	#4
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	I'd say shoot for 150psi, but as previously stated, it really does depend on several things. Most important is that the results are uniform. The highest reading shouldn't be more than 20% higher than the lowest reading. Also as mentioned, make sure the engine is warm, all plugs are removed for the entire test, the throttle is blocked at WOT, and the coil is disabled. Take care, -Chris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

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