1. What is Piston Compression Height?

Piston Compression Height (CH) is the distance from the centerline of the wrist pin to the top of the piston. It's a critical dimension in engine building that affects compression ratio and piston-to-valve clearance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( CH \) — Compression Height (in)
• \( \text{Pin Height} \) — Distance from pin center to piston deck (in)
• \( \text{Dome Height} \) — Height of piston dome/dish (in, positive for dome, negative for dish)

Explanation: The formula subtracts the dome height from the pin height to determine the actual compression height.

3. Importance of Compression Height

Details: Proper compression height ensures correct piston placement in the cylinder, affects compression ratio, and prevents interference between pistons and cylinder heads or valves.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter pin height and dome height in inches. For dished pistons, use a negative value for dome height. All values must be valid numerical inputs.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical compression height range?
A: For most passenger vehicles, compression height ranges from 1.0-1.5 inches, but varies by engine design.

Q2: How does compression height affect engine building?
A: It determines piston position at top dead center (TDC), affecting quench area, compression ratio, and valve clearance.

Q3: What if my piston has a dish instead of a dome?
A: Use a negative value for dome height when calculating compression height for dished pistons.

Q4: How precise should these measurements be?
A: Engine building typically requires precision to 0.001 inch or better for reliable results.

Q5: Can I use this for both stock and aftermarket pistons?
A: Yes, the formula works for any piston type as long as you have accurate measurements.