Geez Nick, freely giving away decades of knowledge like that. I just don't see that very often. Thank you so much. You are the greatest

@areuaware6842

2 жыл бұрын

He's a natural teacher.

@williamarnett9064

2 жыл бұрын

This stuff is common knowledge

@racehemi426425

2 жыл бұрын

@@williamarnett9064 when I go to buy a head gasket for a 440, it's going to be the one Nick says.

@jamesmerrihew401

2 жыл бұрын

Nick if you have a problem getting the right Pistons isn't there a way you can offset cut the crankshaft and give the motor a little more stroke? .075 below the deck wow.

@rodan2852

Жыл бұрын

Amen

This is very valuable to people just beginning in their Hot Rod career and a good review for us who have been around for some time. Many times the simple things like this can make a huge upgrade in performance. Getting the right pistons and head gaskets can make all the difference in the world.

I recently explained this to my cousin when he was building a 455 Pontiac engine. He was going to use some large CC chamber heads on his build that would have resulted in a CR of 8 to 1. He sourced another set of heads for a CR of 9.5 to 1.

I really enjoyed watching this video about calculating compression ratio. When I first saw the video on the Road Runner I knew it was down on power, and probably compression, but I had no idea that it would be this low. After Nick finds the right piston, and zero decks the block, I'm sure that this 383 will have all of it's power back, and then some. 400 HP will make this RR a very nice street machine. Great job on the video George, very informative, and entertaining. I always enjoy these learning videos, keep them coming.

@NicksGarage

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your kind comment, Eugene. We know there was one (yellow) thing missing from the content this week. 😉

@robertorhymes

2 жыл бұрын

Nick is always sharing technical specs that's why Nick's Garage always gets my respects Holler holler Eugene!

@eugenecastles7475

2 жыл бұрын

@@NicksGarage I saw a few peeks of yellow in the background, so that's enough to satisfy my yellow fix, until the next video.

@blinkie1523

2 жыл бұрын

Can;t wait for that one then will be special!

@meowerstationone3793

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Eugene. Looking forward to the day they fire up your car!

030-.040" quench is good for power and helping prevent detonation. Zero deck with valve relief flat top pistons and .040" head gasket. Dynamic compression/ cranking compression is where the camshaft and real magic happens

@nickpanaritis4122

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, depending on camshaft profile.

@garybulwinkle82

2 жыл бұрын

I remember reading somewhere that the old guys would say just before the pistons "slap the heads" is where you get the best power! When the pistons come up to TDC the mixture is forced out of the quench area into the center cavity increasing the turbulence, like vortec heads, increasing the burn rate and power. They discontinued this because it increased emissions! They used to have two quench areas then one then open chamber for emissions.

I love to watch a true master at work

And this is why I want Nick to build my 340. (& everyone else too)

Bonus episode is much appreciated. Good information to help a novice like me understand why my engine is so sluggish. I knew in general, but not all the specific details.

@davidnelson6893

2 жыл бұрын

As well here

Wow!!! This, like all the other instructional/build videos, was fantastic!! Compression ratio is something all gearheads talk about but few know how to figure/calculate it. Nick, EXCELLENT job of explaining it and what can affect it. This gives some great tips on engine configuration for diy builders. George, great work on your production!!! See y’all Friday night!! 😊

Most "rebuilder" pistons are destroked about .040. They do that so that the rebuilder can mill the heads, bore the block and even deck the block and the compression ratio will stay at or be below the factory specs. It makes it so the rebuilder has less issues with piston failures from the compression getting higher than stock and the customer using low octane fuel, maybe too much timing and a cooling system that might be less than perfect. They don't care about performance. If you use those pistons on a engine that everything else is stock you get the situation Nick found on the 383. Good aftermarket performance pistons should have the original pin height.

@robertwest3093

2 жыл бұрын

This is exactly what I have found to be true of most "rebuilder" pistons. Most are in the range of. 040 below deck.

Dr. Nick, this is why I watch this channel, you explain everything of what you are doing, and I can not wait to see this 383 reach 400 hp, cheers.

Good morning Nick and George, wow it's Wednesday, and another episode of Nick's Garage, awesome!

@NicksGarage

2 жыл бұрын

Morning! As Monday's vid was a bit shorter than usual this week, we managed to get a bonus episode put together. Hope you like it!

@derekbowbrick6233

2 жыл бұрын

Good morning to the state of Texas, hope all is well with you.

@ericball6000

2 жыл бұрын

@@NicksGarage WE did like it.

@eugenecastles7475

2 жыл бұрын

@@derekbowbrick6233 Good morning Derek, everything is good here, hope you are doing ok too.

30 years ago i built my first engine. Everything was done by the numbers from the engine shop. And a little 350 gm small block with 8.5 to 1 became 10.5 to one. Bored .60 over. Raised flat top pistons to match the 202 heads. Gutless wonder became big power. Which need new trans built to handle it all.

@SgtStedenko1

2 жыл бұрын

Wow. You built an engine that was .600 over! 😂

Should be called « Professor Nick’s Garage », you are number one !!

Good morning Nick: Your knowledge is a "treasure" for the car community. I subscribe because it bridges for me, what i grew up on "muscle cars" with current era versions of that. Great video👍

Nick, I struggle each day with depression and anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Your videos keep my mind occupied in a way that I don't dwell on the struggles of my life. Thank you Nick and Crew.

@NicksGarage

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing. We understand your struggle, and we’re honored and touched that we can be some help. 👍

Great video Nick I loved it reminds me of when I was 18 years old I read my direct connection book from front cover for a year and then I had the Machine Shop do all the 0dec and clean the head up so it was good and perfect yeah I no doubt I cannot believe I mean I'm 63 now I can't believe hardly that back then I was doing 1101 at 120 miles an hour people couldn't believe that Dodge all I love that 440 thank you Nick

Nick did this same process for me when I worked on my block. He walked me through just like this, and shared many tips and tricks. Why make the drive to see Nicks Garage? Because he’s worth it!

I’m so glad I came across this channel after purchasing my 71 D100 with a 383. Just wish I lived closer to him. I’d quit my job to work beside Nick!

@NicksGarage

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Mike!

Back in the old days; we had to calculate the volumes on paper to figure out the CR. No online calculators in those days.

We need more short episodes like this .

DR Nick fixes the patient with no energy and will turn it into a tough guy on the street

@NicksGarage

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, G&C. That is the plan!

Great video and something that people sometimes just ignore when they go to build or rebuild an engine. Then they go get a big cam and throw in something and the compression ratio is way below what the cam wants and the engine runs like a 3 legged dog. I've been going through this on the Cleveland I'm rebuilding because it is around 8.5:1 right now.

Just a superior tutorial on calculating compression ratio and it's relationship to power production. Nick is a REAL master engine builder! Thank you Nick you're the best. I can't wait to see the 383 on the dyno when complete...

@davidnelson6893

2 жыл бұрын

Yes for sure

That’s a beautiful car. It’s interesting to see compression test. That’s the heart of the motor. Nick is great at explaining how motor tolerances work . Thanks.

This is probaly why my 1972 chevelle ss with a old truck motor 454 outran my buddys 1970 roadrunner 383 with 4 speed, not sure what gears chevelle had or his but his car had to be slow, the, chevelle had 400 turbo auto and best quarter mile time was 14.7 , great job great show guys!

In all my years of wrenching on vehicles I've never done more than basic compression as well as leak down tests etc. Thanks Nick for a very informative break down on calculating compression ratios. YOU ROCK DUDE! 👍 ✌️

Outstanding episode, THANK YOU!

@NicksGarage

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks n6mz. Glad you enjoyed.

Awesome! Everyone have a seat, be quiet, pay attention a take notes. Class is in session. Professor Nick is lecturing.

I have a 383 in my Coronet. It is a slug. Watching this confirms all my rebuild mistakes.

Nick you remind me of American physicist Professor Julius Sumner Miller because he would explain why and how things worked and here you are explaining the physics of compression ratios that apply to all internal combustion piston engines. This is valuable and useful. Thank you.

Great stuff, "all killer, no filler!" Would definitely like to see more concentrated technical videos like this one.

what very important is quench what most engine builder dont talk about i like between 0.25 and 0.35 quench thank you nick very good video

@nickpanaritis4122

2 жыл бұрын

A very good quench prevents detonation.

Kind of feel bad for the person who did the original rebuild, thinking that they increased power, only to find it had less power. Thanks for the heads-up info and sharing your knowledge!

Yes! it's so good to see you explain this for people excellent content you guys rock.

@NicksGarage

2 жыл бұрын

Our pleasure!

More good advice, He learned the hard way, We all need to say thank you Nick for our projects and doing it Right the First time

Great show Nick...would like more of these tutorial type videos

@NicksGarage

2 жыл бұрын

Noted! Glad you like them.

I built a 383 years ago and used Keith Black pistons (with one large valve relief trough) which were .030 below the deck, then milled the block AND the closed chamber heads AND a Cometic .030 gasket to finally get to an honest 10-1 comp. ratio lol. All these years later I’m still hearing that the aftermarket is still not very kind to the 383 for building compression.

11:15 Great point about finding tall CH pistons to limit decking. Plus, the more you deck the block, the less well the intake manifold will line up. This is great, I'm so glad piston companies will tell you their CH. Some companies openly brag "We have -.010 to -.020" to compensate for decking. 14:05 I always wondered about how to get good head gasket sealing when an engine was not designed with aluminum heads. I'm glad just ordering a Fel Pro does the job. I was not expecting a little over 8:1 due to the various rebuild parts. Interesting story.

The more I watch your videos the more I learn and I have owned a few mopars over the years in fact my first car was a 72charger 318car but I loved the way it looked I am glad I found your videos helped me keep my sanity while I was laid up after rolling my jeep down the highway love mopars and y'all don't bash other brands

@NicksGarage

2 жыл бұрын

Glad we could help.. and we hope you are doing much better after the crash.

Just like I was back in shop class!! Awesome that was 45 years ago

Good morning Nick and crew from mid Tn. You know your day is good when you a Notification from Nick's Garage.

Effective compression ratio can be different, according to the camshaft.

@bradleynelson5915

2 жыл бұрын

He was just stating stating the basics. I'm sure he can do a whole other video on static versus dynamic compression. He was dumbing it down for the average Joe.

@nickpanaritis4122

2 жыл бұрын

@@bradleynelson5915 That is correct. Thank you.

@jeffrykopis5468

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, the DYNAMIC compression is greatly affected by the duration and LSA. That's why cams like the Comp Thumpr, Howards Rattler, and Hughes Whiplash cams have lobe centers of 107 to 109, and close the intake valve early; to build cylinder pressure on low static compression engines. But a restoration guy won't like the choppy idle and low vacuum.

Thanks for the lesson Nick. That's what happened to me, I had a 1980 351w built, 30 over and a bunch of stuff done to the engine, I wanted between 9.5-10:1 compression, I got it back assembled, put it in a 1980 bronco but always felt that it was very sluggish, fast forward years later I gave the engine to my friend Tony to build it and put it in his Cougar, when he pulled the heads off, the pistons sat down in the cylinder, exactly what Nick just explained, I think my compression was only about 7.5-8.0:1 compression, no wonder I had no power, but now after a full rebuilt done right,Tony is running 500plus HP. So if you get your engine built, find someone who knows his stuff and understands what your after!

Good Morning Nick & George, thanks for informing us as to why that 383 didn't have any power. Very interesting as is how you measure the correct compression ratio. Top wee video thanks and stay safe all.

I've spec. a big block Ford 351 c. with 30 over to 10.5 compression . it pumped real good with a mild RV cam . It worked real good! We did allow the machine shop do the lower end line bore crank and cam. They also balanced and decked the block to matched the gaskets and pistons. Wow it had so much low end we had to put wide track tires to hold traction. It pays to trust your machine shop. We were a more general type shop, leave the critical measurements to someone who is used to this type of exact measurements. There is nothing against you (with all of your experience) this is a money and time saver for us all not so familiar with these critical measurements. Find a machine shop that is qualified to the that has the reputation and you can communicate your ideas. It will pay off in many ways that most people don't realize. Nick you've obviously been there, done that, many times. A lot of people watch videos but don't realize that you have to have the skill to do this kind of critical measurements. Love every one of your videos I've watched. You are a knowledge resource that many rely on.

It's all mythology to me. Nick is omnipotent. X

Really interesting, thanks Nick for showing us 👍😁

@NicksGarage

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it Dave.

This is GREAT! Two videos in one week! Good morning Nick and Crew! Bill from Linglestown Pennsylvania

@NicksGarage

2 жыл бұрын

Hope you enjoyed it!

Thank you Nick! Do more videos like this! Look forward to seeing more educational videos like this! Real entertainment!

I took a "wild" guess at the compression ratio before you showed it and guessed 8.4:1 Steel shim head gaskets were the 2nd thing to come to mind. It seems we grew up with the same "Direct Connection" Bible.

Would be nice to have the pistons extra tall and deck them instead of the block. I always hate taking material off a block if I don't have to.

@trillrifaxegrindor4411

2 жыл бұрын

Then the piston crown strength would be compromised....best to get the highest pin bore to piston crown height and be 0.01/0.02" down the hole at tdc...not 0.075"

Hey Nick even though I know this I still found it interesting after all my years as a Diesel Fitter. Very nicely explained for the those that don't know.

I don't remember the specs on that iskenderian Cam that I had in my 440 Nick but I wish I could there was great I was one proud happy 18 year old it was cool when people who drove in my car when I nailed it their head would hit the backrest

Now that was a GREAT Video!! More like this, Thanks Nick

good tutorial Nick! This makes it very easy to understand and measure! Thanks!

Thanks Nick. Great information and tips. Keep on smiling.

Excellent lesson !!!! Thank you Nick!!!

Thanks for the great tech video Nick.

Thanks for the video .Very good explanation.

Excellent, excellent video. Good job guys. 👍

And this is why I LOVE Nick's garage.....thank you Nick 💯😎

Thanks Nick. Very informative as usual!

Thanks for the bonus video! Great information, as ALWAYS!👍

Awesome Nick!

Great video Nick.

Merci/ Thank-you, really nice to have a mid week video. I remember having a formula from school, and the one that showed you tire size and engine rotation for your true speed.

@NicksGarage

2 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome!

This is a truly great one.

Great Episode....thanks for making it. Very professional tutorial.

Nick. Thanks so much for the great tutorial on piston compression. You made it so easy to understand even for a novice like me. I'll put that knowledge away in the back of the brain for future reference. Live your show. Love Mopars

Wow a bonus video and some very good info. You are the man Nick!

This was a great video Nick!

Thanks Nick, Enjoyed this episode. Stay safe and healthy.

Very good. Thanks for info.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge Nick! This is helpful. Thank you 👍

Nick of Nicks Garage gentleman/genius !!! What a master of the HorsePower !! Best Muscle Car man on You tube thnx A1000000 Nick

Awesome dial indicator stand! Not only will the compression be really low, but the squish will not be happening…

Thanks Nick for the head gasket part number that looks like a real good gasket for the job.

Thxx nick and George ,,,,super informative instalment 🤙

GREAT INFO Nick!!!

Thanks Nick, great informative videos! I learn something everytime I watch.

Thank you nick for the education. ✌☮ brother.

Great Stuff Nick! Your da Man!

Wow what an amazing video! I never realised the math and measurement requirements that are needed to accomplish the job. I worked in meteorology for many decades and I have just been schooled. Thank you very much appreciated!

@jeffdickson7794

2 жыл бұрын

Sorry but meteorology is all math and physics which is why I say I got schooled big time.

Great video very informative. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge and passing it on you are a great teacher Nick. Have a great week guys.

I love the video thx Nick and the gang always watch with a smile 😃

Very informative video ! Thank you ! ❤️😎

Great content thanks for sharing

Nick It seems we had this conversation about compression 20 years ago. So I just ran your numbers through the calculator again, They still wont come up with advertised comp ratio. You are right in bringing up the deck height to 0 and giving it a little bit of overbore. However with a flat top piston and .010 in the hole .your lucky to get 9.1 or 2. Add a small dome and get er up there

Great tutorial on compression calculation!! Thank you Nick for this great education!

Hi Nick Lotta good information love watching your channel keep up the good work!!!

Very good explanation that anyone can understand. Good job!

Thank you nick !! , you’ve probably explained why my 383Hp is as flat as Kansas !! , needles to say when the heads come off I’ll be checking

Awesome 👍 job guys I appreciate all your Tips and video's keep up the great build.

I wish my trade school teachers made as much sense as you do. Cheers.

Thank You Nick! As always a great video, you are a Good Teacher!

Hi Nick, I really love your videos! I went to school for auto mechanics nearly 35 years ago and we learned how to calculate compression ratio along with a lot of other things. I sat down and did the math for fun. The hardest part is converting CCs of the head to cubic inches so all the units are the same. It works out to be 5.37 cubic inches. The rest of the math is straightforward and I come up with 7.817:1 compression ratio. What did I miss? Again I love your videos watch them all the time and greetings from Michigan USA. Farmer Bob

@johndeeregreen4592

2 жыл бұрын

I got 7.86:1 and that wasn't even accounting for the extra volume added by the slightly larger head gasket bore size. That probably added another 3-4cc's of volume. So, in reality, it's probably closer to 7.65:1... YIKES!

@ottomechb

2 жыл бұрын

Hi farmer bob. I also came up with 7.8 ratio. With a .020 gasket and zero deck height he will have near exactly 9.5 ratio when he is done. I used a crude setup with a 60 cc cow syringe and a plexiglass plate with a hole to measure things way back when.

Another great vid Nick!! 👍👍👍

Thank You, Nick! I learn something every time I watch one of your videos. You're the MOPAR Master!!!

Excellent lecture by Professor Nick. Thank you for the video and sharing your knowledge.