Glossary / General

high compression

10 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

In a car engine, compression is how much the air‑fuel mix is squished before it ignites. More squeezing means more power, but the engine needs better fuel to avoid knocking.

Technical Definition

High compression refers to the ratio of the engine’s combustion chamber volume when the piston is at bottom dead center versus top dead center. Higher compression increases power but requires higher-octane fuel.

Hear It Discussed

"[512.3s] And yeah, but it also now has high compression, [516.5s] head work cams."
The Ugliest US Bumpers Ever Produced — Carmudgeon Ep. 245 w Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott The Carmudgeon Show 08:32

"There was a story that it may be running like high, high compression or something along that line. Yes, it's got high compression."
Approved or Denied? Pitching Our Ultimate Porsche Investment Picks 9WERKS Radio : The Porsche and Car Podcast 08:05

"I thought about starting it up, because I said, well, diesels do have high compression. I bet I could blow it out of the cylinder head..."
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - July 18, 2026 - Hour 1 - The Risk Is In The Repair Ron Ananian The Car Doctor 05:47