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Let`s assume a guy has the correct fuel, timing,ect. Can you over squeeze an engine and actually hurt power?

Let`s say a guy in a HEMI has a small cam and 9 to 1 compression is more than enough. Assuming the guy has the correct fuel will he *always* make more power with 12 to 1? What about 14 1/2 to 1. is there a point where it might hurt power?

Thanks!

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There is a diminshing return when you get higher
and higher with the compression, its not a linaer
curve

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It's a diminishing return after a certain point; the pumping losses from compressing the mixture more actually outweigh the extra power made from the compression.

Nick

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What would you guy`s do. I need to make up some killer ET on the top half of the track.

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What would you guy`s do. I need to make up some killer ET on the top half of the track.

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If it will be a new combo all together, I'd opt for more CR since you're in the short block, but have someone pick a cam that uses all the available variables (gear ratio/shift recovery/etc.) to optimize/reduce your 330'-1320' times.

More squeeze without other changes in cam duration, fuel spec and timing may also result in more torque that can't be coupled to the track in the first 330', thereby slowing 1320' ETs even with more power. That balance is tough to achieve when you're traction limited. Been there, done that.

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Another way is to run a lesser converter, soft out
of the hole and big charge on the top end, but its
a balance on the converter where its not a mutt
out of the hole

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Too much static compression can definitely hurt horsepower in most engines and especially in a Hemi. Horsepower potential is dependant on dynamic compression, not static compression. Too much static compression coupled with "short" cam timing will result in a engine that will not produce the desired HP. The cam timing must be matched to the static copmpression ratio to keep the dynamic compression within a workable range. You cannot make acceptable HP with a huge duration cam in a low compression motor, nor with a small duration cam in a high compression motor.

A 426 style Hemi also has potential trouble with adequate flame travel and flow through the cylinder during the overlap period. Too tall of a dome will inhibit the flame travel and/or detract from the "chamber cleaning" during the overlap period. The original prostock motors used 12.5 compression because anything greater caused these inherent problems. The 99 hemi uses a flatter chamber and dome to combat these problems, as well as offering a shorter and lighter piston compression height. Current Prostock racers start with 17 + compression, dyno the motor, work on flame travel until colorization/HP is optimized (usually around 15 to 15.5 Static compression). Large cube wedge style motors do not suffer from these flame travel problems because their dome is very short or non-existent. Flame travel will always take precedence over static compression ratio.

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Damn....