To rebuild or not

[BuiltToWork]

Did you do a dynamic compression check. Then a differential compression check ?

This thread peaked my interest because I am about to do a compression test on my 1990 454 to see if I even want to restore-ish my truck.
I don't understand what dynamic vs differential tests are. I googled it and can't find in layman's terms what they are. Dynamic = regular old screw into spark plug hole tester? Differential = two testers?
Anyway I have the OTC comp tester and the OTC leakdown tester, so am I on the right track?

 

[Erik the Awful]

180,000 km is only 111k miles. That thing's barely broken in. I'd run it as-is.

What truck is the engine going into? Back into the '99 Tahoe? Or into a TBI truck?

If it's going into a Vortec truck, keep the Vortec heads and run the MPFI. If it's going into a TBI, then I'd consider the aftermarket heads and Edelbrock intake.

 

[Schurkey]

Did you do a dynamic compression check. Then a differential compression check ?

I don't understand what dynamic vs differential tests are. I googled it and can't find in layman's terms what they are. Dynamic = regular old screw into spark plug hole tester? Differential = two testers?
Anyway I have the OTC comp tester and the OTC leakdown tester, so am I on the right track?

I, too, am not sure.

"Dynamic" test could be a plain ol' ordinary cranking-compression test, or it could be a running compression test--which is fairly unusual. I haven't done a running compression test in years.

The differential test is almost certainly a leakdown test. The FAA says "Differential Compression Test. The
most common type of compression tester currently
in use is the differential pressure-type tester." and then goes on to describe what automotive guys call a leakdown test.

GoToGuy is somewhat aeronautical, as you might guess from his avatar.

 

[BuiltToWork]

I, too, am not sure.

"Dynamic" test could be a plain ol' ordinary cranking-compression test, or it could be a running compression test--which is fairly unusual. I haven't done a running compression test in years.

The differential test is almost certainly a leakdown test. The FAA says "Differential Compression Test. The
most common type of compression tester currently
in use is the differential pressure-type tester." and then goes on to describe what automotive guys call a leakdown test.

GoToGuy is somewhat aeronautical, as you might guess from his avatar.

Thanks for the clarification!

 

[Matt98]

I guess the best thing is run a leak down test on it and if it’s in good shape see if I can get just the intake from Edelbrock without buying everything, don’t touch the heads or anything. If not, pull the heads and look further check the bores etc

 

[Schurkey]

I'd think ANY 4-bbl intake with injector ports and--maybe--available fuel rails to fit the injector spacing would be good enough, Edelbrock or otherwise.

 

[Matt98]

I'd think ANY 4-bbl intake with injector ports and--maybe--available fuel rails to fit the injector spacing would be good enough, Edelbrock or otherwise.

Huh that never even crossed my mind that I could just use a different brand intake. I did eventually find an edelbrock one with provisions for fuel rails for a vortec but it is around $1000. It looks like Holley makes one thats a bit of a different design but it comes with fuel rails and its a couple hundred cheaper. Thank you!