Need some advice after compression check

[redbudrr]

My donor is a 2004 WRX with 164K miles. It had a new short block installed at 60k. Compression test shows all cylinders at 125psi. cold. It also has about 15lbs vacuum when warm. I don't intend on racing the car, but may have some limited track time. I want to keep the cost down and do not intend on putting more than a few thousand miles per year on the car. So I want reliability and basically stock motor, or warmed slightly if cost effective. I am thinking basically rings, bearings, timing belt, water pump, oil pump, valve job.

[Wayne Presley]

That's low on compression. I'd do a new Subaru shortblock and have the heads done.

[iblackwe]

If the heads were not done with the last short block replacement I would almost assume thats the cause of the lower compression. Otherwise you would think a short block with 100k miles wouldn't be that bad already

[redbudrr]

Thanks Wayne, your comments are much appreciated.

[redbudrr]

Thanks for your feedback. I will know more when I get it apart, hopefully, just some headwork.

[SixStar]

Compression tests should be done on a warm/hot engine. Cold numbers are not a useful measure.

Get engine to temp, fans on, fans off.
All plugs out.
WOT.
Crank 10-15 times.

[chado skins]

the numbers being grouped together is more important than the numbers themselves. on a cold engine i'd say those numbers are fine. keep in mind these are low compression engines and the final numbers have a lot of variables at play, like engine temp, condition of compression tool, crank time etc.