Opinions: Low Compression on 2 cylinders on an SR20DET that's sat

[GhostlyCoupe]

I got a steal of a bargain a complete swap. Did a compression test and heres what I got:

110 150 110 150 (cold numbers, cranking on a worn battery)

2 cylinders are pretty low. The guy who sold it said the engine has been sitting for well over a year at least. The numbers are low but they aren't hole in the piston low. I pulled the plugs out and they are decent on the electrode, but the outer ring is black and they smell like burnt oil. All 4 of them are identical and in this condition.

Should I chance throwing the engine in as-is or should I just bite the bullet and do a rebuild? I figure there's a chance valves/rings might just be a little crusty from sitting for so long so I thought I'd see if anyone has any experience in a similar situation.

[Memberofthe600hpkaclub]

Pour some tranny fluid or kerosene in there and spin it some then re check compression....if not headgasket or rings time

[Couped_up'd]

110 is pretty low, but you would be surprise what compression numbers you REALLY get from an importer of Japanese engines. I would recommend a engine overhaul on any used engine. BUT most people, as my self, don't do it. I have seen many sr20det run on as low as 120 compression.

The only time I seen a real problem is when say... 160 |150 | 50 | 130. I would say your numbers are fine.

[Boost_Fiend]

The rings on 1 and 3 are probably bad. You would be fine just replacing those and leaving the rest. But while you are at it you might as well change everything

[pacotaco345]

get it warmed up somehow.. with oil pressure.. then check it again. you'd be surprised how different the numbers will be.