Lets get creative, checking compression without heads

[PhyrraM]

How would you choose which shortblock (of 3) to use if your too lazy to bolt on a set of heads to each one? Or maybe you just don't want to pay $ for headgaskets that won't ever be used again. This is meant as a fun/expiremental build, but I figured I'll give it the best shot at living that I can.

I'm thinking maybe I can use gasoline or oil in the bores and time how long it takes to leak out past the rings.

Any ideas?

[Imprezive]

Answer #1: Don't be lazy, you may regret it in the end

Answer #2: Which one has less miles? Which one looks like it has been taken care of? Do a visual check, look at the bores and check out the cross hatching. Check if there is any scoring, or if the cylinders have developed a "lip" at the top of the piston's travel. Check the deck for imperfections and check to see if the deck is square.

Check the cylinder's out of roundness the best you can with the pistons still in and make sure all the cylinder bores are within spec (to the best of your abilities)

Basically check each shortblock to see which looks to be in the best condition.

Answer #3: You could pull the pistons and replace the rings without splitting the case, although I don't know if I'd recommend it seeing as how they wont have a freshly honed cylinder wall to break themselves in on.