Higher compression
 

I have a ROW 79 SC. If I am reading the literature correct, the 79 engine had larger intake runners but lower compression than the 80+ SCs. I would assume that updating the pistons to the higher compression, rebuilding the larger runner heads, and backdating the exhaust should show marked power improvements. Is there any truth to the claim that more power is available from the Euro 9.8 pistons than from the USA pistons of the same compression?

Thanks

I believe Porsche rates the later SC (9.3/1) engines as having the same horsepower as early (8.5/1 ?) ones. I doubt it though. Higher compression usually gets you a taller power curve and other stuff like octane worries or pinging. I have no experience with the European pistons though. Good luck.

Euro compression was 9.8:1, USA compression 9.3:1. Your biggest improvement will be from exhaust upgrades. Unless the top end needs a rebuild you'll be spending a lot of money for only a little gain. As noted so many times on this site (for good reason) read up on Bruce Anderson's SC upgrades then decide what is best for you.