compression
 

Idealy, what should the compression on my pistions be? I have a 1985.5 944.

Are you looking for a compression ratio, or compression numbers when you do a compression test?

compression numbers when you do a test

umm I cant remeber but I think its like 150-180psi or something like that

I would say around 140-150 psi for a turbo, and 190 - 200 psi for a NA.

Good numbers would be 180+, if you're over 200, you're laughing. I don't know if the early's have that high of a compression ratio though, so 180+ would be good.

If you're under 150, it's getting close to time for a rebuild.
If you're below 125, it's done for.

If you see more than 10% variance between the cylinders, do a leakdown test.

FWIW, mine are all between 90 and 100, and it still drives!

Could be a Euro-spec car.