Because I felt like it, I did a C.T.. The car has been sluggish, so, what the heck...
1995-850 N/A- 190,000 miles
Compression test results: 1-175, 2-178, 3-175, 4-183, 5-170.
That's it...nothing I can do about it that won't empty my pockets!

 

That's not bad. Compression does not seem to be the problem for sluggishness...

 

What do you mean nothing you can do about it? lol. There's nothing to do about it because those are all fine. haha. They're supposed to be around 180

 

Yeah you're definitely within the range of where you should be on all 5 cylinders. Did you leave the compression tester on long enough to make sure that there's no leakdown? When I test for compression I typically leave it attached and pressureized for a few minutes per cylinder to make sure that the pressure holds. Not holding pressure is indicative of worn rings, worn valves, or a bad head gasket.

 

See, I was so happy with the first part of the post...THEN...I did not keep it attached for anytime after I got the reading...It is, what it is. Thanks, anyways. Alan

 

Haha, I don't get why you sound so sad about your results, they're great!

 

I'm happy, trust me. With the economy the way it is, I'm glad that I don't have to run out and get a new car. This 1995 is in great shape and I would like to hold on to it as long as possible.

 

So let's get back to why it's sluggish then (your compression numbers are fine).

Does it need a stage0? What about the air filter? Is it stock? The hot-air-warm-up flap on the stock air box on the NA has a tendency to stick open making the engine suck hot exhaust heated air all the time; i would ck it. If it is stuck open, it will hurt performance and gas mileage.

Oh yeah, are you running regular fuel?

 

I thought someone said they usually just lock them open to avoid sticking problems.
JB

 

There was a ton of threads on this matter. I locked mine OPEN! Hope I did the right thing.

 

Your compression numbers are not fine. It would be fine if your engine was a Turbo. Since it is a NA, you are below Volvo spec, which is 189-219. Can you live with them? I would think so. Just change the oil more frequently and especially the PCV.