how do i know what compression ratio is the best match for my cam? is there a math formula to figure what the optimum compression is to get the most from a cam? is there a penalty for having more compression than needed for a particular cam profile? if the compression is 1 point higher than what is needed will race gas prevent any problems such as detonation or power loss? these are questions that have bugged me for quite a while...thanks for any answers!

No formula that I know of but there are some excellent programs on engine design. One of the very best for the money is "Engine Expert" by Allan Lockheed. Not cheap but an excellent tool.
The cam among a ton of other things like header length, intake length minimum port area blah blah blah :D will dictate the rpm range the engine will be efficient at.
The more compression you can effectively run the more power you will make.
And the more compression you run the more cam you can use & still have good cylinder pressure but the engine will want to run at a higher rpm.
If you move the rpm up you can use & will need more cam timing if for no other reason you have less time to fill the cylinders.
An example would be if you put a big cam in a port limited engine what you have done is shortened the rpm band the engine will run in.
The cam would not let you make as much power at lower rpm's & the port will keep you from making power at higher rpm's where the cam wants to go :confused:

I think I understand what I just said but I might have gotten a little off track here graemlins/clonk.gif

If you keep it from detonating it will make more power with more compression as long as other factors don't limit it like sticking a big dome in front of the plug etc.

Take a look at the Dynamic Compression Ratio page linked in my sig.

thanks guys! graemlins/waving.gif