Engine I.D - Done by compression ratio?

[J1MMY]

I remember reading an article on Rover V8's in street machine or custom car, but it was donkeys yrs ago (I think I may have been about 11 and the mag was from '79 or '80). Am I correct in my belief that the engines I.D is its compression ratio, and where on my engine would I find it? I just want to check mine before I order any parts for it.

Again, many thanks.

 

[harveyp6]

It's on the top of the block right next to where the dipstick goes in on later engines, and on the back of the block behind the head on early ones.