Does anyone know the minumum compression needed to run the 2.3 sohc?
*I'm not talking compression ratio, i'm asking about pressure in terms of psi.......

The official service manual doesn't list a minimum, just that the four cylinders be within a certain percentage. I don't remember the number, 20% maybe. I'll look it up if you need it.
This question makes me wonder what an older turbo engine yields for compression, with dished pistons and worn rings...?
Do you have results for your engine?

It depends on about 1000 factors. Even the particular brand and type of tester you use will change the results because they all have a different volume. Other things, like cam and exhaust choice can change it as well. A a turbo engine will get between 140 and 170psi. An NA should get 160-200psi.
Your #'s should be within 10%, but the actual # you get is not important.

Well I did a comprression test on my engine the other day, and with close to 80k miles, here are the results:
cylinder 1 average = 184.33 psi
cylinder 2 average = 185.33 psi
cylinder 3 average = 192.67 psi
cylinder 4 average = 191 psi

I take it then it's in good overall standing.......but yeah, the 10% differenciation I knew about.

Just wondered if there were stock numbers given out by manufacturers and if so, how do I find them?

how do you do a compression test?

Those compression figures are excellent...average figures for this engine with around 100,000 miles are in the 175psi range.

Yeah, those are good. Here's my latest with 150k:
dry/wet
145/175
152/175
149/172
168/195

SRG, Here's how I did it:
1. Disconnect PS plug wires and remove all 4 plugs.
2. Disconnect the fuel inertia connector.
3. Wire open the TB.
3a. (optional) To test the piston ring health, add a tablespoon of motor oil to the hole being tested.
4. Install the guage in a hole.
5. Crank the engine.
6. This particular guage has a peak-hold valve. Read, record, then reset the needle.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 as required.
8. When finished, reinstall plugs, wires, and fuel plug, and (Caution!) untie the TB.

one more question, what kind of guage do I use or what does it look like?

It's a unique guage with the proper fittings and dial calibration, appropriately termed a compression guage. They are usually a ~3" diameter guage connected to a rubber tube terminated with a connector. I found mine at Sears (Actron); I've seen them at the various parts stores around town and of course at the likes of Summit or Jegs.
:drunk:

Touring, your 4th cylinder seems to be pushing towards that 10% limit isn't it?

I'm not entirely sure what this one means, but I did a compression test to my fiance's fish (chevy beretta) and hers were rather bad, but the sum was:
with 98k miles
1 =126 psi
2 = 127 psi
3 = 179 psi
4 = didn't hold pressure

Now I know it's a cheby and all, but what in the world does it mean when a cylinder won't hold compression (generates it but just flat out won't hold it)? I know cylinder 3 is really screwed, not to mention gobs of gunk smelling like burnt oil (the engine already burns 1 qt every 1.5k miles) was all around the spark plug area......any ideas on this one???