pulling heads

im trying to get the duster into a storage unit for the winter right now. as soon as i do, i can work on it. by running a compression test, and measuring the valve travel what am i accomplishing? my assumption is cam duration with the valve travel. but what am i getting by knowing compression? not trying to be difficult, just want to knowledge, thanks for the replies guys. im running iron heads too
The compression you're checking won't be your CR- the CR's a factor of it but not a singular one. It'll do a good job of showing the overall condition of the motor, its individual cylinders, and the valvetrain. You'll see most of it when you pull it apart, but checking'll give you an initial idea of how it is.