Where Can One Find Published Factory 360 Piston Compression Height?

The problem is, as you eluded to, that there is more than one measurement. I think there is even more than that. Add in the Magnum engines and we have even more measurements to throw in, since the Magnums have a shorter deck height. The Larry Shepard info JBurch posted is probably the best guess so far.

Through the years, many car companies changed compression heights to deal with ever changing fuel requirements. Ford, for example had over FIVE different compression heights for their 400 engine from its inception in 1970, to its demise in 1982, trying to combat detonation.......and they never succeeded, because they were going the wrong way! Had they used a closed, quench chamber and zero deck height, they would have beaten the problem, but little was known about quench benefits back then. Same I am sure with all the other car manufacturers, as well.

IMO, this is one reason you find so many "correct" compression distance figures.

My answer is simple......and not trying to be a smartass, but pick one. It does not make "that"much difference. I would go with the longest compression distance that's "around" whatever the nominal spec is. This will keep block decking to a minimum to achieve zero deck height, IF that's what you are going to do.