If I remember correctly the CR of a 98 spec R B18C engine should be 11.0:1
you want an even reading on all 4 ie within 10 psi or so of each other.all testers read differently no way youll get 250 but anything from 190 up to 230 has always been fine in my experience.a better haelth check is a leak down test.
just seen what all u guys were getting, got a jdm b18c-r cammed & itb, skimmed head.. new hg.
i only got 195 psi on all 4 cylinders but the engine was stone cold was trying to figure out a problem back then. the leakdown test was done well within tolerance too.
Did you have the throttle wide open when cranking the engine?
Even then it wouldn't explain why he's getting a lot less, I didn't have my throttle open and achieved 220 psi, but it will help diagnose possible reasons why it may be lower I guess.
I know people say it depends on the gauge but I would imagine it cant be that different between brands?
And if the engine is warm or cold, I did mine lightly warm the fan didn't kick in as i didn't want to remove the spark plugs with the engine warm as I've herd people saying you shouldn't remove spark plugs in an aluminium engine as it makes it easier to strip the thread in the engine, I don't know if that's true but didn't want to throw caution to the wind.
I've seen +20 on compression tester if you hold the throttle open whilst cranking(the correct way to do it)
Most recommend to compression test when engine is hot.
Also his cams may be contributing to the lower CR readings.