M;
On each cylinder you will see a space at the top that is 'unused'. This is because the top compression ring can't travel any further up. It's nickname is the "ring ridge". This is the smallest part of the cylinder and the space just below it (where compression rings set @ TDC)is the largest due to heat/wear.
With your finger tips try to move the pistons at TDC and see if they are tight.
The 1954 Pontiac engine you have is 115 @ 3800 RPM. Making all this work (stock) is a big enough project for a beginner. You can do something different on the next one.
JM.....
