I've had ENOUGH of the chemical treatments, nothing works to clean out the carbon in my combustion chambers. I know that it's carbon buildup that is causing my shaky idle and rattling under load (I don't have heat shields anymore).

Some background/timeline:
Compression 190, all even.
* Car will only run on Bosch +4 sprk plugs
Did water/sea foam cleaning (twice)
Compression 150, all even.
* Car will finally run with normal plugs, changed back to +4s for some reason
Changed to 89 octane gas for two tanks (thought I could get away with it)
Compression back to 190, all even...won't run on normal plugs.

Anyhow, I've decided to remove the head to clean the carbon. I'm quite confident on the procedure as it seems rather straight forward. In fact I started P'Blasting my exhaust manifold nuts on Sunday and I hope to pull the head on Wednesday night...head gasket kit on the way from FCP Groton and I plan on getting the FelPro head gasket as suggested in the FAQ. (who sells the FelPro gaskets? PepBoys type store?)

Some questions:
1) Has anyone reinstalled the head without resurfacing it? I don't PLAN on doing so but of course will do it if necessary. I don't plan on having the car for more than another year (but don't want to stick the new owner with large repairs!)

2) What solvent is recommended to remove the carbon? Was thinking Techron injector cleaner. Will clean with a plastic gasket scraper.

3) Anyone else ever remove the head with the sole purpose of removing carbon? deposits??

Thanks in advance for your input.
Zuda