Thanks, Eric, for the leakdown tester idea. I was wondering how I could know that the rings are okay, without going through the whole head rebuild and reassembly process. I guess this answers that question. In a couple days I will probably be back on here asking for help interpreting what I learn.

George, there was a crack in the exhaust header for a couple months back then. It could have been pinging like crazy and I wouldn't have heard it. The way it felt wouldn't have told me much either. Distributor has been improved since then, and the Weber carb has got some bigger jets which seem to help a lot. I checked the lobe lift a couple months ago and they were all about the same, within 1/8 inch or so of each other. I guess with the head off I will be able to check more accurately.

2 years ago the compression numbers dry were all above 155. I hope I haven't done more damage in a year than was done in the preceding 45 years.