im going with f-ed up head. bought it used from a guy that bought it for me from a friend and who knows if both of them were telling the truth about the condition of the head. not likely the gasket is faulty. isnt as common as a bent valve. still gonna do a leakdown test if i can find a place to rent the tool. that should tell me exactly what is wrong. doubt its the rings cause my car had no signs of my rings failing. thanks for your help bro