I performed a compression test on my Chevelle's 350.I got about 170 psi all across the board.I noticed it is burning some oil(1 qt / week).My question is "how do I know if rings are bad or could it be my guides are worn?"I have a set of heads that I could replace my current ones with,but they are higher compression.If I install these heads with a fresh r/v cam and new timing chain would I run into any engine problems?This is my daily driver so I need to keep it running for now.I want to build something nice for it but if I put the chevelle away I will never get it done. If I keep driving it then I will keep adding to it. Thanks

bump

after a drive that gets it good and warmed up, park it for a couple hours, then stand behind it while somebody else fires it up. if you see a cloud of blue smoke roll out it got guide problems. or, let it coast down a long hill, in gear against the engine compression. watch the mirror as you step back into the throttle. look for the blue cloud again.

If the engine is not tip-top shape I wouldn't be adding any performance parts. fix the problems first, see that it is stable, not using oil or water, then think about cams-n-stuff.

Thanks for reply Tom. I have been driving this car everyday for the past 7.5 years. I plan on building a 383 for it but I need to keep this running a while longer.I do not want to build 2 engines. I would like to spend all my money on one engine I want. I have no overheating problems or knocking noises.Would it be safe just to freshen it up a bit?(with 64cc heads, small RV cam,and new double roller timing chain?Thanks for time.

I would pull the valve covers first and make sure that the oil drain holes at the end of the cylinder heads are clear. It is a common problem on small blocks and if the oil can't drain back to the oil pan it will be pulled past the valve guides. A quart of oil a week is a lot and is typical of a Chevy when the drain holes are plugged. There is one hole at each end of the cylinder head in the lower corners just above a head bolt. Good luck, Paul