I called rpm last week after they ran a vac check on the head and it came back "ok" after we pulled the block out of the car we noticed the rear engine mount was loose... thus causing the knocking noise that I was hearing... despite that at least 3 of my vennom manifold bolts where loose as well.. they basically fell out by themselves... time for lock washers. At any rate I called rpmrons.com and they told me that they had just found a bent valve on my number one chamber.... this explains EVERYTHING we had experienced... why it was reading low compression...

What other symptoms are there of bad valves out of curiosity?

Formally Project Solar Eclipse
Now Entering 300ZX Land.

Jim Wolf ECU w/ Boost Jets
Jim Wolf Pop Charger Intake
Eibach Pro-Kit Lowering Springs w/ Fully Adjustable Gas Shocks
B&B Exhaust - 3" w/ Dual 4.5 Oval Tips w/ 3" Test Pipes
Konig Five-O 17X8 Rims w/ Polished Lip
Blitz Turbo Timer /w Boost Gauge
Freshly Painted Calipers
Stillen Unorthodox Pulley
Stillen Front Nose / Bumper
Stillen Short Shifter
New RPS Clutch / Pressure Plate / Flywheel - Holds 550 ft lbs of Torque
New Fully-Built 5-Speed Transmission
New Howe Radiator w/ 18" Electric Fan w/ Auto Thermostat Controller
New Yokohama ES100 Tires All Around
New Tension Rods
New Fuel Injectors
New Spark Plugs
New Motor Mounts
New Vacuum Hoses
New Heater Core
New Fuel Filter
New Ignition Control Module
New Hicas (4-Wheel Steering) Lines
New Brake Pads / Brake Lines / Master Cylinder