Ticking, compression, funny idle
 

A few questions.. First, I've got this ticking noise...sounds like it's coming from the right bank...I'd guess cylinder #8. Why? Cylinder #8, last I checked, was down to 125 on compression...all others are 155-160. It's a click/tick noise... Comes and goes. I'm thinking I've got valve problems....but what else could it be/what's it sound like to you guys? Also..my idle is a little on the strange side. Sometimes it's completely normal, other than a slight backfire every couple seconds.... But sometimes it gets 'lopey'....the rpms dont really bounce, maybe a maximum of 50 rpms...which I'd attribute to electrical things with the gauge...as in, amp gauge bounces up and down a little and when I use something like power windows, the tach moves like 50 rpms even though the engine isn't actually doing that. So what could cause it to sound like I've got a mild cam sometimes, and then other times sound completely normal? I'm thinking that's related to the #8 cylinder issue too. Thanks guys.

My "guess" would be that you have a possible sticking valve. If the stem of the valve gets varnish/gunk on it, it doesn't want to move freely. It can come and go with temperature, be intermittent, and this would also cause lower compression because the valve would not close all the way .It would also cause funny idle from pulses coming back in the intake or if on exhaust side causing engine to slow down trying to compress exhaust again, backfiring if it's the intake valve letting the piston push air back into intake (or exhaust). It the valve is sticking it will also cause a ticking from excessive clearances from the valve not seating fully and the rocker having to "tap" the valve.
Chances are if you figure out what's going on with cylinder 8, it will solve the problem, just a guess though :D

Thanks..I've been thinking the exact same thing. I'd buy a new set of heads...I have enough money...but my transmission is going out.. :(