So final chapter closed. Had the guy tear it down. Result was several teeth broken/stripped off the timing gear. Three of the valves were not lapped properly in the head.
Replaced & fixed what wasn't working, changed the rings (pistons and walls were beautiful). She purrs like a kitten now! I'm so happy! Cost me $2500 total including the bad job done on redoing the head the first time.
Hopefully it's an uneventful summer! Thanks to everyone for your help throughout!!!