Deep down I agree.

I just cant get past WHY such a dramatic difference in consumption on one trip versus the other.

Im gonna change the tubes ,,with oil inside them it cant be a good thing
BUT car will hibernate come around June thru Late Aug time frame ,,,,110-115 degree temps in a black car with no A/C doesnt sound like fun.

Im thinking at that time I'll pull the valve covers back off and set up a dial indicator and see if I can get any movement on the valves. if so,,,I'll pull the heads and get them redone. If not ,,,,remove springs and replace seals

Like I said, If I can confidently rule out rings I have no issue leaving the short block alone and just install some thicker Cometic head gaskets to drop compression down a touch . Car has thin steel shim head gaskets on it now

I am comfortable with it if it uses maybe a qt every 300-500 miles with no complaints. Every 100 miles is a to much


Again many thanks to all for the feedback