Okay, it started with misfire in cylinder 1, low compression test and leak down test seemed to show a leaking exhaust side. Car was running no mechanical noise, actually seemed to go pretty good sometimes, others like a 3 cylinder lol. Finally got around to taking it apart No bent valves or valve damage. Head gasket show separation between the layers, making me think that was the low compression issue. But it looks like it may have jumped time before and had piston/valve contact, before before my nephew bought it. Can some of you with more experience look at these pics and see if this motor is not worth doing the top end on. I think the head once rebuilt and machined will be okay. My main issue is the piston tops. If I could clean them up a bit and be good to go of if we should find a used engine.

Trying to find a used BEA engine at a decent price is crazy. I have found a 2002 AWP engine, could I use that engine block and just swap everything else over

 

So the BEA head is good, shop is going to rebuild it and I will marry it to the AWP block. Any thoughts on engine gasket sets? I find Evergreen brand on amazon for around 100 for a complete top end set with head bolts. This is a bone stock motor no over boost or performance upgrades. Also thoughts on a timing belt set with water pump. Thanks