[lufetarg]

I have a 1987 Tagra and "I'm lov'n every-minute-of-it!!!"

While having some unrelated work done, I asked my shop to perform a compression test and leakdown to get a baseline. I also asked them to inspect the valve guides for wear. He did so and informed me that they were worn "more than normal" and recommended a top end rebuild within the next 5-6K miles.

While the shop came highly recommended to me I am still skeptical of this advice.

I would like to tap into the vast resource of knowledgable owners on this forum. Here is some more info to help answer the few questions I have for you below:

MILEAGE: 88,000
OIL CONSUMPTION: 1qt/500 miles
VISUAL CHECK: Small blue puff at start, no smoke at high rev deceleration
HISTORY: have all service records back to orig. owner. No major mechanical problems or modifications made. Serviced regularly.
COMPRESSION: #1=183, #2=187, #3=186, #4=186, #5=185, #6=185
LEAKDOWN: #1=4%, #2=3%, #3=3%, #4=5%, #5=3%, #6=3%

QUESTIONS:
1. What do these leakdown percentages represent and what do you infer from them?
2. Will the valve guide wear be gradual allowing me to see some of the warning signs or will in be an instant catastrophic failure?
3. Do I need to get the top end rebuilt as a preventative measure against damage to other components or can I wait until I see some of the warning signs?

Thank you for getting through this forum, I appreciate your time.