The focus was running like butthole (stalls at idle, lack of power).  I did plugs/wires/coil which didn't help.  So, I did a compression test...
from cyl 1 to cyl 4 ... (PSI) 130, 40, 60, 130.  
added some earl: 150, 90, 120, 155.
said fudge it, found an engine and met the guy at cabelas. fun saturday trip.
Friend has a lift, so we pulled it out
assembling da "new" one:
yey!!!
I pulled head off of old engine.  Can see the discoloration on 2 middle cylinders.
Enjoy brahs