No flames from me, but at the same time, if someone that isn't familiar with engine work should just by chance overlook one simple aspect of it, there could be major headache and additional time & costs involved. I whole heartedly agree that the problem may not be a bad as originally perceived and pulling that valve covers would not hurt. If, however that compression is that equal all the way across, I doubt you'll find a problem with the push rods or rockers. As Jim points out, it's not THAT big of an issue to remove and replace the engine and the money you save could be put toward... And if you're looking for performance as well as reliability, man those 400's are hard to beat.
