Karen,
Before you start rippin into your baby here are a couple of things that I would check rightaway...
1) check for water in your
oil, Use dip stick or drain it...
2) check you radiator to see if you have
oil in your water...
3) Do a good visual and make sure your outer block is OK.
4) Pull your valve covers and check your valves and springs.
5) Do a leak down test (best), or compression test (first remove all the plugs to let any water that might be in the cylinder(s) out)
6) The leakdown should identify where the problem is and on what bank.
7) fix it, and we will see you on November 18th....
I was sorry to see that your car was down, take it easy on those Freeways you don't need to beat all the cars you come up on
I am going to start calling you Monica....
Let me know if you need any help!
Brian