Seeing you don't have a timing cover - I wonder if you were just off on your cam timing?
RIGHT NOW the cam isn't where it would be for TDC on the crank. You may want to recheck the compression reading while you can see the valve timing BEFORE removing head ! Either do that or get the crank to TDC before the intake valve opens so you can can confirm distributor placement/wire order.
Mark
P.S. You know the other "worth wild" tool would have been to use one of the new mini cameras http://bit.ly/GYSKfl it allows you to see inside the cyl , valve cover or up into oil pan through drain. SORRY I DIDN"T POST THIS - you moved pretty fast it
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