alrighty, finally rented the autozone compression tester, heres the results front to back.

1: 173
2: 166
3: 165
4: 155

so a 10% difference between highest and lowest, i didn't do a wet test (still can if its a good idea)

I was about to do my timing belt, and soon I'll need a new clutch. nothing go-fast yet, sig has what I've done. my dream goal is begi S4 with 200-250hp, megasquirt, but i'm slowly getting things sturdy before I bring up the power.

so what am I looking at down the road?

 

Hard to tell without a wet test if it's the rings..

However, if you really wanna see the health of your motor, and have the means to do it.. A leakdown test will tell you much more about what's leaking and how much