So for my motor, I'm starting to plan the tear down. It has almost 4k miles. And the reason to start tearing into it is a super leaky bottom end. I've been dealing with it since day one. Its needed 2 qts in this last 3k miles. Unsure if its the rear seal or just the pan gasket. I'm guessing ill have to remove the seal cap to change out the rubber L seals. If I find that the rear seal is fine. I can just slap the cap back on, or would it be safer to replace the 2 halves?
I was tossing the idea around to send the block in to get surfaced, get rid of some of the .180 deck and get some more CR. I'm at 7.75:1 right now. I'm unsure if its related but at idle the motor is very rough and shakey. I fixed most of it with messing with valve adjustment to get the vacuum up. At park idle I'm at 18/19 vacuum. Maybe my cam Oregon cam #125 wants more cr? Would washing the block after machining mess with the hone or cam bearings?
I would also like to gasket match the heads and manifolds and fix the exhaust flapper shaft (exhaust leaks out of tiny holes fron either end of the shaft..
I'd like to get the trans rebuilt as well its leaky, slips and likes to not go into neutral while driving.

Just kinda thinking outloud. If anyone has any input on what to do evertthing will be appreciated. For this build I wanted % 100 fuel economy. I'm only getting 16mpg a bit on the disapointing side of things. Unsure if its cam related, this one was reccomended by a member here. If I need to switch it out I guess I could... I'm not Entirely happy on how it idles, but driving seems fine doesn't have incredible amounts of grunt up the steep hills around here. Ill have my foot all the way down before engaging rhe kickdown and only going 45mph. Hills are a decent grade around here.

All input is appreciated guys. Youve all been a great help over my entire slant six life... if you have any vw questions let me know! Haha