Suspect head gasket. 1984 GPZ750

So I just got my project running, and have less than an hour behind the Bars.
Thought I had an exhaust leak, as I keep hearing a tick from the from of the engine. And have had a fight to get the exhaust sorted out.
The bike feels gutless. It seems as though the bike is not running to its potential, and as I installed pods and have virtually an open header, figured I needed to oversized the main jet in the carb.
I kept checking the plugs and they are brown, though I have only driven 20 minutes at a time.
When I got home from the last ride, I was obsessing over the possible exhaust leak, and checking the front of the engine.
I could not determine where the tick was coming from, so I gave it some throttle and a large puff of smoke came out, though I was unable to determine where it was originating from...
The fact I was unable to tell where it was coming from makes me suspect the head gasket. If it was from an exhaust leak, I thought the origin would be obvious.
Thanks for reading, I have to say without the support I have received here, this bike would likely not be on the road.

I’m going to do a compression test when I’m not disgusted... probably tomorrow.

I bet it's still an exhaust leak. Your going to have a really hard time tuning the CV carbs to run with the open pipes and pod filters.

I got the bike with no carbs, airbox, brakes, or exhaust. The pods were simply the fastest, dirtiest path forward.
I intend to try to use a stock airbox, haven’t had a chance to find one yet.

Comp test wasn’t good.
My gauge is a little low, but three of the four were between 80-90. The last was about 120.

I am going to remove the head and have a look.
I am wondering if there is anything I should do to make reinstalling it easier.
They only thing I’m worried about is getting the cam timing correct. Not sure it I should do a head gasket or top-end rebuild.
This project has snowballed. I should have bought a running bike.

You would only have to go through it eventually. Check for flatness with a straight edge on the head and barrels. Pics?
Besides, you'll know what's happening between your legs as you RIDE THE PISS OUT OF IT. :woohoo:
Steve

I haven’t owned one of these in years. I know they are pretty bullet-proof, but is the timing chain prone to stretching? Is it an item that should be replaced?
I’m not a racer, and don’t want or need to build a golden unicorn, but short of rebuilding the whole bike, just looking for a reliable ride.
That being said, if there are things that can be done to improve performance, without sacrificing reliability, without being over the top expensive I am will to do it.
Thought this might be a good time to install an 810 kit and a mild head plane.
I really hope my wife isn’t reading this...