Hey all: Good idea, I'll leave the threads alone.
CamaroFever: I would never laugh at that. I did my fair share of things learning mechanics. Most people don't feel it's the grease, but like in your example, maybe the grease is just delaying the rings to seal. I hooked up the mechanical fuel pump today and went on my 30 mile trip. It used between 1/4-1/2 qt. This would seem I can eliminate the pump. Kinda wierd how it got better when I put the electric pump on. Probably just a coinsidence. I'll know for sure on the pump if my oil consumption gets worse. With the pump out of the picture for now, I have eliminated everything possible, except the rings not sealing up right, to which I'll obviously find out by driving it more if it gets any better or not. Including you all, I've had some 30 people help me analyze this problem. I'm still beside myself on this one. In all logical thinking, if all things were done right on machining and assembly, to which we feel it is, then the thing shouldn't be using oil like this. (I can live with a little lose on break in).
Erik: Yes- still averages 152 all cylinders, leak down 10% all cylinders. The only thing you can't test for is oil rings working correctly. But how could they be bad on a new motor, two different sets? (confirmed correct set for motor, side clearance and gaps ok). That's why I mentioned the drain back holes. I can't be the only one with this brand and type of pistons. If the drain back holes were inadequate, people would be complaining about something like that, so I can assume that's not my problem for now. As others on here have stated and I agree with is the excessive blow by and the smoke out the pipes shows rings being the problem, to which is the last thing on my list of possibilities as the problem. (remember, 2 machinists and 4 mechanics have seen the motor in person, and confirmed she's ready to go together!) Never used grease, then used it twice and have the same problem twice. Seems logical that's my problem. If not, I have a rare, unusual problem and would love to figure this one out, like you all would too. I'll keep ya all posted. Thanks