head gasket

Im already turning in circles lol. So many different levels of advice. Id like to keep the compression but then like the idea of using parts i have and saving money. Not to mention the idea of not having to tear it down again..... My reading suggest a 3-4% loss per pt of compression im at maybe a half.... Figuring 480hp and max loss of 4% puts me about 19hp.... if i were to cut that in half per say only 10hp loss. Im just thinking out loud here. Im really green in this area i guess.