1972 Dodge Colt

That would be easy to test. Just apply some regulated air pressure to the stud holes. All that would be though is the equivalent to a vacuum leak. That wouldn't have that big an effect on compression. Might not have any.
Agreed. I don't have a slant head to put eyes on at the moment. Wondering where those bolts/studs are in correlation to a port. Just spit ballin'. All the focus is on the valvetrain. I know there isn't any real torque on a valve cover. Just maybe enough to open a crack somewhere?