Well, turns out it is def the valve covers that have been leaking and looks like they have been leaking for a little while now, although, I don't really know how to tell how long it's been. There was some fresh oil sitting in some of the bolt holes behind the valve assembly near the head. I've cleaned it up about as good as I can do in a garage without making an utter mess, and looks pretty good now. Cleaning the valve covers like the OCD person I am to ensure that the new gasket sticks very well.

I read on here somewhere that someone was using a wire brush to clean their valve covers and others chimed in saying that was too harsh for their liking. Well, I can report that whoever said that, has obviously never actually done this b/c I couldn't imagine getting these things clean without a wire brush, and the brush did nothing to the metal, except get the grime off it.

Anyway, went ahead and decided I would tackle the spark plugs at the same time... my god, what a pain in the *** those things were! Especially that back on on the drivers side! Still waiting on my cables from needswings before I put it all back together and fire her up. I'll report back. I appreciate all the info so far!