Saturn Repair: oil on plugs and a strut question if you can help, middle age crisis, valve seals

Question
Sir,
    I just bought a 1995 Saturn SC2 1.9L DOHC. It ran pretty well! I changed plugs and wires today. The first 2 plugs on the passenger side were coated with oil. I pulled the same two after use today and found oil, less but still...I assume that means rings ughhh, can you offer any other explanation? Secondly, this car is to be my down price middle age crisis instead of a GT Mustang. I wanted to put in a set of adjustable springs. A threaded coil slides over the shaft of the strut and two "rings" move up or down this coil and compress new springs to adjust the ride height. My problem is that the coil over seller has just told me that they are aware that the sleeve does not fit over the dust cap at the top of the strut and that I should just take a cut off wheel and remove the tack welds that hold the dust cap to the strut. Man, I wish they told me that before I bought their damn coil overs. Will the dust cap removal hurt the strut, if you know? Thanks a million for your time. Please answer as soon as you can. Thanks, Bill B.  

Answer
Hi Bill,
I can tell you that it is more likely that your valve seals, guides or bushings are worn on those two pistons. Oddly enough, most stories I hear are from that side of the engine.  The valve seals can be replaced on the vehicle BUT it is very difficult.  I choose not to do it when I did my engine...I replaced the entire head but I had bigger problems than oily plugs.  Realistically, there isn't much you can do about the oily build up on the plugs short of a valve job.  I don't want to rule our worn rings as I am sure they are worn, as well but the bulkl of the oil is valve related.  As for the Springs / Suspension stuff...I haven't a clue....sorry.  I only know engine and SOME electrical info on the Saturns.  Lastly, Keep and eye on the oil consumption...ALL Saturn SL2 and SC2 engines USE  OIL!  If you let it run low, over a period of time, the valves will go bad (like yours are starting to be) and worst of all, the Timing Chain tensioner FAILS and ruins the engine (in my case...I had to put in a new engine!)