thanks for all of the responses! ill just put in some regular non-synthetic oil for the time being. once ive verified that the oil is just low and not leaking ill do a change with synthetic and new oil filter. im not driving the car anywhere in the meantime.

i checked the oil when i got the car and it was not registering on the dipstick. yikes. the oil pressure gauge i remember was around 2 or 1.75, i dont think the oil light was on. ill see.

this car i already know i need new rear axle shafts, motor mounts, vacuum system fiddling and a tranny adjustment. im in it to win it...

dd