Tuning with jets, Power valves and an O2 guage
Quench can actually have a cooling effect in the chamber.
So I've read.
duster, I think Rob's a little flustered because you ask for advice, then they give you advice and you don't really follow it up with results of said advice...but then solicit advice elsewhere, then come back here and report it in deference to other advice. Take one and stick with it, I think is where he was going with it.
I don't really have a dog in this race, but I would tend to agree that if you close up your quench to about .040", then a large amount of your problems will depart, and if you still have pinging, it's more a matter of correctly tuning/curving your timing.
As far as 'how close is too close?' with quench question, too close is when parts start touching. I know at least three guys that build Ford mod motors (4.6, 5.4, etc) and they run sometimes as low as .024" piston to head clearance. Granted, that's an engine who's assembly weighs less, but a 3.54" stroke swinging 7000-7500 rpms, that's close.
Just my 0.02...
