Stopping the knock: Lower compression and ported heads...

I guess it depends upon what you call "straight up". To me, straight up is always installing the intake centerline at the lobe separation angle.

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The builder should degree in order to ensure the ICL is exactly where they want it in relation to the piston's position. Degreeing takes into account the component machining (dowels or keyways, slots or holes in the gears, etc), the quality of cam grinding, & the timing set accuracy so we can put it where we want, vs where it might end up otherwise.